Banks in France

Last Updated :

21 Aug, 2024

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Overview of Banks in France

The French banking system is one of the most robust banking systems globally. The banking system in France has built up this stability due to two significant factors:

The French banks have a steady loan performance,
Over the years, the French banks have ensured they have had enough capital and liquidity.

According to Moody’s report, the only thing the French banks should improve is their creditworthiness. However, Moody’s investor service expects that the creditworthiness of these banks will evolve within 12 to 18 months.

Another challenge that looms large for the French banks is tepid economic growth. Naturally, this slow growth affects the bank's revenue, and profit margin. But at the same time, this slow growth has improved the bank’s loan quality and performance.

Overview of Banks in France

Structure of Banks in France

The French banking system is quite stable. There are around 400 banks in France and can be categorized into four distinct categories: -

Investment banks
Banks that provide medium- and long-term loans
Deposit banks
The Bank of France

The Bank of France is the most important entity since it acts as its monetary authority. The three major functions of the Bank of France are: -

The Bank of France sets the prevailing interest rates.
It ensures the smooth and swift functioning of the local banking system.
It helps in articulating and chalking out monetary and credit policies.

Digital Banking In France

France's digital banking landscape features a blend of traditional banks and fintech disruptors, offering digital banking services with a focus on innovation and customer experience. It is experiencing notable growth and innovation. Established banks are actively investing in digital services, offering user-friendly online banking platforms and mobile apps. The country also sees a rise in fintech startups providing specialized digital financial solutions, including mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending, and robo-advisory services. The French government's initiatives to promote fintech and open banking are fostering a dynamic and competitive digital banking sector.

List of Top 11 Banks in France

Revolut
BNP Paribas
Crédit Agricole Group
Sociéte Générale
Groupe BPCE
AXA Banque
Crédit Mutuel Group
La Banque Postale
HSBC France
Crédit du Nord
Crédit Coopératif

As per the total assets acquired in 2016, here’s a list of banks that top the rankings among 400 top banks in France. Let us have a look: -

#1. Revolut:

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#2. BNP Paribas:

BNP Paribas is one of the top five banks in the world. It has a presence in over 75 countries. As per the total assets acquired, BNP Paribas is topping the ranking list in France. The total assets acquired by BNP Paribas in 2016 were €2077 billion. It was established in 1848, almost 169 years ago. According to the 2020 report, revenue and operating income were €44.2 billion and €8.3 billion. BNP Paribas has headquarters in Boulevard des Italiens, Paris.

#3. Crédit Agricole Group:

As per the total assets acquired, this is the second-largest entity in the French banking system. The total assets acquired by Crédit Agricole Group in 2020 were €2.741 trillion. This entity is quite old, established in 1894, around 123 years ago. It has been reported that revenue and operating income in 2019 were €4.3 billion and €6.17 billion. Crédit Agricole Group has headquarters in Montrouge.

#4. Société Générale:

As per the total assets acquired, this is the third-largest entity banking system in the country. The total assets acquired by Société Générale in 2017 were €2395.4 crores. It was established almost 153 years ago, on 4th May 1864. It is headquartered in Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement, Paris. The last reported revenue and operating income in 2017 were €23.954 billion and €4.767 billion.

#5. Groupe BPCE:

As per the total assets acquired, this is the fourth largest entity in the French banking system. The total assets acquired by Groupe BPCE in 2020 were €1.768 trillion. Groupe BPCE was created by a merger between CNCE (Caisse Nationale des Caisses d’epargne) and BFBP (Banque Fédérale des Banques Populaires). In addition, It has more than 8,200 branches and has been serving around 70 million customers. It is headquartered in Paris.

#6. AXA Banque:

As per the total assets acquired, this is the fifth top bank in France. The total assets acquired by AXA Banque in 2016 were €975.52 billion. It is relatively a new entity; it was established in 2002. It is an AXA France Assurance SAS subsidiary and serves more than 107 million clients across 64 countries. It has employed around 1,65,000 employees. In 2016, the reported net profit of AXA Banque was €6331 million.

#7. Crédit Mutuel Group:

It is the sixth top bank in terms of the total assets acquired. The total assets acquired by Crédit Mutuel Group in 2020 were €796 billion. It was established in 1882, around 135 years ago. The headquarter is located in Strasbourg, Alsace, mainly providing four kinds of services – corporate banking, consumer banking, insurance services, and private banking to France's customers and foreign customers.

#8. La Banque Postale:

La Banque Postale is the seventh top bank per the total assets acquired. The total assets acquired by La Banque Postale in 2021 were €754 billion. This entity consists of over 10,000 post offices where all corporate and individual customers are served. In addition, La Banque Postale has more than 30,000 workers who serve the customers.

#9. HSBC France:

As per the total assets acquired, this is the eighth top bank in France. The total assets acquired by HSBC France in 2016 were €169.4 billion. HSBC France results from a merger among the Union Bank in Paris, Credit Commercial de France, the Banque de Picardie, the Hervet Bank in Paris, and Bank Beacque. HSBC France headquarters is located in Champs Elysees Avenue, Paris.

#10. Crédit du Nord:

This bank stands at the ninth position as per the total assets acquired. It has acquired total assets of €5587.34 million. Crédit du Nord headquarters is located in Mariehamn, Aland Islands. In addition, it reported the net profit in 2020 as €246 million. It is a relatively smaller entity and part of the Crédit du Nord Group. It has over 785 branches and employs more than 8,700 employees with a client base of 1.92 million.

#11. Crédit Coopératif:

Crédit Coopératif bank is much smaller than the other top nine banks. Nevertheless, it has reported a net profit of €37.5 million in 2019. It is a relatively new entity, established in 1989. Crédit Coopératif employed around 1967 employees. This bank is popular for microcredits. As per the Microfinance Observatory report, 19% of personal microcredit in France was offered by Crédit Coopératif.