Banques Populaires

Supporting those who share the entrepreneurial spirit

Created by and for entrepreneurs, the Banque Populaire banks have constantly evolved, innovated and expanded their range of products and services to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. They now form the 4th largest retail-banking network in France comprising 20 individual Banques Populaires: 18 regional Banques Populaires, Crédit Coopératif and Casden Banque Populaire.

Front-ranking positions

The No.1 banking partner of SMEs and the benchmark financial institution for small businesses and retailers, the Banques Populaires actively support and encourage the audacity of all those who pursue the entrepreneurial path. A leader in the distribution of loans for new business creation, they help more than 70,000 business start-ups every year.

Socially responsible and socially committed

The Banques Populaires – cooperative banks enjoying a strong presence in their local regions – boast more than 3.6 million cooperative shareholders. Their active commitment to the personal, professional and socially responsible projects of their cooperative shareholders is the hallmark of the “Banque Populaire spirit.” Pioneers in the financing of eco-friendly initiatives, the Banques Populaires signed a partnership agreement with the Nicolas Hulot Foundation in 2009.

Present in the world of sailing since 1998, the Banques Populaires will be partners of the French Sailing Federation until the olympic games of 2012. In 2008, they built the Maxi Banque Populaire V, the world’s largest oceanic multi-hull racing trimaran. The banks also pursue an active policy of artistic, environmental and social patronage through the Banque Populaire Group Foundation.

The Banques Populaires: financing and developing commerce and businesses

In 1878, the first Banque Populaire was created in Angers by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs with a view to pooling funds to allow entrepreneurs to finance their projects themselves. Their cooperative status was established in 1917. At the service of craftsmen, tradespeople and SMEs, the Banques Populaires rapidly became major players in their regional economies, and opened out their services to individual customers in 1962. In 1998, the acquisition of Natexis provided Group Banque Populaire with a publicly listed vehicle. Pursuing its development, the Group affiliated several regional or specialized banks and, with Foncia, started operations in the real estate services sector.

Chairmans and Chief Executive Officers of Banques Populaires

Regional Banques Populaires

Select your region