Orange and BNP Paribas announced in a joint press release on Tuesday that they had reached agreements enabling Orange Bank users to benefit from BNP Paribas services, as the telecoms operator begins to wind down its banking activities.

"This project is part of the successful execution of our Lead the Future strategic plan to consolidate our leadership in our core businesses," said Christel Heydemann, CEO of the Orange Group.

In June 2023, Orange had announced negotiations to gradually wind down its banking activities, with Orange Bank customers coming under the aegis of BNP Paribas through its "Hello Bank!" service.

"Our teams are already mobilized to provide a simple and seamless transition for Orange Bank customers in France and Spain, who will be able to benefit from the full range of BNP Paribas Group services," said Thierry Laborde, Chief Operating Officer of BNP Paribas.

(Written by Gaëlle Sheehan, with Sudip Kar-Gupta, edited by Blandine Hénault)