- With a 40-year success story in Portugal, the creation of the Foundation stems from the will to give back to a country that has contributed so much to the BNP Paribas Group and is now one of its strategic locations.
- The Foundation reinforces the Group’s commitment to the sustainable and inclusive development of Portuguese society, consolidating all philanthropic activities in Portugal under a single, unified vision.
- The Foundation’s motto is “We give power to those who take action!”, embracing networking as its preferred working method and promoting collaboration among all stakeholders, with a view to achieving systemic change in the areas in which it operates.
- Three strategic areas: Solidarity (inclusion through employment), Environment and Biodiversity (restoration and conservation of marine ecosystems), and Culture (access to culture and support for underrepresented artists).
- The investment in the year of launch includes €1.5 million for study and research projects on the impact of climate change on ocean warming and its consequences for marine species living in the Atlantic Ocean.
BNP Paribas announces the launch of the Fundação BNP Paribas Portugal, the 14th Foundation of the BNP Paribas Group worldwide, with the aim of reinforcing the Group’s commitment to the sustainable and inclusive development of Portuguese society. The Foundation was created to respond to the country’s most pressing social, environmental, and cultural challenges, consolidating all the Group’s philanthropic activity in Portugal under a single vision, in the year in which BNP Paribas celebrates 40 years of activity in Portugal.
At the time of its launch, the Foundation is investing €1.5 million, directly allocated by the parent Foundation under the Climate & Biodiversity Initiative, which supports scientists studying the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, in two Portuguese winning projects (out of 163 submitted worldwide) — a clear demonstration of the quality of work being developed in this field in the country:
- Gulf of Guinea: Migration of the Pelagic Marine Megafauna (OCEANPATH)
This project aims to establish a protected offshore marine migration corridor between Cape Verde and the Gulf of Guinea for blue sharks, mako sharks and whales. Using innovative monitoring technologies and 3D mapping, OCEANPATH seeks to improve predictions of migratory patterns and contribute to large-scale marine conservation.
- Temperature and Early Development of the small-spotted catshark (SHOW-IT)
Conducted in controlled aquarium conditions, this project studies the effects of ocean warming on the early immune and motor development of small-spotted catshark, comparing Atlantic and Mediterranean populations. Its findings will help inform the design of future marine protected areas.
“Acting for the common good to make the world better, more just, and more sustainable is embedded in the DNA of our patronage actions A major player in corporate patronage since 1984, the BNP Paribas Group has a strong presence in the global philanthropy landscape. Providing innovative solutions, protecting, repairing, inspiring, and upholding these ambitions, particularly with the vibrant forces that make up the BNP Paribas Group teams in Portugal, is essential.”
Anne Pointet, Head of Company Engagement for Group BNP Paribas.
“In a fractured and divided world, seeing the emergence of a new foundation in Portugal with the desire to innovate and support visionary actors in solidarity, the environment, and culture is excellent news. It reinforces a coalition now composed of 14 foundations and endowment funds of the BNP Paribas Group.”
Isabelle Giordano, Head of BNP Paribas Group Philanthropy.
With a 40-year history of success in Portugal, the creation of the Foundation reflects the will to give back to a country that has given so much to the BNP Paribas Group, and which is now one of its strategic locations. For several years, the BNP Paribas Group has defined its ambition as having a positive impact on society (“We are serving our customers and the world we live in”), contributing to sustainable development (using the 17 SDGs defined by the United Nations), through an ambitious social responsibility strategy with a strong philanthropic pillar. A company of BNP Paribas’s current scale in Portugal has the capacity to raise awareness and mobilize other companies and organizations—whether partners or clients—as well as, very effectively, its employees, now numbering more than 9,000, in collaborative work capable of generating real change. The Foundation aims to continue working closely with communities, side by side with those on the ground, supporting projects that create real and lasting impact, thereby deepening the bond that already exists.
“We believe in the power of collaborative work and coalition-building to achieve systemic change in our society and our planet. That is why we have adopted the motto for the BNP Paribas Portugal Foundation: We give power to those who take action! We will support innovative, challenging, well-founded projects capable of producing measurable impact in their areas of activity. For this reason, we are committed to and will invite employees, clients, partners, universities, and other organizations that share our vision — the development of a more inclusive and sustainable society — to join us in long-term investment in the areas and beneficiaries we have identified as priorities.”
Luciana Peres, President of BNP Paribas Fundação Portugal
An integrated approach to a more inclusive and sustainable society
The activities of the Fundação BNP Paribas Portugal are structured around three strategic areas:
- Social, focused on social inclusion through increased employability, particularly among young people, women, and migrants in vulnerable situations;
- Environment and Biodiversity, aiming to contribute to increased research capacity and the identification of scalable solutions for the conservation and restoration of marine biodiversity, with a focus on the Atlantic Ocean; and
- Culture, committed to increasing access to cultural activities for those who usually do not have that opportunity, and to supporting artists from underrepresented groups in revitalizing Portuguese artistic expressions.
These three pillars will guide the Foundation’s activities and reflect its commitment to contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and participatory society.
The Foundation will work side by side with associations, institutions and other partners, strengthening the impact of supported projects through the sharing of knowledge, experience, collaborative networks, and the mobilization of the most appropriate resources for the success of each initiative. BNP Paribas employees will be invited to participate, reinforcing their commitment to the Bank’s social responsibility, as well as their role as citizens engaged in the world in which they live.
With a strategy aligned with the BNP Paribas Foundation, its parent foundation, the strategy of the BNP Paribas Portugal Foundation for the 2026–2028 period will greatly benefit from the experience accumulated in Portugal by BNP Paribas’s corporate social responsibility area, particularly in the field of social inclusion, now complemented by projects in the conservation and restoration of marine biodiversity and by the participation in and revitalization of artistic expressions of cultural identity.
BNP Paribas Portugal was distinguished at the 5th Edition of the Diversity Seal Awards. This is an initiative that recognizes organizations that actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion practices within their teams and in society.
This year, BNP Paribas was recognised with two distinctions:
- Diversity Seal in the category “Projects with Community Engagement”, for the Mosaico Programme.
- Honourable Mention in the category “Internal Projects to Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” for the Disability Strikes Back initiative.
Find more on the following articles:
Portugal’s Diversity Seal is an initiative promoted in a partnership between the Portuguese Association for Diversity and Inclusion and the High Commission for Migration, which has the goal to recognise organisations that develop and implement policies and practices aimed at promoting and valuing diversity.
According APPDI, the recognition of good practices, within the framework of the Diversity Seal, functions as a quality label and public acknowledgment, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to inclusion, enhancing its reputation, attracting talent, and generating both competitive and social advantages.
Preparing BNP Paribas for the future of talent and technological innovation
Sylvie Le Pottier, HEad of human resources bnp Paribas portugal
Sylvie Le Pottier, Head of Human Resources for BNP Paribas Portugal, shared with RHMagazine her insights on Portuguese talent and Human Resources trends, as well as her views on BNP Paribas Human Resources Portugal.
Click here to read the full interview.
We are proud to share that BNP Paribas Portugal was recognized as the Best Company for Diversity and Inclusion (end user) in the Women in Technology and Data Awards with the project GM IT (Global Markets Technology) Women bootcamp.
This award aims to celebrate companies that have sought to promote women where appropriate and contribute to improve the gender balance in Technology and Data roles across the capital markets. A recognition that reflects BNP Paribas Portugal’s efforts in increasing the representation of women at all levels.
Gender equality is an important dimension of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. Having more talented and empowered women in tech roles will allow us to boost collaboration and innovation in our teams which will consolidate the Group’s lead over other companies in the sector.
Sylvie Le Pottier
Head of Human Resources, BNP Paribas Portugal
GM IT (Global Markets Technology) Women Bootcamp
Get to know the project behind this recognition.
The “GM IT Women bootcamp” is a transformative program designed to support and onboard junior female developers from top coding institutions such as Code for All, 42 Lisboa, Ironhack Portugal, and Le Wagon Portugal into the technology field.
This program has a unique approach. It combines intensive training, hands-on experience, and personalized mentorship to prepare participants for successful careers in IT.
Mikhail Khasin
Head of Global Markets IT, BNP Paribas Portugal
This first edition had +40 applications, within which BNP Paribas selected the most promising 10 students, who for 9 months worked side by side with an experienced mentor who provided guidance and career advice. The result? An empowered group of female developers, all converted to permanent employees, that are now equipped with the tools they need to thrive in the tech industry.
“Investment banking for large companies is already a very important business in Portugal, but the idea is to make it even bigger.”
Diogo Malato Moura
Head of CIB Front Office BNP Paribas Portugal
Diogo Malato Moura, Head of CIB Front Office BNP Paribas Portugal, shared with ECO his insights on Portuguese and international markets, as well as his views on BNP Paribas CIB’s operation in Portugal.
Click here to read the full interview.
The initiative aims to be more than just a tennis tournament. It is a meeting point for hundreds of BNP Paribas teams and it helps to promote our values of cooperation and team spirit on and off the court. The winning team will represent Portugal in the Paris Final that will happen in the courts of Roland-Garros.
After a three-year break, BNP Paribas hosted the fifth edition of We Are Tennis Cup, an international tennis tournament dedicated to all Group employees, regardless of their level of experience in the sport. The objective is to create a moment where everyone can have an opportunity to play in a good, positive and open environment, while promoting the values of cooperation and team spirit on and off the court.
The first phase of the tournament took place this weekend, at the National Sports Center of Jamor, and the winning team will have the opportunity to represent Portugal in the international final in Paris, at the legendary clay courts of Roland-Garros.
“BNP Paribas is a major partner of world tennis, with a unique, long-standing commitment that began in 1973 and extends to every level of the sport – singles, doubles, wheelchair tennis, team and family sport – from beginner level up to the greatest professional tournaments. This is a particular year for BNP Paribas ´commitment because its celebrates 50 years”, explains Fabrice Segui, CEO of BNP Paribas Portugal.
“Through We Are Tennis Cup, BNP Paribas wants to ensure a unique experience for its participating teams by having the chance to compete, at the courts of the iconic Roland Garros”, concludes Fabrice.
The long term commitment to tennis is part of the Group’s purpose, with a strong pledge make it accessible to as many people as possible, in particular younger generations, reinforcing its corporate engagement culture.
BNP Paribas Portugal has ranked number one in Overall Investment Banking category (Mergers and Acquisitions, Equity Capital Market, Debt Capital Market, Loans) by net revenues. The 2022 results were published by Dealogic, a financial markets platform that offers integrated content for firms operating in the financial sector, in its end of year report.
“We are very proud of these results as they illustrate both the confidence of our clients and the excellence of our teams. This position underlines the success of our strategy and the importance of the country for the Group.” explains Olivier Perrain, Head of BNP Paribas CIB Portugal.
Established in Portugal since 1985, BNP Paribas was one of the first foreign Banks to operate in the country, offering a wide range of integrated financial solutions to support its clients and their businesses in its different areas:
- Commercial, Personal Banking & Services (CPBS)
- Investment & Protection Services (IPS)
- Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB)
Today, the Bank has a strong local activity, with nine local businesses and nine competency centres that are paramount to the Bank’s global operating model in Portugal. BNP Paribas Portugal has over 7.100 employees, from 82 different nationalities.
- BNP Paribas is Top Employer Europe 2023 for the 10th year running
- Top Employers Institute certification recognises best HR management practices
BNP Paribas in Portugal has been recognised, for the first time, a Top Employer in 2023. This was revealed by the Top Employers Institute, the biggest Human Resources practice certification entity around the world. BNP Paribas has thus taken on the challenge of passing the audit covering 20 themes related to Human Resources to certify that its value proposition is worthy of this recognition, not only at European level but also locally in Portugal.
Top Employer has specifically highlighted BNP Paribas practices regarding benefits for employees, the Bank´s internal career mobility, the Smart Working framework, based on trust and autonomy, and its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion networks that foster a safe, open and supportive environment for everyone.
In the Rewards & Recognition category, the Bank achieved a rating of 89.5%[1] (+15.69% compared to the benchmark of Top Employer certified companies in Portugal in the Banking & Financial services industry). On the Employer Branding category it was awarded with a rating of 98.55% (+11.75% compared to the benchmark) and in the Learning category with a rating of 85.79% (+6.24% compared to the benchmark).
“BNP Paribas in Portugal has been recognized as an employer of reference. The achievement of this seal is a reflection of a continuous commitment to the personal and professional development of our employees, as well as the initiatives we have put in place to foster talent and put people at the heart of our strategy”, says Sylvie Le Pottier, Head of Human Resources for BNP Paribas Portugal.
BNP Paribas is Top Employer Europe 2023 for the 10th year running. This is the result of the Group’s certifications in nine countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Turkey, Spain, Germany and Portugal (certified for the first time). Following an audit built around 350 questions on 20 themes in each country, the global average score resulted in a total of 88,75%.
The distinction awarded by the Top Employers Institute allows BNP Paribas Portugal to integrate a community of Top Employer companies in 123 countries, which makes it possible to share best practices in the area, with insights contributing to the continuous development of the Human Resource environment and helping to detect performance enhancement opportunities.
[1] Percentage of best HR practices applied by each company. With a score of 89.5%, this means BNP Paribas in Portugal applies at least 89.5% of HR best practices in this category.
BNP Paribas Portugal has won the Prémios RH 2022 in the category “Diversity and Inclusion”, for its work in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. The award was presented in the gala of the 15th edition of the Prémios RH 2022.
The award was the recognition of the strategy of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) defined for the national territory for the three years 2022-2025, through several actions and projects developed in Portugal over 2022:
- Diversity Week. In this year’s edition, the main goal was to understand how technology, and the resources that we have available, can better serve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The event registered over 1,400 participants.
- In support of the creation and implementation of the Diversity Week programme, but also in other activities, the HR and DEI team works very closely with the Employee Networks. Together they share every opportunity to contribute to an equal environment where each individual can be authentic and have equal access: Pride, Together by Mix City, All Abroad, Women in Cyber and Bold.
- Recently, BNP Paribas distinguish itself as the first company in Portugal to be associate with the feminist and humanist movement #JamaisSansElles by signing its letter of principles by its Top Management team members individually.
- As a signatory to the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Global Business and Disability Network Charter, BNP Paribas promotes the employment of disabled people, sets out measures to ensure employment retention and encourage universal accessibility. In Portugal, it has worked with partner organisations to increase the number of candidates and inclusion in the world of work.
- To ensure that the inclusion culture it is implemented throughout the Bank, an Inclusive Management Development and Combating Unconscious Environments Programmes were developed for its entire leadership team in Portugal, covering more than 900 leadership teams’ members.
- In order to implement projects in a cross-cutting manner to all its business entities and functions, BNP Paribas defined a diversity governance model dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion involving representatives of all teams and collaborating communities, thus applying the values by which it is governed.
“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are fundamental values of the BNP Paribas Group. This award leaves us very proud with what BNP Paribas has been doing for many years not only at global level, but also at a local level. This comes as an extra motivation so that we continue doing our work in this area, which can always improve through the results achieved internally, but also through our relationship with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders with whom we conduct our daily activities. Special thanks to all our staff, who are the driving force and the first ambassadors of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of BNP Paribas, and also to the whole organization and jury of the Prémios HR 2022, who present us the to share our work”, says Luciana Peres, Head of CSR and Diversity & Inclusion at BNP Paribas Portugal.
“This award not only reinforces the important role that DE&I has for BNP Paribas, and for its employees, but is also further proof of the Bank’s existing multidisciplinary strategy and policy of human resources, which has always the potential of ensuring the best possible conditions for the integration and retention of current and future employees of the Group”, explains Sylvie Le Pottier, Head of HR at BNP Paribas Portugal.
The Prémios RH, organised by the IIRH – Instituto de Informação em Recursos Humanos and RHmagazine, gather the entire human resources community in Portugal once a year, to celebrate excellence in the exercise of their profession, recognise individual and collective achievements.
This was the first annual Portuguese award in this sector, where public recognition of the merit and excellence of those who stand out in the management of people has contributed to strengthening the importance of this area in the business world.
BNP Paribas is the first company in Portugal to integrate the movement through its Top Managemnt Team.
Lisbon, 10 November 2022– Today BNP Paribas Portugal Top Management Team signs, individually, the letter of the movement #JamaisSansElles that acts in favor of equality in all areas of society and for a shared governance model.
Launched in Paris in 2016, #JamaisSansElles is a humanist movement, promoted by about 1000 signatories’ men and women, entrepreneurs, humanists, references from the digital world and the media, as well as people linked to the education sector and politics, who, used to participate in public discussions and events, and now refuse to participate in panel discussions/debates in which women are not included.
The #JamaisSansElles is present in 20 countries, influencing, on average, about 23 million people monthly through the different actions of the movement. 630,000 commitments have already been made on social networks, and 30 events have been organized by the #JamaisSansElles organization.
“In France, BNP Paribas was a pioneer by joining #JamaisSansElles, so in Portugal, we also wanted to make our mark, as the issue of gender equality has guided BNP Paribas’ actions for several years. We want to underline this position in Portugal and contribute for a sustainable society where men and women have equal opportunities that may arise during their careers”, says Fabrice Segui, CEO of BNP Paribas in Portugal.
The signing of the movement’s principles was celebrated on November 10 with the presence of Caroline Courtin, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Natacha Quester-Séméon, Managing Director and Spokesperson of #JamaisSansElles and Tatiana F. Salomon, Association President of #JamaisSansElles. “We are the first company to sign this letter of commitment in Portugal with #JamaisSansElles, but we hope that other organisations will do so in the future by contributing to the reach of one of the 17 sustainable development objectives of 2030: Gender Equality“, says Luciana Peres, Director of CSR and Diversity and Inclusion at BNP Paribas.
More than 15 years ago, BNP Paribas Group created a dedicated Committee of 40 Diversity Directors, representing the 68 countries where it operates and all business lines. Today, one-third of the Executive Committee and G100 members are women, with the bank aiming to reach a 40% representation of women by 2025.
BNP Paribas was one of the first companies to sign the Women Empowerment Principles (WEP)” in partnership with the HeForShe of the UN, which promotes gender equality worldwide by mobilizing men to work for this cause.