Ensuring equal opportunities through financial and social inclusion
Financial and social inclusion has long been a concern for BNP Paribas. Since 1989, the Group has supported microfinance institutions (MFIs) by granting microcredits. The initiatives launched aim to make society fairer and more inclusive for the most vulnerable individuals. This is particularly true of Nickel, which had 4 million account holders in France at the end of 2024. In addition, the Group responds to urgent crises around the world by collecting donations through the Rescue and Recover Fund. In 2023, 90 million euros were raised for emergency operations around the world, to combat extreme poverty or violence against women.
Acting for society and the environment thanks to impact entrepreneurs
BNP Paribas has positioned itself as a key player in the financing of impact entrepreneurs and players in the social and solidarity economy, offering them both innovative financial solutions and the support of its experts. To support these entrepreneurs in their development, the Group has earmarked €200 million for impact investments in 2021. BNP Paribas is also a pioneer of impact contracts in France: since 2016, the Group has set up impact contracts worth a total of €82 million. It has also created programmes such as “Act For Impact”, which offers financial support and personalised strategic advice to impact entrepreneurs.
in assets under management in open-ended funds distributed by BNP Paribas Asset Management at the end of 2024 (in Europe)
jobs created by MFIs beneficiaries by the end of 2023
With the climate emergency, stakeholders today tend to consider the environmental impact of companies. Taking into account the “S”, the social dimension in ESG, is vital however ... because it is clear that the transition must be just or will not occur at all.
Ethics and inclusion at the heart of our corporate culture
For more than 20 years, BNP Paribas has been committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Everyone can fully express their talents, without fear of discrimination based on their gender, origin, disability, sexual orientation or age.
We pursue this ambition through concrete commitments or through the involvement of our employees: Around the world, they act within many internal networks that push boundaries and foster a sense of belonging.
The feminisation of the Group's senior management, senior managers and talents, the fight against violence against women, the signing of a new Handicap agreement in France in 2022, the creation of a global network around multiculturalism... The initiatives are multiple and the results are there, year after year. A priority for Sofia Merlo, Group Head of Human Resources: “We need to embed this culture of ethics and inclusion in all our actions.”
Points of view
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Headlines
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Group2025-02-20
Unexpected People podcast: Volunteering with the support of BNP Paribas
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Sustainable finance2025-01-02
Financial inclusion: what is the initial assessment of ISLF+ contracts?
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Sustainable finance2024-12-13
“This first impact report is an opportunity to promote the actions of our partners and draw up our own assessment”
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Group2024-07-19
Euromoney Awards: BNP Paribas named World's Best Bank for Financial Inclusion and Securities Services
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Group2024-10-07
“Joining forces to reduce social exclusion”