France’s second-largest banking group, Crédit Agricole was founded to extend credit and assist farmers with their banking needs in a bid to spur agricultural activities across the country.
The bank expanded its network and client base throughout the 20th century, eventually offering services and products to all businesses and consumers. In 1988, the bank disassociated itself with the state and listed on the stock exchange in 2001. The move allowed Crédit Agricole to diversify into corporate and investment banking – a strategy it took further with the acquisition of Finaref in 2003. Crédit Agricole is headquartered in Montrouge, France.