Our History
BNP Paribas Group was officially established on 23 May 2000 at the merger between BNP, France’s leading deposit bank, and Paribas, an international investment bank. But its features and values have been forged, transmitted and acquired over 200 years of history marked by developments, transformations and challenges – in a word, BNP Paribas represents two centuries of a bank at the service of the global economy.
BNP Paribas’ presence in Denmark have roots that dates back to the 1980s, but its current branch was established in 2005. Today, BNP Paribas is a trusted partner for businesses in Denmark, building on its legacy of excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction, with a strong team and a growing presence in the region.
Corporate Milestones
BNP Paribas in Denmark dates back to the early 1980s, when offices of BNP and Paribas were established in 1980 and 1984, respectively. Although these offices eventually closed, they laid the groundwork for the bank’s future success in the region.
Fast forward to December 1, 2005, when Copenhagen started as a branch of Fortis Bank SA/NV. The first three employees we’re recruited, marking the beginning of a new era for the bank in Denmark.
In August-September 2006, the branch booked its first customer, a significant milestone that signaled the start of a successful journey. Interestingly, the SE and DK branches of Fortis Bank SA/NV were launched in parallel, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region.
A pivotal moment in the bank’s history came in 2009, when BNP Paribas acquired Fortis Bank. This strategic move not only expanded BNP Paribas’ global footprint but also brought new opportunities and resources to the Danish market.
In December 2022, BNP Paribas Asset Management announced the acquisition of a majority in stake in Danish natural resources specialist International Woodland Company (‘IWC’). IWC joined BNP Paribas with more than 30 years’ experience in providing investment management and advisory services within sustainable timberland investments, agriculture investments and ecosystems services, including carbon credits and conservation projects. Furthermore, with the acquisition of AXA IM, BNP Paribas Asset Management are exited to continue expanding its footprint and offerings in Denmark.
Today and Beyond
Over the years, BNP Paribas has earnt the trust of businesses in Denmark, playing a role in their development and growth. The bank’s history and foundations have provided a strong base, allowing it to evolve and innovate over time. Today, BNP Paribas strives to provide personalized support and service to its clients, recognizing the importance of its role in the Danish economy. Looking to the future, the goal is to continue making a positive contribution to Denmark, remaining committed to the long-term relationships with clients and the community.
Denmark stands out as a highly attractive location for businesses and investors, thanks to its unique blend of economic and political stability, excellent conditions for doing business, and vast commercial growth potential. The country’s favorable labor market regulations, high digital connectivity, and innovative asset management market, including its unique mortgage model, make it an ideal place to scale up or down. Furthermore, Denmark’s world-class competences and global leadership in Health care, Energy, Transport and Technology offer great opportunities for commercial growth. The country’s access to top talent is also a significant draw, with Copenhagen offering a high quality of life and global connectivity, making it an attractive career destination. Additionally, Denmark’s strong pension system, with its robust savings space, provides a stable foundation for long-term planning.
As a leading international banking player, BNP Paribas is committed to supporting the growth and development of the clients, and to contributing to the development of a more sustainable and equitable economy in Denmark and beyond.
Timeless banking in a historic setting
Turbinehuset, the home of BNP Paribas in Denmark, has a rich history dating back to its construction. The building has served as a hub for various industries, but the fashionable area that it is today was once equal to dense buildings, houses of poor quality and rough neighborhoods.
The area, Adelgade, was built as part of the city plan for Ny-København in the mid-17th century, where some of the streets were named after the finer social classes, e.g. the nobility. However, that name was quite misleading, as neither the houses nor the inhabitants were noble.
Later, in the first half of the 20th century, Adelgade was shrouded in smoke and steam, and a small part of history lives on in Adelgade 12, which is better known as Turbinehuset. The property got its name because its nearest neighbor once housed the steam turbines that generated electricity for the Copenhageners.
Now it’s a state-of-the-art office property, where flexibility and sustainability have been thought into it from the start. The property was completed in 2016 and received the City of Copenhagen’s honorary award in 2017 for its beautiful architecture. The modern property, with its six floors, red bricks and beautiful details in tombac at the window sections, fits perfectly into the surroundings – which are far from the muddy Adelgade quarter of the 17th century.
