A Reunion corporate finance specialist has taken over management of the BNP Paribas Réunion Business Center. In Reunion as in the rest of the world, BNP Paribas puts its renowned financial expertise at the service of businesses, but also its values of responsible banking and sustainable finance, to today encourage and facilitate the ecological transition of companies.
Meeting Leader : BNP Paribas Réunion is a general bank. How does the Business activity fit into its organization? ?
Daniel Narayanin : Our bank is one of the oldest companies on the island. We have actively participated in its development since 1927 ! Local and universal banking, BNP Paribas is today the bank of choice for all customers: individuals, professionals and businesses. Our activities are organized around these three markets. The Retail Market, through its network of local agencies, welcomes customers of individuals and professionals with an annual turnover of less than 2,5 million euros. The Private Banking Center is aimed at customers seeking personalized support for the management of their assets. The Business Center, that I lead, supports companies developing a turnover greater than 2,5 million euros. We also offer our services and products in Mayotte.
What was your professional background? ?
I started in banking after finishing my studies in 1988. After having held several positions of responsibility in local banks, most of my journey, since 1992, revolved around the management and animation of business customers. I joined BNP Paribas Réunion in 2003 where, quickly, I took on deputy responsibility for Large Business customers. My career took on another dimension in 2018 with an expatriation to New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. I was entrusted with the management of the Corporate Market and I joined the management committee of this other subsidiary of the BNP Paribas group.. This experience was incomparably enriching for me.. It allowed me to discover new territories of great human and cultural wealth., as well as a development model different from ours. Back in Reunion, In March 2022, I took over management of the Corporate Business Center, alongside a team of 21 employees. My other role is that of member of the management committee of BNP Paribas Réunion.
Who exactly is the Business Center for? ?
Our Business Center accompanies and supports Reunion and Mahorese companies of all sizes and types – start-ups with potential, PME-PMI, ETI (Business Size Intermediate) or Large Companies. We are also a partner of institutional organizations and large associations in the development of their activities.. We provide them with our “corporate” expertise through our credit offers. : financing of operating needs, investments or external growth with leverage, as well as our offer on Asset Management (monetary asset management, UCITS and shares…). Also through our Cash Management activities and products. Our real estate division, very active, is recognized for its expertise in supporting local commercial real estate players, private, VEFA social, real estate development…
The fact that BNP Paribas is one of the largest banks in the world, is this an asset ?
BNP Paribas is the leading European bank and the sixth largest bank in the world. Our Business franchise is the leader in Europe and present in all CAC 40 companies. Our local teams can rely on our various local networks and our international centers of expertise on a daily basis.. We put this expertise of large accounts at the service of Reunion SMEs.
What goals do you set for yourself? ?
We are already partners with almost all of the large companies on the island. We aim to develop in small and medium-sized businesses. It is important for us to remain the reference bank for businesses in the local market.. We also have the ambition to accelerate synergy with the other subsidiaries of our group present on the island to even better serve our customers in all their needs.. On the other hand, banking activity takes a crucial place in the fight against climate change. BNP Paribas Réunion plays its part in this paradigm shift. We aim to support our clients in greening their operating model.
How does this requirement translate into practice? ?
We stay away from companies that are not very virtuous in terms of compliance with CSR rules. We want to be a player in the energy transition through our corporate financing. This forward-looking commercial posture requires a strong commitment from our employees. Our teams are aware of CSR issues and the regulatory constraints which increasingly weigh on the banking profession should not be a hindrance, but a lever to practice our profession differently, by reconciling human well-being and customer service.
