1. One of the key themes of the 2007 World Economic Forum in Davos is driving growth. How does your bank propose to drive growth in the coming year?
We have identified a number of businesses, which we call “growth drivers”: international retail banking, specialised financial services and asset management. These activities have grown by 20% on average over the past several years and we expect this trend to continue in the coming year. We are investing in IT, recruiting (more than 10,000 people a year) and training our staff so that each person at Société Générale progresses on a personal and professional level.
2. What are the main challenges facing the global economy in 2007 and how will your bank cope with them?
We are in the midst of a new wave in globalisation – the emergence of a new middle class in China, India and the former Soviet republics means a market of several hundred million potential consumers who will need high quality, reliable banking and consumer finance services. The EU currently represents 30% of the world’s GDP and 7% of the world’s population – this disproportionate influence in the world’s economy will change, and SG is laying the foundations to take advantage of this shift by investing in emerging countries such as Russia and China.
3. Bank chairmen and CEOs are natural optimists. What reasons do you have for being optimistic in 2007?
When I visit our branches in the so-called emerging countries, I am struck by the enthusiasm, dedication and drive of the teams there – they have a personal commitment to providing the best possible service to their clients, and are eager to embrace new technologies and adopt international best practice. This is an indication of the potential of these new, fast-developing economies.