Since its creation in 2000, with the merger of banks anchored in the European and global economy over two centuries, the BNP Paribas Group has been a global European leader, and an essential player in serving the economy, its customers and the world. With a footprint in countries and territories around the world and thousands of dedicated employees, BNP Paribas is positioned as the leading bank in the European Union as measured by balance sheet assets. Endowed with worldwide support capacities, the Group possesses platforms and leading business lines in Europe, as well as a strong presence in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. BNP Paribas offers broad coverage through its retail activities on four euro-zone markets: France, Italy, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The Group is also deploying its integrated commercial banking model in several other countries, including Ukraine, Poland, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Kosovo and and through is stake in a bank in China (Bank of Nanjing).