Societe Generale has been supporting economic development for 160 years through several generations of staff and clients.
Pioneer of the Industrial Revolution
Founded in 1864 during the reign of Napoleon III by a group of industrialists and visionary financiers, the Bank played a decisive role in the industrial revolution. Today, it is establishing itself as a key player in the transition towards sustainable development. Its history, marked by innovation and adaptability, thus illustrates a constant commitment to anticipate each era’s challenges.
Since its beginnings, Societe Generale has worked to diversify its activities and innovate, enabling it to rapidly establish itself at the forefront of the financing of the economy. Between 1870 and 1940, the Group’s network of retail bank branches jumped from 46 to 1,500, making it the leading French credit institution in terms of deposits during the interwar period.
Abroad, the Bank acquired a global dimension by helping finance essential infrastructure in Europe, Latin America and North Africa. From 1871, it also opened branch offices in strategic cities such as London, New York, Buenos Aires and Dakar.
A bank serving the economy
Nationalised by the French law of 2 December 1945, Societe Generale played an active role in France’s post-war reconstruction. During the “Trente Glorieuses”, the thirty years of economic prosperity that followed, it saw substantial growth by launching innovative financial solutions such as leasing. It then successfully adapted to the banking reforms of the 1960s.
Privatised in 1987, Societe Generale began a new phase in its development by strengthening its universal banking strategy and then consolidating its presence in France with strategic acquisitions, including those of Boursorama and Crédit du Nord. Meanwhile, its international expansion accelerated, notably in Eastern Europe and in Africa, where the Group is continuing to play a key role in economic development
For 160 years, the Group has been resolutely committed to meeting the challenges of our time to ensure sustainable development and a responsible transition. True to the spirit of entrepreneurship that has driven it from the outset, it is continuing to build bridges between generations by supporting the projects of more than 26 million clients around the world.
The strength of the legacy left by previous generations enables the Societe Generale group to look to the future with boldness, determination and confidence.
