BNP Paribas has been named India’s Best International Corporate Bank by Asiamoney at its 2022 awards. The award recognises the Bank’s full suite of best-in-class products and solutions in lending, financing, equity and debt capital markets.
The award also distinguishes the benefits of BNP Paribas’ global network that enables companies to unlock international opportunities through a single banking relationship, while placing sustainability at the core of every offering.
As a leading bank in the EU and a key player in international banking, we serve as the gateway between India and the rest of the world. We are committed to supporting Indian corporates as they navigate the financial ecosystem, and similarly guiding European corporate clients looking to expand their footprint in India.
Sanjay Singh, CEO India, BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is a trusted partner to many of India’s companies, helping them keep their treasury functions running during changing geopolitical and macroeconomic scenarios, and creating efficiencies through to drive digitalisation.
Supporting Jaguar Land Rover’s international expansion
Seamless, cross-border access to BNP Paribas products and services was crucial for the expansion of Tata Group-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The auto company was looking for a partner to offer exclusive financial services to the carmaker’s retailers and consumers in nine EU countries.
To provide a truly integrated service offering covering all types of mobility financing needs, BNP Paribas provided a full range of services, including Personal Finance for stock financing and loans, Arval for lease-to-purchase, long-term leases and fleet management, and Cardif for insurance the creation bespoke solutions.
The arrangement also supports JLR’s ‘Reimagine’ programme, which commits to introduce its first pure electric vehicle in 2024, phase out diesel engines from 2026 and exit all fossil fuel power by 2036.
Sustainable finance expertise
Asiamoney’s editors cited BNP Paribas’ track record of successful transactions to support Indian companies, including financing for the US$1 billion leveraged buyout of IT service management company Hexaware, one of the largest debt deals by a private equity firm to acquire an Indian company.
In the debt capital markets, BNP Paribas led a US$475 million social bond for asset financing company Shriram Transport Finance Company, which will use the proceeds to generate employment in small and medium-sized businesses.
The Bank has also demonstrated its cross-border fundraising skills and ESG expertise with a US$600 million sustainable bond sale for Axis Bank in its first international issue for four years.
In equities, BNP Paribas led food company Adani Wilmar’s US$480 million IPO on the National Stock Exchange of India, which priced at the top end of expectations despite turbulent markets, and was sole advisor to Tata Steel’s US$172 million disposal of NatSteel Holdings to Toptip Holdings in Singapore.
“BNP Paribas continues to be the preferred banking partner for Indian corporates, whether it’s a simple banking need or a sophisticated and structured product. Leveraging on our global leadership and global product suite, we will accompany our clients in their transformation amidst an increasingly competitive market landscape,” explained Singh.