2 centuries of History in 3 minutes of archives

BNP Paribas, two centuries of history

The predecessor banks of BNP Paribas were established in the 19th and 20th centuries to finance the economy.

In 1822, the Société Générale des Pays-Bas was founded in Brussels—eight years before the creation of the Belgian state. It was one of the ancestors of Fortis Bank’s Belgian branch, which joined BNP Paribas in 2009. The Société Générale de Belgique played an essential role in Belgium’s economic and industrial development.

In 1848, the Comptoir national d’escompte de Paris was created to address the credit crisis. It quickly shifted toward financing international trade to support French businesses. By 1860, branches were already opening in Shanghai and Calcutta.

1872 marked the founding of Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas.

Then, in 1913, the future BNL was established, facilitating the transformation of the Italian economy. As a public bank, it contributed to industrialization and financed major companies. It also played a key role in promoting Italian cinema, funding nearly 5,000 films since 1935. BNL joined the BNP Paribas Group in 2006.

BNP Paribas’ international expansion is rooted in its history. The Group has been present in Asia-Pacific since 1860, in Africa since 1869, in the United States since 1877, and in Latin America since 1910.

Around the world, the Bank has been deeply involved in local economies, financing major projects—such as the Beijing-Hankou railway in 1898, the Tangier-Fez railway in 1914, the Caracas metro in 1978, and the Channel Tunnel in 1987.

The Group gradually expanded its branch network, adapting to new practices. It pioneered the introduction of specialized financial services in France and many other countries.

Over time, BNP Paribas has transformed its organization and business lines through innovation. In the 1930s, mechanography revolutionized data processing. Then, in 1957, the first computers arrived, enabling rapid handling of the growing volume of transactions for an expanding customer base.

A pioneer in sports sponsorship since the 1950s, BNP Paribas has remained committed to tennis since signing its partnership with Roland-Garros in 1973. The Group also shares a history of over 100 years with cinema.