## Overview Société Générale is one of France’s oldest and most prominent financial institutions, recognized as a global leader in banking and financial services[3][4]. Founded in 1864 under the authorization of Napoleon III, the bank was established by a group of industrialists and financiers with the explicit mission to promote the development of commerce and industry in France[4][5]. Today, it ranks as the third-largest bank in France by total assets, following BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole, and stands among the top twenty banks worldwide[4]. ## Business Activities Société Générale operates across three main business lines: retail banking, corporate and investment banking, and investment management. Its retail banking arm serves millions of customers through a vast network of branches in France and abroad. The corporate and investment banking division provides services such as capital markets, advisory, and financing solutions to multinational corporations and institutional clients. The bank is also a major player in asset management and securities services, ranking among the largest custodians in Europe[3]. ## Historical Milestones The bank’s early years were marked by rapid expansion; by 1870, it had 47 branches across France[5]. Société Générale was an early adopter of internationalization, opening its first overseas office in London in 1871[3][6]. It played a pivotal role in financing major industrial projects, including the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1889[5][6]. The 20th century brought challenges—such as two World Wars and nationalization in 1946—but also opportunities for growth, especially during France’s post-war economic boom[6][8]. The bank was reprivatized in the late 1980s and has since expanded through strategic acquisitions, such as Crédit du Nord in 1998[2]. ## Key Achievements Société Générale has been a pioneer i