In the ad campaign entitled “Parlons de la banque et parlons-en vraiment” (let’s talk about banks and let’s talk about them properly), the French Banking Federation (FBF) highlights both the significant role played by banks in the French economy and the daily commitment of bank employees to helping people on a daily basis in difficult economic conditions. Since the crisis, the efforts by French banks to finance the economy have been amongst the most efficient in the European Union in terms of volumes and terms and conditions. Data from the Banque de France backs these claims: rates at record lows, a +3.6% increase in loan outstandings in one year at end-October 2010, and a +5% increase in loans to SMEs/VSEs.

The FBF also points out that the banks were not the cause of the crisis, that they have learnt lessons in terms of regulation and that they have not cost taxpayers a penny.

The Chairman and CEO of Societe Generale Group, Frédéric Oudéa, is currently Vice-Chairman of the FBF.

The FBF (or Fédération Bancaire Française) was created in 2001. It represents all French and foreign banks which do business in France. It is involved in all banking and financial regulatory issues at French, European and international level, as well as in any subjects relating to the position of banks in society.