NEW YORK, March 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BNP Paribas, a premier global bank, today announced that it has recently helped Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (“Crown”), a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of packaging products and equipment for consumer goods and industrial products, close its $3.25bn sustainability-linked syndicated credit facilities. BNP Paribas served as Joint Sustainability Coordinator, working with Crown to integrate a sustainability feature into its credit facilities.
The announcement marks Crown as the first packaging company in the Americas to secure sustainability-linked terms for its syndicated credit facilities, and represents one of the largest sustainability-linked loans raised to date globally.
Crown signed an amendment to its existing credit facilities to, among other things, upsize its prior $2.7bn syndicated credit facilities due April 2022, reset the maturity date to December 2024 and include financing terms that reduce or increase Crown’s borrowing costs based on any changes in its Management Score per Sustainalytics. This Management Score reflects Sustainalytics’ assessment of Crown’s management of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues. The transaction complements Crown’s other recent sustainability commitments.
“We are excited to be the first packaging company in the Americas to issue a syndicated sustainability linked credit facility,” said Kevin Clothier, Vice President and Treasurer at Crown Holdings, Inc. “We have many efforts underway to make Crown a more sustainable company and we believe the new facility demonstrates our commitment to sustainability by linking our borrowing cost to Sustainalytics’ view of management’s ESG performance.”
“We are thrilled to be announcing the close of over $3bn in sustainability-linked syndicated credit facilities with Crown today,” said Cambyse Parsi, Director, Sustainable Finance at BNP Paribas. “At BNP Paribas, we’ve committed to assisting our clients with meeting their ESG objectives, and our partnership with Crown is another essential step toward meeting our own goals as a bank for a changing world.”
Last month, BNP Paribas collaborated with JetBlue Airways to close the first sustainability-linked revolving credit facility for an airline. The Bank also closed the first sustainability-linked syndicated credit facility in Canada with WSP Global, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, and in January, it closed a bi-lateral, incentive-linked corporate revolving credit facility with Brookfield Renewable Partners, one of the first SLLs offered in Canada.
About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with international reach. It is present in 72 countries, with more than 202,000 employees, of whom more than 154,000 are in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three major business areas: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services, whose retail banking and financial services networks are grouped into Retail Banking & Services, and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which focuses on corporate and institutional clients. The Group supports all of its customers (individuals, associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, large businesses and institutions) in carrying out their projects by offering them financing, investment, savings and protection services. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leading specialist in retail financing in Europe. BNP Paribas is also developing its integrated retail banking model in the Mediterranean basin countries, Turkey and Eastern Europe and has a significant network in the West of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services businesses, BNP Paribas enjoys leadership in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas, as well as a solid and fast growing business in Asia Pacific.
About Crown Holdings Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Yardley, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit crowncork.com.
About Sustainalytics Sustainalytics is a leading independent ESG and corporate governance research provider, ratings and analytics firm that supports investors around the world with the development and implementation of responsible investment strategies. Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Ratings measure a company’s exposure to industry-specific material risks and how well the company is managing those ESG risks.
NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BNP Paribas, a premier global bank, today announced that it has closed a sustainability-linked loan (“SLL”) with JetBlue Airways (“JetBlue” or the “Company”), via an amendment to its existing Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF” or the “Facility”).
JetBlue has amended its existing $550 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility by including a “sustainability-linked” provision to align its strategic initiatives with its environmental, social, and governance performance (ESG) goals and objectives. BNP Paribas assisted the Company as the sole Sustainability Structuring Agent in this effort.
This SLL includes a pricing mechanism related to the applicable margin and commitment fee, which is then linked to the Company’s ESG score provided by Vigeo Eiris, an international provider of ESG research and services for investors and organizations.
“Our owners, many of whom are also crewmembers, want to see how ESG initiatives are connected to our financials. As the first airline to accomplish this type of transaction, we are directly linking our commitment to addressing environmental and social issues with our bottom line. We are proud of what we have accomplished, but also understand we have more to do in reducing our carbon footprint and meeting the needs of our stakeholders,” said Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability Officer for JetBlue.
In 2018, JetBlue started to formally review its financial partners’ sustainability strategy and commitments, shifting business to financial partners with stronger ESG policies themselves. Last year, BNP Paribas also helped the Company move to Sustainable Cash Management by creating tailor-made solutions that meet the airline’s ESG and treasury guidelines.
In 2020, JetBlue was the first U.S. airline to announce that it would operate carbon neutral on all domestic flights by offsetting emissions from jet fuel, ramping up to eliminate more than 17 billion pounds of CO2 emissions per year. JetBlue will also start flying with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on flights from San Francisco. SAF has up to an 80% smaller carbon footprint versus regular jet fuel. In addition, JetBlue has previously placed orders for 70 Airbus A220s powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) PW1500G fuel-efficient engines reducing emissions per seat by 40%.
“We couldn’t be happier to continue our partnership with JetBlue as the Company progresses on its sustainability journey. JetBlue’s SLL is just one element of the airline’s comprehensive ESG and sustainable finance strategy, which is incredible to see. As a leader in sustainable finance, BNP Paribas is dedicated to working with our corporate clients to identify tailored solutions that align with their specific efforts and commitments toward achieving their ESG goals,” said Florence Pourchet, Co-Head of Global Banking Americas at BNP Paribas, who also oversees the Bank’s Sustainable Finance strategy in the Americas.
BNP Paribas has acted as Sustainability Coordinator or Sustainability Structuring Agent for many sustainable finance transactions. Earlier this month, the Bank closed the first sustainability-linked syndicated credit facility in Canada with WSP Global, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, and last month closed a bi-lateral, incentive-linked corporate RCF with Brookfield Renewable Partners in Canada, one of the first SLLs offered in Canada.
About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with international reach. It is present in 72 countries, with more than 202,000 employees, of whom more than 154,000 are in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three major business areas: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services, whose retail banking and financial services networks are grouped into Retail Banking & Services, and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which focuses on corporate and institutional clients. The Group supports all of its customers (individuals, associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, large businesses and institutions) in carrying out their projects by offering them financing, investment, savings and protection services. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leading specialist in retail financing in Europe. BNP Paribas is also developing its integrated retail banking model in the Mediterranean basin countries, Turkey and Eastern Europe and has a significant network in the West of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services businesses, BNP Paribas enjoys leadership in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas, as well as a solid and fast growing business in Asia Pacific.
About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 42 million customers a year to nearly 100 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of more than 1,000 daily flights. For more information, please visit jetblue.com.
Learn how BNP Paribas’ US Legal team is making a positive impact in their local communities by using their business skills to assist individuals in need in New York City.
BNP Paribas CIB US LEGAL established its Pro Bono Program in 2013 to provide members of the local LEGAL team with opportunities to assist individuals in need. In addition to providing legal services to those who could not otherwise afford them, the Pro Bono Program strengthens BNP Paribas’ relationship with the community, improves the skills of individuals on the LEGAL team and encourages teamwork. Members of CIB US LEGAL have received awards from both the New York State and New York City Bar Associations in appreciation of the breadth of the team’s pro bono commitment.
Click on the image for the video
CIB US LEGAL’s pro bono efforts include providing support to members of local immigrant communities. In collaboration with the New York City Bar Justice Center’s Immigration Justice Project, volunteers assist clients in the preparation of documentation to support their applications for their U nonimmigrant status (“U Visa”). A U Visa is a nonimmigrant visa granted to victims of specified crimes like human trafficking and domestic violence (and their immediate family members) who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. The U Visa program matches attorneys with undocumented immigrants who have been victims of crimes in the United States, and who are taking a very courageous step to assist law enforcement in seeking justice.
The U Visa program, together with CIB US LEGAL’s other pro bono work, offers fantastic opportunities for attorneys to contribute to truly worthy endeavors. When asked about the Pro Bono Program, Peter Cooke, Americas General Counsel for BNP Paribas, quoted Benjamin Franklin: “When you are good to others, you are best to yourself”.
He continued, “As lawyers, we are fortunate to have learned a very particular set of skills. These skills can help others and make their lives better. We have created a dynamic program which makes a difference – to others, and to ourselves.”
For more on BNP Paribas’ approach to philanthropy, click here
BNP Paribas Securities Services announces that it will provide global custody services for U.S. Bank in Western Europe
BNP Paribas Securities Services,a leading global custodian with USD 11.6 trillion in assets under custody[1], today announced that it will provide U.S. Bank, the fifth largest commercial bank in the US[2], with global custody services in 11 European markets (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland), as well as local custody services in the UK and Ireland. The relationship represents over USD 10 billion in assets.
BNP Paribas Securities Services’ global and multi-local expertise across asset classes, extensive proprietary network and in-depth knowledge of the European markets will help U.S. Bank continue to pursue new opportunities for growth in its global sub-custodian network.
Dale R. Smith, Executive Vice President, U.S. Bank Investment Services, commented: “We are pleased to launch this important relationship with BNP Paribas Securities Services. We selected BNP Paribas for its well-established custody services and extensive proprietary network, as well as its long-term, collaborative approach.”
Claudine Gallagher, Head of BNP Paribas Securities Services Americas, said: “This prestigious new relationship demonstrates that our client-driven approach to asset servicing, together with our international reach and growing US presence, are a major draw for financial institutions in the US.”
Patrick Hayes, Head of BNP Paribas Securities Services UK, Middle East and South Africa, said: “U.S. Bank needed a provider who could help it realise its investment ambitions in Europe. Working with us, U.S. Bank will benefit from the efficiencies of a centralised, global custody set-up, which will be serviced from the UK, combined with local market expertise and client support in key markets.”
BNP Paribas Securities Services is the fifth largest global custodian in the world by assets under custody. Since 2011, the bank has significantly expanded its local custody network, which now covers 26 markets, and has been growing its presence in key markets, including the US.
$500,000 scholarship program in partnership with BNP Paribas provides top-level training at John McEnroe Tennis Academy.
New York, NY, September 8, 2019 – Amid the excitement of the US Open in New York City, tennis greats John and Patrick McEnroe joined Jean-Yves Fillion,CEO of BNP Paribas USA, to announce the first seven scholarship athletes on the Johnny Mac Tennis Project’s TeamBNP Paribas Mac 1 roster on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
Back row: Patrick McEnroe, Matisse Farzam, Olivia Benton, Theadora Rabman, John McEnroe; Front row: Sebastian Sec, BNP Paribas US CEO Jean-Yves Fillion, Joseph Oyebog
This past March, the international bank and longtime tennis sponsor BNP Paribas joined forces with tennis greats John and Patrick McEnroe’s JMTP nonprofit, announcing the inception of the Team BNP Paribas Mac 1 program, backed by a yearly operating budget of $500,000. The program provides 10 young players ages 11-17, with a year of intensive tennis training through the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) at Sportime Randall’s Island in New York City, under the direct supervision of Patrick and John McEnroe. The program also increases access to local, national and international tournaments and assist players in preparing for the demands of collegiate and professional tennis.
International bank BNP Paribas has been a dedicated partner to world tennis since 1973. The BNP Mac 1 program joins the “BNP Paribas Young Talent Team” suite of programs, launched in May 2018 with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and the French Tennis Federation, and including the “BNP Paribas Kids Fête le Mur Team” partnership with Yannick Noah.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with BNP Paribas, a loyal and longtime supporter of tennis around the world, to provide the opportunity for young Americans to succeed at the highest levels of the sport,” said John McEnroe, Co-Founder of JMTA and JMTP. “Growing tennis in America, and particularly in my hometown of New York City, is a passion of mine, and I’m grateful for the support that BNP Paribas is providing to these talented young players on the BNP Paribas Mac 1 team, who really are poised to become the next big names in the game.”
“The partnership between the Johnny Mac Tennis Project and BNP Paribas on the BNP Mac 1 program is a major step in our mission of providing opportunity to kids who might not otherwise have a chance to advance to the apex of this great sport,” said Patrick McEnroe, Co-Director of JMTA and President of JMTP. “This program will address a major challenge to many young American tennis hopefuls, the cost of training and high-level tournament play. John and I are delighted to be working with BNP Paribas to support youth tennis and help mint the next great American tennis champion.”
The BNP Paribas Mac 1 Team roster includes the following players. Information about each player is featured in the “Player Cards” section of JMTP website. (Click here to download full set of Player Cards, or on names below for individual cards):
§Olivia Benton, 12, “This scholarship allows me to train and will help me not only with my pursuit of tennis, but throughout all aspects of my life.”
§Sebastian Sec, 15, “I really don’t know where I would be without this scholarship. I would love to be able to play professional tennis, or even just play at a Division 1 college.”
§Theadora Rabman, 14, “I love the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and could not be where I am today without it! I love how I can compete while still making amazing friends.”
§Joseph Oyebog, 11, “Tennis is the most important thing in my future. I am so appreciate of the BNP Mac 1 scholarship because it allows me train more and with stronger, more developed players and it will enable me to travel to tournaments.”
§Matisse Farzam, 12, “I’m always happy and feel at home on a tennis court. JMTA has helped me improve all aspects of my game and I love the atmosphere.”
§Summer Chandler, 11, “The Johnny Mac Tennis Project has helped me pursue my tennis dream with access to courts, amazing trainers and really great coaches.”
§Darren Huang, 12, “Receiving the BNP Mac 1 scholarship is a privilege and an honor. I will use it as motivation to be the best I can be, both in tennis and as a person”
Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA, added: “We are delighted to be supporting this program with the goal of developing tomorrow’s future tennis stars, and are honored to be partnering with Patrick and John to make this happen. This community-focused initiative is closely aligned with our many other tennis programs that use tennis to promote opportunity, equality and local engagement.”
Team BNP Paribas Mac 1 participants have been selected based on athletic criteria and financial need, as well as attitude, team-involvement and academic outcomes. The selection committee is composed of John McEnroe,Co-Founder of JMTA and JMTP and Mentor of the“Team BNP Paribas Mac 1”; Patrick McEnroe,President of JMTP and Co-Director of JMTA; and Lead Coach for the“Team BNP Paribas Mac 1”; Jordan Botjer,Executive Director of JMTP, Caryn Epstein,Head of Events and Sponsorships Americas at BNP Paribas. Scholarships are renewable annually at the discretion of the Selection Committee up to a maximum of 3 years.
PHOTO CAPTIONS(Credit: André Whitehead, NeON Photographers):
Deep caption: On Saturday, September 7, John and Patrick McEnroe announced the roster of BNP Paribas Mac 1 Team youth tennis scholarship players, whose training at John McEnroe Tennis Academy and tournament play will be funded through a partnership between the Johnny Mac Tennis Project and international band and longtime tennis sponsor BNP Paribas.
The wearetennis.com website and its social network accounts bring together a community of tennis lovers and dedicated fans from all continents who are keen to obtain the latest news from the Tour. Furthermore, in 2015 BNP Paribas created the We Are Tennis Fan Academy, which enables fans to express their passion for tennis as never before.
BNP Paribas’ Bob Hawley reveals to Business Green–a global trade publication based in the UK focused on sharing news regarding a green economy–the work BNP Paribas is doing to address SDG1, the target to end poverty.
BNP Paribas, a premier global banking partner, announced today the appointment of Dr. Daniel Ahn as Chief US Economist and Head of Markets 360™ North America, the bank’s market strategy and economic commentary division.
Previously, Dr. Ahn was the Chief Economist and led data analytics at the U.S. Department of State. Before entering public service, he was the Chief Commodities Economist at Citigroup in New York and held senior economist and strategist positions at various global financial institutions. Dr. Ahn was a senior advisor at the U.S. Federal Reserve Board of Governors and held research and teaching positions at Harvard University, the National Bureau of Economic Research, Columbia University, the Council on Foreign Relations, the International Monetary Fund, Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University. Dr. Ahn is a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars in Washington D.C. He received his A.B. in economics and finance from Princeton University and his Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.
At BNP Paribas, Dr. Ahn will be responsible for delivering to clients a 360-degree view of the markets across all asset classes around the world with a focus on the US markets and economy. He will lead the economists and strategists in North America and report to John Gallo, Head of Global Markets Americas Sales, and to Kaushik Banerjee, Head of Global Macro Research. Global Macro Research is part of Markets 360™, BNP Paribas’ Strategy & Economics division headed globally by Olivia Frieser.
John Gallo stated, “We welcome Daniel to BNP Paribas and look forward to leveraging his unique insight and knowledge of the markets and US economy to strengthen our client franchise. His experience in both the public and private sectors will be extremely valuable in our service to clients.
“With Daniel’s contributions to our Markets 360™ offering, our clients will receive global perspectives and executable trade ideas that will help them make informed investment decisions as the markets move.”
Dr. Ahn, Chief US Economist and Head of Markets 360™ North America, said, “It’s a great honor and privilege for me to join the BNP Paribas community and help build on the storied bank’s impressive reputation as a leader in global markets. I’m looking forward to bringing a unique combination of skills and analytic insights to drive research, data science and macro strategy in service to the bank’s clients.”
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About Markets 360™:
Markets 360™ is BNP Paribas’ newly revamped Strategy & Economics division, aiming to provide institutional investors, including corporate clients, with top quality market views and thought leadership in a timely manner. Markets 360™ brings Strategy and Economics together in thematic notes across asset classes. Markets 360™ strives for its market insights to be evidence-based, building on quantitative and data analysis. Our unique offer: Quantitative DNA, Emerging Markets strength, Sustainability analysis, Credit expertise and Derivatives proficiency.
About BNP Paribas in the US:
BNP Paribas is a premier global banking partner and has built a strong and diversified presence and product suite in the United States (US) to help serve its clients in today’s changing world. The bank employs over 14,000 people and has had a presence in the US since the late 1800s. Bank of the West, BNP Paribas’ retail arm, serves over two million individuals and small & businesses through a network of around 600 branches and business centers. Large corporate and institutional clients are served by BNP Paribas’ Corporate & Institutional Banking franchise that has a presence in the main US cities, in addition to a wide international reach through a network of offices in EMEA and APAC. The bank also offers asset management services through BNP Paribas Asset Management as well as Real Estate and Fleet Services through partnerships. www.usa.bnpparibas.com
About BNP Paribas:
BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 72 countries, with more than 202,600 employees, of which almost 155,000 are in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance.
In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg), and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending.
BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific.
Guy Taylor
+1 332 323 3704
Guild.Taylor@us.bnpparibas.com
BNP Paribas Open Scholarship Program Doubles In Size and Expands To Four Students
INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 16, 2019 – BNP Paribas and Bank of the West, global leaders in supporting both amateur and professional tennis, have awarded the fourth annual BNP Paribas Open Scholarships to Daniel Ramirez (Desert Mirage High School); Maria Lopez (Desert Mirage High School); Emily Santillanes (Coachella Valley High School); and Gilberto German (Coachella Valley High School).
“BNP Paribas is very happy to present these four outstanding students with scholarships,” said Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA and Chairman of CIB Americas. “Daniel, Maria, Emily and Gilberto have all made significant contributions both on and off the court to their respective communities, families and schools, as well as shown tremendous dedication to their studies. We are proud this year to expand our scholarships to help even more deserving students pursue their dreams.”
Each student received a $15,000 college grant on Thursday, March 14 at an event at their school and will be recognized today during an on-court presentation at the BNP Paribas Open, the largest combined WTA and ATP Tour event in the world. In 2019, the BNP Paribas Open Scholarship program was doubled in size, from two to four recipients.
“These young adults bring passion to all they do, and have demonstrated that they have the ability and ambition to set and achieve goals,” said Nandita Bakhshi, President and Chief Executive Officer at Bank of the West. “It is our hope that the BNP Paribas Open Scholarship will help provide these students with the opportunity to further their education and will assist in opening up a world of possibilities. Congratulations, Maria, Daniel, Gilberto, and Emily – we can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Daniel, a senior at Desert Mirage High School, excels not only in the classroom, but also in extracurricular activities such as Advanced Band and tennis. Demonstrating his leadership abilities by training new members of the team, Daniel was named captain of the tennis team his junior year. He plans to use this scholarship to help him pursue a degree in computer science at UCLA.
Maria has become an integral part of the Desert Mirage High School community, participating in organizations such as varsity tennis, varsity soccer, Aztec Dance, the Youth Organizing Council, Ram Squad Club and more. Maria has excelled in her coursework and hopes to parlay her work ethic into either a Nursing or Psychology degree at Cal State University San Marcos.
Emily has immersed herself in a variety of leadership roles at Coachella Valley High School by joining programs such as the School Site Council, Associate Student Body and the varsity tennis team. She plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education and pursue her goal of teaching English abroad as a foreign language teacher.
As a member of the Coachella Valley High School varsity tennis team, Gilberto has developed a love and passion for the sport. Along with growing his game on-court, he has helped around the local community by volunteering as a ball boy at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the Oracle Challenger Series. Gilberto hopes to pursue a degree in either Chemistry or Law Enforcement at Imperial Valley College.
About the BNP Paribas Open
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest ATP Tour and WTA combined two-week event in the world, and is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The tournament offers more than $15 million in prize money, and is the only event to provide the Hawk-Eye line challenge system on all match courts, including qualifying rounds. For more information, visit www.bnpparibasopen.com.
For 2019, BNP Paribas and Bank of the West celebrated International Women’s Day in a partnership with the UN’s “HeForShe” movement which saw the back walls of Stadium 1 change colors to magenta on March 8, as well as $100 donations to UN Women for every ace served on the day and $10 donations to UN Women for every photo taken by participants who opted in to promote the movement. A total of $28,630 was made as a result of 244 Aces and 423 photos taken.
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 72 countries, with more than 202,600 employees, of which almost 155,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance.
In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending.
BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific.
About Bank of the West
The fundamental belief that a bank should have a positive impact on society drives Bank of the West. At a time when people demand more from companies, we are taking action to ensure our activities help protect the planet, improve people’s lives, and strengthen communities. That’s why we are investing where we can have a real impact: supporting energy transition, helping enable female entrepreneurs and financing innovative start-ups. As the bank for a changing world, Bank of the West is committed to sustainable finance along with our parent company BNP Paribas, which is one of the only financial organizations in the world to adopt the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through Digital Channels and offices across the U.S., Bank of the West provides financial tools and resources to more than 2 million individuals, families and businesses.
Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
Stadium 1 Back Walls Color Changed to Magenta on International Women’s Day in support of UN Women’s HeForShe solidarity movement for gender equality
Donation of $100 to UN Women for Every Ace, demonstrating commitment to gender equality
NEW YORK, NY / INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 8, 2019 – BNP Paribas, one of the leading sponsors of tennis globally, will mark this year’s International Women’s Day by changing the color of the back walls in Stadium 1 to Magenta at the BNP Paribas Open, with a dedicated message in support of UN Women’s HeForShe movement, which seeks to engage men and boys as advocates for gender equality.
Additionally, the Bank will be donating $100 for every “ace” served on that day to the UN Women US National Committee. Tournament attendees are also invited to Bank of the West’s photo activation booth, where it will make an additional $10 donation to UN Women’s work on women and girls’ empowerment for every photo taken by participants who opt in to promote the movement.
Gender equality is at the heart of BNP Paribas’ company engagement strategy. As a major supporter of UN Women’s HeForShe movement, BNP Paribas is committed to increasing gender diversity in traditionally male or female-dominated professions within the banking industry and raising awareness of gender equality globally. The company also serves as title partner for the HeForShe movement’s advocacy and programmatic work, and leverages the HeForShe initiative to reach women entrepreneurs working to develop renewable energies around the world.
“We are proud to be celebrating International Women’s Day by supporting UN Women and their HeForShe solidarity movement at this year’s BNP Paribas Open,” said Jean-Yves Fillion, Chief Executive Officer, BNP Paribas USA and Chairman of CIB Americas. “Gender equality is extremely important to us at BNP Paribas, and we are seeing our continued efforts taking hold – with women leaders accounting for significant percentage of this years’ senior-level promotions. I’m pleased that our pledge to diversity and inclusion, and specifically to our partners at UN Women, has come to life here at the stadium today.”
“As a female CEO – one of a few in global banking – I recognize International Women’s Day as a meaningful moment to acknowledge all that’s been accomplished with regard to advancing gender diversity,” said Nandita Bakhshi President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of the West and Co-Chief Executive Officer of BNP Paribas USA Inc. “We’re proud to celebrate International Women’s Day alongside some of our women entrepreneur clients who are with us at the stadium today, and to support HeForShe.”
As title sponsor of the tournament since 2009, BNP Paribas’ commitment to the sport of tennis – above its partnerships at all levels of the game – is reflected by a wide range of social, educational and charitable activities across the tennis world, including the annual BNP Paribas Open. BNP Paribas has been engaged in major philanthropy initiatives for 30 years through its Foundation, focusing its activities on three main areas: the Arts, Social Inclusion, and the Environment – giving over 40 million Euros per year.
Contacts: Matt Van Tuinen, MVT PR, Media Relations, BNP Paribas Open +1 773 860 5828; matt@mvtpr.com
The United Nations worked with the Pantone Color Institute to find a color that expresses the passion and excitement of HeForShe. Bright and bold, magenta is created by uniting both ends of the color spectrum, making it the ideal color to represent the solidarity movement for gender equality. As men begin to identify and join with issues more closely associated with women, stereotypical color usage is beginning to melt away. While over the last 100 years pink shades have traditionally been seen as a sensitive expression of femininity, in the 21st century pink has a contrasting function with strong, hard shades of pink replacing red with a different call to arms.
About HeForShe
Created by UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, the HeForShe solidarity movement for gender equality provides a systematic approach and targeted platform where a global audience can engage and become change agents for the achievement of gender equality in our lifetime. HeForShe invites people around the world to stand together as equal partners to craft a shared vision of a gender equal world and implement specific, locally relevant solutions for the good of all of humanity. www.heforshe.org
About the BNP Paribas Open
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest ATP World Tour and WTA combined two-week event in the world, and is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The tournament offers more than $14 million in prize money, and is the only event to provide the Hawkeye line challenge system on all match courts, including qualifying rounds. For more information, visit www.bnpparibasopen.com
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 72 countries, with more than 202,000 employees, of which more than 154,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance.
In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending.
BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. www.group.bnpparibas
About the BNP Paribas Group in the USA
BNP Paribas has built a strong and diversified presence in the United States to support its client base. The bank employs close to 14,000 people and has had a presence in the USA since the late 1800s. Bank of the West serves over 2 million individuals and small businesses through a network of around 600 branches and business centers. Large corporate and institutional clients are serviced by BNP Paribas’ Corporate & Institutional Banking franchise that has a presence in the main US cities, in addition to a global reach through a network of offices in EMEA and APAC. The bank also offers asset management services through BNP Paribas Asset Management as well as Real Estate and Fleet Services through partnerships.
About Bank of the West
The fundamental belief that a bank should have a positive impact on society drives Bank of the West. At a time when people demand more from companies, we are taking action to ensure our activities help protect the planet, improve people’s lives, and strengthen communities. That’s why we are investing where we can have a real impact: supporting energy transition, helping enable female entrepreneurs and financing innovative start-ups. As the bank for a changing world, Bank of the West is committed to sustainable finance along with our parent company BNP Paribas, which is one of the only financial organizations in the world to adopt the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through Digital Channels and offices across the U.S., Bank of the West provides financial tools and resources to more than 2 million individuals, families and businesses. www.bankofthewest.com
On December 4, 2018, BNP Paribas visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square to ring the Opening Bell in celebration of the bank’s lasting partnership with Nasdaq. Bob Hawley, CEO of CIB Americas, was joined by BNP Paribas employees as he rang the Opening Bell to signal the start of the trading day.
Tal Cohen, Head of North American Equities at Nasdaq, kicked off the ceremony by highlighting BNP Paribas’ history and presence in the US and its collaboration with Nasdaq.
Prior to the bell ringing, Hawley gave a few words of thanks to the “tens of thousands of BNP Paribas Group employees, both those in the US and those around the world for their dedication and continued commitment.” He was also presented with the Opening Bell ceremony crystal on behalf of the bank.
The Opening Bell ceremony was broadcast live on Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox Business News and BNN, and was also live-streaming on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square and on Nasdaq.com. In honor of the occasion, the Bank’s brand was displayed on the Nasdaq MarketSite tower in Times Square.
