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International Retail Services
The International Retail Services (IRS) division counts about 71,000 employees in more than 60 countries.
It consists of 3 business lines: Branch Banking, Personal Finance, Equipment Solutions.
Branch Banking - In the United States: BancWest
In the United States, the Retail Banking Business is conducted through BancWest Corporation, a company formed out of the 1998 merger between Bank of the West and First Hawaiian Bank, wholly-owned by BNP Paribas since the end of 2001.
BancWest has completed a number of acquisitions since that date, including United California Bank in March 2002, Community First National Bank and Union Safe Deposit Bank in November 2004, and more recently, Commercial Federal Corporation in December 2005.
BancWest in the United States: visit the "Locations" pages.
- Over 12 000 employees
- 742 branches
- Total assets of USD 66.8 billion at 31 December 2006
- 4 million households and companies served
- The 5th-largest bank in the western United States (source: SNL Financial, 30 June 2006).
The merger of two banks
Focus on major events
- In 2006, despite the slowdown in the US economy, BancWest forged ahead with its development. Bank of the West successfully integrated Commercial Federal, acquired at the end of the 2005.
- This new acquisition broadens BancWest's network and considerably strengthens its presence in a region that has more than 100 million inhabitants and one of the greatest prospects for demographic growth in the United States.
- In parallel, in Hawaii and on the continent, BancWest continued to boost organic growth, investing considerably in IT infrastructure and communication systems.
Branch Banking - Emerging Markets
The Emerging Markets networks underwent significant growth in 2006, with 343 branches opened in their customer territory.
BNP Paribas is leveraging the expertise acquired in running its branch network in mainland France to drive the development of its subsidiaries in these regions.
- 33 territories
- 1 650 branches
- 2.5 million of clients
Emerging Markets in the world: visit the "Locations" pages.
Europe
In April 2006, the Group finalised the acquisition of 51% of UkrSibbank, which was Ukraine's 3rd-largest bank in terms of assets. Its network stands at 1,000 branches and 11,000 employees.
The Group also invested in the organic development of a local bank network in Russia.
French overseas departments and territories
In the French overseas departments and territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guyana, New Caledonia, Reunion Island, Wallis and Futuna), the Group has 53 branches and enjoys prominent market positioning.
Africa
BNP Paribas' operations in Africa are organised around the network of BICI (Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l'Industrie). With around 100 branches located in six countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea Conakry, Mali and Senegal), the Emerging Markets Business manages one of the largest banking networks in French-speaking Africa. The Group also has operations in the Indian Ocean, in Madagascar (BMOI).
At the end of 2006, the Group had 303 branches in North Africa, where it is currently experiencing strong organic growth, including notably BMCI in Morocco, UBCI in Tunisia and BNP Paribas El Djazaïr in Algeria. A subsidiary opened in Mauritania at the end of 2006.
Near and Middle East
BNP Paribas is currently implementing a large-scale expansion plan in Egypt. The Gulf States are served by the regional headquarters in Bahrain, responsible for six territories: Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The Group also has operations in Cyprusand Lebanon. A partnership with the International Private Banking business line offers comprehensive wealth management solutions for the entire region.
BNP Paribas set up a new branch in Israel at the end of 2006.
In Turkey, Türk Ekonomi Bankasi (TEB), whose holding company, TEB Mali, is 50%-held by BNP Paribas, is expanding rapidly. Its network has a total of 192 sales facilities.
Asia
In China, the Group is developing a strategic partnership with Nanjing City Commercial Bank, in which it holds a 19.2% stake. The two banks have begun to cooperate closely in the fields of retail banking, fixed income, consumer credit, wealth management, risk management, information systems and organisation.
Lastly, importers and exporters who are clients of the Emerging Markets Business have access to the teams of international trade specialists working in BNP Paribas' international network of Trade Centres.
Focus on major event on 2007
- Six months after the beginning of its partnership with BNP Paribas, mid-2006, UkrSibbank has been ranked among the Top Three Largest Ukrainian Banks in terms of assets. The Bank plans to continue riding on the crest of the rapidly growing market of banking services, increasing its share in all market segments.
- BoN is one of the first City Commercial Bank that is allowed to grow outside its boundary of origins with the opening of a branch in the booming municipality of Taizhou. Besides, the Bank acquired an 18% holding in Rizhao City Commercial Bank (RCCB). In addition, in March 2007, Cetelem and Bank of Nanjing jointly launched a new consumer credit product that provides users with credit directly at the point of sale.
- In March 2007, Retail Banking in Emerging Markets signed a cooperation agreement with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD – French Development Agency). The two partners will support microcredit initiatives and promote sustainable development. This partnership will initially focus on refinancing for microfinance institutions, with guarantees issued by the AFD via its Ariz fund or Proparco, in the countries where the Group operates fully. Besides, dealing with local sustainable development programs, AFD is providing medium- and long-term financing channels in several countries that are available to local Group subsidiaries to refinance client projects with social or environmental objectives. Similar agreements are being finalized in several territories.
- Since July, BNP Paribas has become the strategic partner of the first privatized bank in Libya, Sahara Bank. BNP Paribas has acquired 19% of Sahara Bank’s capital and has taken over its operational control. Sahara Bank is ranked as the 2nd bank in terms of assets
Personal Finance: Cetelem and UCB
Cetelem and UCB form BNP Paribas Personal Finance, a business consolidating their operations within Global Retail Services. Personal Finance covers the entire range of personal lending needs, addressing the growing overlap between consumer lending and mortgage lending. The unit proposes an expanded portfolio of solutions and distribution channels to drive accelerated international growth and leverage shared expertise and resources.
- No. 1 in Europe in personal lending
- More than €100 billion in outstanding credits
- More than 25,000 employees throughout the world
- Established in 30 countries
Consumer credit: Cetelem
Created in 1953 to finance French household goods, Cetelem quickly grew to No. 1 in consumer credit in France and continental Europe.
Cetelem is a multi-market specialist, offering consumers a full range of products (conventional loans, car loans, permanent credit lines) and complementary services (retail and non-financial services) both directly and through partnerships. Cetelem is a trailblazer in multichannel service delivery and is now No. 1 in Europe in Internet credit. The Internet now accounts for more than 15% of new loan production (excluding points of sale).
Cetelem is a top-tier partner to major retail brands, as well as banks, insurance companies and car dealers. Present in 27 countries, including 17 in Europe, its strategy is anchored in the promotion of responsible lending.
Mortgage lending: UCB, BNP Paribas International Buyers, BNP Paribas Invest Immo.
These specialists in mortgage lending provide advice and support for customers to enable them to make property ownership plans a reality. They offer a full range of mortgage products, distributed either directly or through intermediaries, always working closely with recognized real estate professionals.
UCB has been a leading player in France for more than 50 years. Today UCB is the largest French personal mortgage specialist through its international business, and operates in a dozen European countries.
Loan consolidation
Personal Finance offers a complete range of personal loan consolidation solutions, adapted to the needs of consumers and their financial situation. All BNP Paribas Personal Finance clients benefit from expert analysis and guidance.
Although this activity currently serves only France, it plans to pursue development throughout Europe like the other BNP Paribas Personal Finance activities.
Rankings 2008- No. 1 in France, Hungary, Italy and Czech Republic
- Top 3 in Spain
- Top 5 in Benelux and Portugal
Equipment Solutions: Arval, Artegy, Arius, BNP Paribas Lease Group
Since 2006, corporate investment financing and business equipment management activities have been grouped together within the Equipment Solutions division, comprising 4 specialised companies.
These companies use a multi-channel approach (direct sales, sales via referrals or via partnerships) to offer their corporate clients a range of solutions specific to each asset market, from financing to fleet outsourcing. Equipment Solutions works closely with the Retail Banking networks, particularly in France and Italy, to offer their clients its products and services.
Equipment Solutions in the world: visit the "Locations" pages.
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Arval:
- 504 000 vehicles under lease
- no. 1 operator in France
- no. 2 in Europe
- 251 000 financing transactions totalling EUR 8.3 billion.
- no. 1 in Europe in equipment leasing
- no. 1 in the leasing market, in France
BNP Paribas Lease Group:
Four specialised companies
BNP Paribas Lease Group and Arval developed their European activities in 2006 through their 24 local offices: 66% of Arval's operations and 55% of BPLG's operations are outside France.
Focus on major events
- In 2006, Arval Trading begins operations: export sales of vehicles at the end of their rental life.
- Arval began operations in Russia and Brazil.
- BNP Paribas Lease Group (BPLG) signed a CLAAS Financial Services joint venture agreement in the United Kingdom, 5th major country in which BPLG is cooperating with the builder CLAAS.
- In France, BPLG is one of three financial institutions associated with the "Passeport pour l'économie numérique" (Passport for the Digital Economy) project launched by the Ministry for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises to promote investment in new information and communication technologies.
