What banks don’t finance is just as important as what they do
When your business puts its money in the bank, it goes back into the world to finance all kinds of things-including practices that may run counter to your business’s purpose. Do you know what your bank is financing?
We are committed to being a leader in sustainable finance
To this end, Bank of the West, as part of the BNP Paribas Group, has made the following decisions:
ARCTIC DRILLING
Bank of the West has a ban on Arctic drilling, and will not finance Arctic oil and gas exploration or production projects. Read the policy here.
COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
Bank of the West instituted guidelines around coal-fired power plants that are not actively involved in the energy transition. Read the policy here.
FRACKING, SHALE & TAR SANDS MINING
Bank of the West committed to exiting fracking and shale or tar sands mining. Read the policy here.
TOBACCO
Bank of the West is terminating all financing and investment activities related to manufacturers of tobacco products, as well as producers, wholesalers, and traders whose revenue comes primarily from tobacco. Read the policy here.
IRRESPONSIBLE PALM OIL PRODUCTION
Palm oil provides a source of revenue and ensures subsistence for millions of people living in developing countries. However, operating these plantations can have a range of negative effects on local communities, climate change and ecosystems. Read the policy here.
UNSUSTAINABLE WOOD PULP PRODUCTION
As the demand for paper-based products grows over the next decade, this development will have a major impact on our planet’s environment. Read the policy here.
We are focused on the positive impact we can make in the world
RENEWABLE ENERGY
In 2018, Bank of the West committed $1 billion dollars to finance renewable energy, as part of a new multi-year effort to support broader diversity and transition in the U.S. The BNP Paribas Group has also doubled its financing goal for renewable energy to €15 billion by 2020.
Learn more.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Bank of the West is increasing support for the development and growth of women entrepreneurs. By supporting women business owners, we will be closing the wealth gap while fostering innovation and a stronger economy.
Learn more.
UN 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
BNP Paribas Group was one of the first companies to include the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of its CSR strategy, and is one of a few companies to contribute to all SDGs.
Learn more.
Recognition
Positive impact already being made by Bank of the West and BNP Paribas Group
BNP Paribas is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the 4th consecutive year in 2018.
In 2019, BNP Paribas is ranked for the 5th year in the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations
“French bank BNP Paribas has the best grades on average, with restrictions for not just coal financing, but for some parts of oil and gas as well.”
Fossil Fuel Finance Report Card 2018
"Bank of the West, owned by BNP Paribas, might be a good choice for Americans: BNP Paribas still has a long way to go, but has made some really impressive moves toward a stable climate."
SIERRA, The National Magazine of the Sierra Club, April 2019
From our leadership
Globally and locally we stand together with the same vision for the future of our bank and our world.
“Contributing to a better future is our duty…this will demand strategic and sometimes hard choices, including financial consequences. But…society as a whole will benefit.”
-Jean-Laurent Bonnafé (CEO of BNP Paribas)
"Bank of the West is driven by a fundamental belief in redefining banking for a better future. With our parent BNP Paribas, we are embracing diversity and taking action to support sustainable finance.”
-Nandita Bakhshi (CEO of Bank of the West)
Local expertise, global capabilities
We pair personal service and knowledge of local industries with the global expertise of BNP Paribas.
74 countries. One bank.
Bank of the west and BNP Paribas offer seamless local and global services to help you navigate the increasingly complex business environment with agility and efficiency
Sustainable supply chain
Applying innovative approaches to reduce cash trapped in companies’ working capital, while incentivizing stakeholders throughout the supply chain to be more sustainable.
Global trade
Based on our international trade expertise, we tailor solutions from our end-to-end suite of offerings- including conventional products, structured trade finance, and working capital solutions.
Specialized services for businesses
Across sectors and size, from small corner store to mid-market, to global corporate.
Recognized leader
Best US commercial bank 5 years in a row by World Finance Magazine.
Legal information and Disclosures
Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC.
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Securities and variable annuities are offered through BancWest Investment Services, a registered broker/dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Financial Advisors are Registered Representatives of BancWest Investment Services. Fixed annuities/insurance products are offered through BancWest Insurance Agency in California, (License #0C52321), and through BancWest Investment Services, Inc. In all other states where it is licensed to do business. This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business. Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries are not tax or legal advisors.
BancWest Investment Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the West. Bank of the West is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas.