International Financing Review (“IFR”), Thomson Reuters' leading financial industry publication, has today named BNP Paribas its 2012 Bank of the Year. The IFR awards are a key industry benchmark of global excellence and Bank of the Year is the top honour awarded.BNP Paribas' expertise in debt capital markets was further recognised; BNP Paribas won Euro Bond House and Investment-Grade Corporate Bond House in addition to the Bank of the Year.
This award further validates the strength of BNP Paribas' balanced and diversified business model. This is based on a strong retail banking foundation spanning Europe, North America and emerging markets, and an award-winning Corporate and Investment Bank with leading positions in capital markets, advisory and financing. BNP Paribas also boasts well established franchises in private banking, asset management, securities services, insurance and real estate – as part of its Investment Solutions business. Commitment to clients and a responsible ethos are integral to the organisation: BNP Paribas was recently named the number one global bank in the Vigeo World 120 Corporate and Social Responsibility Index.
Jean-Laurent Bonnafé, BNP Paribas' Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“We are very honoured to receive this prestigious award. I would like to express my gratitude to IFR for selecting us, and to our clients who choose to work with us around the world. Their satisfaction is the result of the commitment shown by our employees.”
“BNP Paribas is currently one of the best-capitalised leading global banks, and has been consistently profitable since its creation. This will enable us to continue to develop and provide a first class service to our clients globally."
Matthew Davies, IFR's Editor, commented:
“It is no easy matter for a bank to deleverage, strengthen capital, secure access to alternative sources of funding and drive strategic change. It is even harder to do so without losing sight of the underlying business. But that is what BNP Paribas achieved in 2012.”
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas (www.bnpparibas.com) has a presence in 80 countries with nearly 200,000 employees, including more than 150,000 in Europe. It ranks highly in its three core activities: Retail Banking, Investment Solutions and Corporate & Investment Banking. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail banking model across Mediterranean basin countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Investment Banking and Investment Solutions activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas and solid and fast-growing businesses in Asia.