Leading Sub-Custodian Banks in Western Europe for the Year 2025

BNP Paribas, a leading global bank, has made significant strides in its custody services, introducing a new centralized booking model and a digital platform to streamline operations and improve client experiences.

The bank's new centralized booking model allows clients to engage with a single legal entity in its Paris office for services across multiple markets. This move enables seamless access to seven European Central Securities Depositories (CSDs), providing greater efficiency and transparency.

One of the key benefits of this new service is the enhanced transparency it offers. Clients can now view their securities portfolios across different asset classes, complete with performance and risk analytics, as well as comprehensive reporting features.

BNP Paribas has also developed an open architecture strategy to integrate client-portfolio management systems with its middle- and back-office services. This strategy provides direct and standardized data connectivity between the bank's global fund-accounting systems and Bloomberg Asset and Investment Manager.

The bank's clients also benefit from the NeoLink digital custody platform, a complete, simple, and customizable range of services. This platform delivers greater transparency along the transaction lifecycle, with real-time post-trade workflows and faster data availability.

Recently, BNP Paribas launched a new post-trade data-management service using offerings from financial data technology provider NeoXam. This service is designed to further enhance the bank's ability to manage and analyse data, providing even more insights for its clients.

The bank's commitment to improving its services has not gone unnoticed. The editorial board selected BNP Paribas as the regional winner for Western Europe in securities services. The criteria for selection included factors such as customer relations, quality of service, technology platforms, and post-settlement operations.

In addition to its regional win, BNP Paribas is also the country winner in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The bank's knowledge of local markets, regulations, and practices played a significant role in these wins.

BNP Paribas is also an active member of the EU industry task force on T+1 implementation. The bank is committed to a seamless transition for the industry and its clients with the move to a T+1 settlement cycle in the EU.

In every country BNP Paribas serves, it collaborates with regulators on market developments to advance custody infrastructure and advocate for clients. This collaborative approach underscores the bank's commitment to its clients and the industry as a whole.

In conclusion, BNP Paribas' recent enhancements to its custody services demonstrate its dedication to providing efficient, transparent, and secure services to its clients. The bank's open architecture strategy, digital platform, and collaboration with regulators position it well for the future of the securities services industry.