Today a large part of the world’s population still has no access to banking services. This is notably the case in developing countries in Africa and Asia. Now there is a strong correlation between banking access, economic trade and in fine economic development.

I am convinced that it is our role, as a bank, to open up banking access to as many people as possible. It’s something we pay particular attention to. Microfinance establishments are already doing a lot in this respect and, as for Societe Generale, we have launched a number of projects.

Recently we launched a new service on the Senegalese market called Yoban’tel, which means “send by phone” in the local Wolof language. And that’s literally what this new service lets people do: anyone with a mobile phone, regardless of their network operator or whether they have a bank account or not, will be able to pay their bills or make money transfers thanks to their mobile phone. They will thus have access to a simple universal payment method that is an alternative to traditional banking!

Senegal is just the first step before a more general deployment across the African continent, and eventually throughout the Group. We are very proud to be able to provide this service, and to thus play a leading role in the development of geographical regions where Societe Generale has a presence. As a key player in Africa, we take our social responsibilities seriously and undertake progress-bearing initiatives. That too is the role of a bank – to be capable of making life easier for those who are not (yet!) our clients.