ACTIVITY REPORT 2021 The BRED Group works in two related but different worlds: those of transaction banking and advisory banking. How has your banking without distance strategy affected the way you deal with convergent but different needs? We have invested Banking without distance means knowing that it is essential to be one of the best players in digital technology, but this heavily in new is not enough. The future of the BRED Group is therefore also rooted in the philosophy of an overall close relationship technologies to offer that we mentioned earlier. a better customer Based on this conviction, we have created a banking model experience that is as efficient in the field of transactions as online- only banks, but with a crucial extra element that makes it possible to completely satisfy customer requirements: high value-added personalised support. We have undertaken to enhance the overall close relationship that BRED maintains This model meets our customers’ expectations, as is shown with its customers, in each of its territories, by focussing our by the success of BRED’s capital increases. thinking on human capital, which is irreplaceable. Far from closing our branches, we have reorganised them to dedicate Thanks to this original status, BRED’s strategy does not them entirely to advisory banking. We have continued to depend on the financial markets, their volatility and herd train our employees in order to perfect their expertise in behaviour, such as the very short-term pressure they impose. the customer segment they cover, thereby improving our quality of advice, responsiveness and proactiveness. Our cooperative model looks to the long term, and is inclusive and committed to the territories, and is therefore At the same time, we have invested heavily in new more relevant than ever, as in essence it tackles the major technologies to offer a better customer experience, in transitions currently under way, and makes the issue of particular with a daily banking application recognised as social engagement central to our model, our strategy and one of the best on the market. Furthermore, we have our governance. used digital technology to free our advisers and support departments from low value-added tasks. Finally, we have As a cooperative bank, without distance, BRED combines developed non-banking services. a philosophy of proximity and added value, with a culture of efficiency and collective share ownership. How is your status as a cooperative bank also To cope with the challenges of the future, it will continue to a strength? deploy this joint model of capitalism with a positive impact, in Although our banking without distance strategy has guided which the customers and members, as well as the employees us for almost 10 years, the cooperative dimension represents and the company as a whole, are central to its strategy. our roots. Our members are customers, men and women from all sectors who contribute to the economic and social dynamics of the territories where we are present. 15 Open to the world