Société Générale, founded in 1864, is one of France’s oldest and most prominent banking institutions, initially established to support the country’s industrial growth during the Second Empire. Over its long history, it has evolved from a national financier to a diversified global banking group operating in over 60 countries. Despite facing significant challenges, including financial crises and scandals, the bank has maintained its critical role in France’s economic development and expanded internationally. Today, Société Générale stands as a key player in the global financial sector, committed to innovation, sustainability, and adapting to the evolving demands of modern banking. This critical introduction sets the stage for understanding Société Générale’s significant historical legacy and current standing in the financial world.
Société Générale is one of the oldest and largest financial services groups globally, recognized as the third largest bank in France and a systemically important bank in Europe. Founded in 1864, it evolved from a national financier of industrial investments into a diversified universal bank with operations in over 60 countries. The company operates in multiple sectors including retail banking, corporate and investment banking, financial services, insurance, and asset management. It maintains a strong regulatory compliance framework with no publicly verified involvement in corporate laundering or illicit financial activities. Société Générale continues to adapt with modern banking trends focusing on customer-centric services and sustainability (ESG). It has a solid history of legal and regulatory compliance, albeit with past isolated financial operational issues unrelated to money laundering.
