About

160 years of banking. Still just getting started.

SG is a bank in Paris, Île-de-France. From our headquarters at 16 Rue du Pont Neuf in the 1st arrondissement, we've financed French industry, weathered world wars, and helped generations of Parisians build their lives — without ever losing sight of what matters: trust, proximity, and service.

Our story

Key milestones

1864

Founded under Napoleon III

Société Générale was chartered by imperial decree on 4 May 1864 to support the development of French commerce and industry. The first branch opened on Rue de Provence in Paris.

1945

Nationalisation & reconstruction

Alongside France's largest banks, SG was nationalised to help rebuild the post-war economy. The bank financed major infrastructure projects across the country.

1987

Privatisation & market listing

SG returned to the private sector and listed on the Paris Bourse. The IPO was one of the largest in French history and cemented SG's place in the CAC 40.

1997

Digital banking launch

SG became one of the first French banks to offer online account management, laying the groundwork for today's fully digital experience.

2024

A modern universal bank

Today SG serves over 30 million clients across 60+ countries. From our historic headquarters at 16 Rue du Pont Neuf, we combine the stability of a 160-year-old institution with the tools of a technology-first bank.

Values

What we stand for

Integrity

We never sell products our clients don't need. Every recommendation must pass a simple test: would we give it to our own family?

Proximity

Every client has a named relationship manager who knows their situation. Not a chatbot, not a call centre — a real person you can meet at 16 Rue du Pont Neuf.

Innovation

We invest €4 billion annually in technology. Instant SEPA, AI fraud detection, mobile cheque deposit — 160 years old, but our stack is as fresh as any fintech's.

Ready to experience banking the way it should be?

Visit us at 16 Rue du Pont Neuf or open an account online in under 10 minutes.