Enna Pariset: «We Swiss Need to Finally Move on From the CS Crisis»
Under Enna Pariset’s leadership, BNP Paribas has risen to become one of the leading banks in Switzerland. The head of BNP Paribas in Switzerland discusses the Credit Suisse crisis impact, and why the French banking group has no trouble attracting talent.
Even at six in the evening, she’s still bursting with energy: Enna Pariset is known for being highly driven and charismatic.
In recent years, BNP Paribas has established itself as a leading European financial institution, further consolidating its position through strategic initiatives and a focus on sustainability.
BNP Paribas is Strengthening Its Position in Asset Management
In 2024, net profit rose 4.1 percent to 11.7 billion euros ($13.3 billion), driven by strong investment banking activity. Revenues climbed 4.1 percent to 48.8 billion euros.
Most recently, BNP Paribas made headlines with the announced acquisition of Axa Investment Managers for 5.1 billion euros that is to close by the end of June 2025. With this acquisition, the French financial institution is strengthening its position in asset management—BNP Paribas alone will manage more than 50 billion Swiss franc ($60.1 billion) in Switzerland.
Enna Pariset has been with BNP Paribas for over 21 years and has been leading the bank’s Swiss operations since January 2022 as the Head of Territory, and as the CEO since the summer of 2023. During this time, she has succeeded in shaping BNP Paribas into one of the key players in the Swiss financial market.
In an interview with finews.asia, she shares her perspective on several topics.
Enna Pariset on …
… the business in Switzerland
«We have over 1,200 employees across six locations in Switzerland (Zurich, Rotkreuz, Lugano, Geneva, Gland, Lausanne), and we’re continuing to grow. In wealth management and corporate and institutional banking (CIB), we’ve seen strong progress in recent years. In 2024 the business we do with Swiss clients – corporates, financial institutions, private individuals, entrepreneurs and families – has contributed 1 billion Euros in revenues to BNP Paribas Group.»
… market prospects
«BNP Paribas Group is taking full ownership of Axa Investment Managers (Axa IM). Axa IM manages assets of around 850 billion euros globally, which will bring total assets under management of BNP Paribas to 1.5 trillion Euros. In Switzerland, it’s 53.5 billion euros as of end-2023. These are fantastic prospects, especially for our One Bank approach.»
… UBS
«A country greatly benefits from having a strong national bank. It’s fantastic that Switzerland has such an internationally recognized bank in UBS. I’m pleased that in recent years we’ve succeeded in positioning ourselves as a key force in the Swiss financial market behind UBS. Competition boosts business – and that should be in everyone’s interest.»
… Switzerland as a business location
«Switzerland is the most innovative country in the world. As such, there should be more IPOs. Last year, there were only four – and BNP Paribas was involved in two. We want to play an even stronger role in increasing the number of IPOs in Switzerland. That’s why we’re helping companies progress from start-up to scale-up. For two years now, we’ve been specifically supporting Swiss start-ups in the tech and healthcare sectors because we see great potential there.»
… banking regulation
«I have great respect for the work of the financial regulator Finma. Regulation is carried out in the interest of all market participants. I have no complaints—I actually appreciate discipline.»
… the collapse of Credit Suisse (CS)
«We Swiss should finally leave the CS crisis behind us. I know it was not a pleasant chapter in the history of the Swiss financial center. But now, we should look ahead again. Switzerland’s financial center is outstanding, and we should focus on making the most of its potential.»
… the shortage of skilled workers
«We don’t struggle to find new talent. Why? Because we know exactly who we’re looking for.»
