Under new chief executive Philippe Brassac, Crédit Agricole has simplified its oft-criticised group structure and devised a new plan, aimed at strengthening core business lines, improving operational efficiency and transforming its digital offering. Brian Caplen reports on how these changes will affect the bank. 

That French banks have come through the crisis in relatively good shape is clear. So why can't analysts agree on their outlook as they front up to the changing regulation and the challenges of the digital age?

Olivier Perquel, the head of financing and global markets at Natixis corporate and investment banking, explains how the revived bank will grow in a shrinking world.

A bidding war between Chinese and Italian entrepreneurs for France's iconic Club Med holiday resort operator provided a test of nerves for the bankers, and even led to a change in French law.

Closer coordination with private banking and the integration of its brokerage are part of the strategy for a leaner, more focused Société Générale, its deputy head of corporate and investment banking tells Philip Alexander.

After almost two decades’ experience in a pure advisory bank, Sophie Javary is now looking to strengthen the corporate finance business of BNP Paribas, one of Europe’s largest lenders.

The corporate and investment banking arm of France’s Crédit Agricole has been through several rounds of strategic repositioning and its chief executive says its final shape is now in sight.

France's Société Générale has responded to the long-awaited finalisation of European capital regulations with a new contingent convertible structure that could set a marker for the market.

European securities will soon be settled on a central IT platform – Target2 Securities (T2S) – as part of the European Central Bank's initiative to harmonise post-trade standards. With the first wave of implementation scheduled for 2015, Duygu Tavan investigates how the T2S project is progressing and its consequences for the securities industry.

BNP Paribas CEO Jean-Laurent Bonnafé tells The Banker why the bank's diversification strategy – along product lines, sectors and geography – is at the heart of its downturn-defying performance of recent years.