2007 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

THE BNP PARIBAS GROUP1The Group’s core businesses and divisions< Contents >Relationships with companies and territorial authorities are also a strongpoint, with BNL bc holding market share of around 4.5% (1) and 6% (1)respectively in these segments, along with a well-established reputationin cross-border transactions, project financing and structured finance,as well as factoring, which is offered through a specialised subsidiaryIfitalia (rated number 3 (2) in Italy by portfolio).With a view to developing this client base as much as possible, BNL bchas reorganised its distribution model so as to increase direct contactwith clients, reinforce the central role and flexibility of the sales networkand improve communication of commercial policy regarding bothinnovative and standard products. Within a multi-channel frameworkthe network has been divided into 5 regions (“direzioni territoriali”) withthe retail banking and business banking activities being run as separatestructures:■ 125 retail banking groups with more than 700 branches;■ 23 Private Banking Centres;■ 21 Business Centres with 51 branches dealing with SMEs, largebusinesses, territorial authorities and public sector organisations.In addition, five Trade Centres have now been opened. These units offercompanies a range of products, services and solutions for cross-borderactivities and complete BNP Paribas’ international network whichconsists of 85 centres spread over 55 countries. At the same time, BNLhas strengthened the network that assists Italian companies abroadas well as multinational companies with direct investments in Italy, byopening six Italian representation offices in different countries.The multi-channel offering is rounded out by around 1,300 ATMs and20,000 customer service points, as well as telephone and online bankingservices for both private clients and businesses.The reorganisation also involved the adoption of a new structure thatbrings the back office closer to the distribution network through thecreation of specialised local units in five regions. The aim of the newmodel is essentially to increase satisfaction of both internal and externalclients through higher quality and more effective service and bettermanagement of operating risk.1234INTERNATIONAL RETAIL BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICESThe International Retail b anking and Financial Services (IR FS) Division hassome 71,000 employees (3) in 61 countries. At the heart of BNP Paribas’growth strategy, it consists of three business lines, boasting well-knownbrands and in many cases market-leading positions.In retail banking, IR FS manages a network of banks which also serve asplatforms for growth for the division’s other businesses as well as for theGroup’s activities in their domestic markets. Retail banking business isconducted in the United States via BancWest Corporation. This holdingconsists of Bank of the West (5th-largest bank in the US (4) , present in19 states) and First Hawaiian Bank (the leading bank in the state ofHawaii). The bank network in the emerging markets is growing stronglyand is now made up of 1,993 branches in 34 countries. The businesscombines brisk organic growth and targeted acquisitions in a pragmaticway. In addition to strong positions across the entire Mediterraneanbasin and the Persian Gulf, a priority development zone, business is beingdeveloped in the far east of Europe. The division has also been presentin Africa for many years, notably through BICI (Banque Internationalepour le Commerce et l’Industrie) which was one of the earliest bankingnetworks in French-speaking Africa.2007 was marked in household and consumer finance by the launch ofBNP Paribas Personal Finance which combines all companies specialisingin consumer finance (Cetelem) and mortgage financing (UCB andBNP Paribas Invest Immo), together with the new debt consolidationbusiness (BNP Paribas MRC). BNP Paribas Personal Finance is theEuropean leader in its market with 25,000 employees in 30 countries.Finally, the corporate investment financing and business equipmentmanagement activities were grouped together within the EquipmentSolutions business, which consists mainly of Arval, dedicated to thelong-term management of cars and light trucks, and BNP Paribas LeaseGroup (BPLG), specialised in equipment leasing. Both these companiesare number two in Europe in their respective markets.Thanks to this unique skill profile, the division serves 53 million clientsaround the world (including 28 million direct). Representing the mainthrust of BNP Paribas’ international development strategy in retailbanking, all IR FS businesses have a strong corporate culture and anability to adapt to their changing environments.PERSONAL FINANCECreation of the leading European specialistin personal financeIn May 2007 Cetelem, UCB and their subsidiaries announced to the presstheir plan to create BNP Paribas Personal Finance. Confirmed in earlyJanuary 2008 subsequent to the approval of the works councils, themerger of these companies, with domestic and international positions inconsumer finance (Cetelem), mortgage financing (UCB and BNP ParibasInvest Immo) and debt consolidation (BNP Paribas MRC), has created theEuropean market leader in personal finance solutions, with more than25,000 employees, operations spanning 30 countries and four continents,and a EUR 100 billion loan portfolio at the end of 2007.5678910(1) Source: Bank of Italy statistics.(2) Assifact.(3) Number of employees at end-2007.(4) By deposits.112007 Registration document - BNP PARIBAS 7