BNP Paribas’ Securities Services Business Appointed By Bpifrance To Support “Bpifrance Défense” Fund

Securities Services at BNP Paribas, a leading global custodian with USD 17.5 trillion in assets under custody¹, announces its mandate with Bpifrance to provide a range of securities services for its “Bpifrance Défense” S.L.P. fund, labelled ELTIF II and accessible to retail investors.

Bpifrance is the French public investment bank dedicated to financing and supporting business development. Its new “Bpifrance Défense” fund marks a new milestone in the democratisation of investment in unlisted companies, enabling retail investors, at the end of the lock-up period, to invest in over 500 unlisted companies operating in the strategic sectors of defence and sovereignty².

Following a competitive tender process, BNP Paribas has been selected by asset manager Bpifrance Investissement to support this fund. The bank’s technological innovation, supported by its tailored product solutions, enables the distribution of the fund to a broad base of retail investors while managing high volumes of transactions. This partnership demonstrates BNP Paribas’ capability to deliver advanced services, combining operational efficiency with great flexibility to adapt to market requirements.

Through this mandate, BNP Paribas’ Securities Services business acts as depositary bank, custodian, and registrar for fundholders, further strengthening its already well-established partnership with Bpifrance Investissement.

Nadia Charlemagne-Sarri, COO of Bpifrance Investissement, commented: “As of 30 June 2026, the Bpifrance Défense fund has raised more than 100 million euros, which reaffirms our innovative positioning in the field of investment solutions for retail investors. From the fund’s launch to its development, BNP Paribas’ Securities Services business contributes to the success of this thematic fund through the commitment of its teams and the operational efficiency of its platform.”

Pauline Bernard, Regional Head of France and Belgium, Securities Services, BNP Paribas, stated: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Bpifrance and, through this fund, to contribute to supporting the real economy and French sovereignty. We remain committed to supporting Bpifrance over the long term in its projects serving the public interest.”