BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas the world's largest banking group, operating across 87 countries and with assets of over 3 trillion dollars.

BNP Paribas is a major player in terms of corporate and investment banking, as well as in retail banking, international private banking, asset management and global custody. The firm's headquarters are located in Paris and London, with a strong presence in the USA, Asia and throughout Europe.

There are nearly 3000 people based in the firm's London office, and between them they are responsible for over 7000 transactions and a turnover equivalent to 100 billion Euro every day.

Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) is one of BNP Paribas' three core businesses. The other two are BPGA (Banque Prive Gestion d'Actifs), comprising Asset Management, Insurance, Private Banking, and Securities Services; and Retail Banking. CIB employs over 13,500 professionals across the globe, with headquarters in Paris and London and a strong presence in the United States and Asia, as well as across Europe.

Application Process

[Edit] The BNP Paribas application process consists of:

• Application Form
• Online numerical reasoning & verbal reasoning test
• First interview or telephone interview
• Assessment Day

First Interview

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The first interview is carried out with a member of HR and may be a telephone interview. It consists of a mix of career motivation questions and competency based interview questions.

Questions you are likely to be asked include:

• Why did you pick your university?
• Why your course?
• Why BNP Paribas?
• Who are BNP Paribas' main competitors and how is BNP distinguished from them?
• Why did you choose corporate finance/investment banking?
• Give me an example of a time when you have worked in a team.
• Give me an example of a time you made a mistake, what the consequence was, and if and how you fixed it.
• Give me an example of when you have had to convince someone about something
• What is greatest challenge you have faced?

Assessment Day

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You will be given three 45 minute interviews. This will typically be with two associates and a vice president.

You will talk through your CV, and each interviewer will ask their own questions of interest. They will be particularly interested in any previous work experience you have in investment banking or corporate finance.

You may be asked technical questions. For example:

• Talk me through DCF analysis
• What other valuation methods do you know?
• What is a Credit default swap?

You will be asked career motivation questions, particularly:

• Why corporate finance / investment banking?
• Why BNP Paribas?
• Why did you pick your university and course?

You will then have about 10-15 mins for you to ask them questions about their role or any other information you want to know.