Banque Libano-Française S.A.L.

Banque Libano-Française (BLF) is a Lebanese bank holding number 10 on Banque du Liban List of Banks. It has a total of 56 branches and more than 156 ATMs, the second largest network of ATMs in Lebanon in 2015.

The Bank covers the following services: commercial banking, investment banking, retail banking, private banking, treasury and capital markets and correspondent banking.

BLF is also an active member of the Association of Banks in Lebanon.

History

Banque Libano-Française (BLF) was created in 1930 as a branch of the French bank, Compagnie Algérienne.
In 1967, BLF became a bank established under the Lebanese Law, with 70% French shareholding.
In 1970, Banque Indosuez acquired a 5% direct interest in the Bank capital.
In 1973, Banque Indosuez increased its stake to 20% through a partial acquisition of the shares of Compagnie Française de Crédit et de Banque (former Compagnie Algérienne de Crédit et de Banque), which became known as Parthena Investment.
In 1992, Banque Indosuez increased its shareholding in Banque Libano-Française to 51%.
In 1999, BLF acquired 100% of Crédit Agricole Indosuez Liban (CAIL), a financial institution specialized in securities brokerage and portfolio management.
In 2004, Crédit Agricole Group decided to reduce its exposure in Lebanon, in anticipation of the implementation of Basle II. Therefore, Caylon (former Crédit Agricole Indosuez) reduced its participation in the Bank to 9%.
In 2006, BLF finalized the acquisition of 78.3% of Banque SBA shares, established in France (Paris) with a financial subsidiary in Geneva known as LF Finance (Switzerland) SA and a branch in Cyprus (Limassol).
In 2007, Banque Libano-Française opened its subsidiary in Syria, Bank Al Sharq.
On September 1, 2014, Farid Raphaël, founder of Banque Libano-Française and its Chairman General Manager from 1979, passed away.
On September 15, 2014, Walid Raphaël was elected by the Board of Directors as Chairman General Manager of the Bank.

Shareholders

Libano Holding S.A.L.
BLF Investment Holding L.T.D.
Financière Raphaël Holding
Chaoui Holding
Al-Shams Holding L.T.D.
Gil Holding L.T.D.
Others

Board of Directors

Mr. Walid Raphaël (Chairman)
Mr. Elie Nahas (Group Chairman), former Honorary Council General of Netherlands in Lebanon
Mr. Zafer Chaoui, Honorary Consul General of Finland in Lebanon since 1996
Mr. Philippe Doré, Director at Arjil, an independent investment bank based in Paris
Mr. Habib Letayf, former Chairman and General Manager of Casino du Liban
Me. Philippe Lette,
Dr. Marwan Nsouli,
Mrs. Raya Raphaël Nahas, member of the Board of LIFE (Lebanese International Finance Executive)
Mr. Wafic Saïd, former Vice Governor of Banque Du Liban, co-Founder and Trustee of the Said Business School Foundation (Oxford University - business school)

Capital and financial figures

BLF capital is LBP 235 billion (around USD 157 million).

As at December 2015, BLF had 1,186 employees working in its local branches. Its total assets amounted to USD 11,641 million, and its net profit scored USD 106 million, with an increase of 3.92% compared to 2014.

Vision and mission

Banque Libano-Française is renowned for its professionalism and financial strength, and aims at being a leading player and a reference in the banking sector in Lebanon.

The Bank is also committed to constantly developing its skills to ensure expertise and quality of service, and to maintain and strengthen the trust relationship with its clients, staff, shareholders, the Lebanese banking sector and the Lebanese economy.

BLF aims as well at creating shared value while supporting community needs and protecting the environment.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Conscious of its role as a major player in the Lebanese society, Banque Libano-Française has always integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the core of its strategy and activities, long before CSR became a trend in businesses.

Since its establishment, the Bank has been conducting business in a sustainable manner based on five values: Responsibility, Integrity, Competences, Humanism, and Engagement. It follows a CSR strategy inspired by these values and rules by a solid Corporate Governance framework.

In 2011, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) partnered up with BLF to help the Bank increase awareness on the protection of the environment, build a knowledge base for its staff and personnel and expand its loan offerings for corporations, schools and home owners that want to invest in eco-friendly projects.

In 2013, the Bank was selected by LIBNOR (The Lebanese Standards Institution, attached to the Lebanese Ministry of Industry) amongst other applicants to take part, as a pilot organization, in the uptake and use of ISO 26,000 guidelines.

In 2014, shared value and sustainability were reflected in BLF Mission Statement , after a Gap Analysis was conducted based on 7 subjects: Organizational Governance, Labor Practices, Human Rights, Environment, Fair Operating Practices, Consumer Issues as well as Community Involvement and Development.

Also in 2014, BLF signed a Letter of Commitment to join the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), thus committing to aligning its operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.

In 2015, BLF became a member of the AUB-led UNGC Local Steering Committee to help promote responsible business in Lebanon, and support the progress and implementation of the UNGC 10 principles by stimulating dialogue, exchanging information and increasing Lebanon signatories to the UNGC.

References

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