OREANDA-NEWS. On July 10, 2007 BNP Paribas has been included in the new FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index. This index rates the leader European companies in the environmental management by a score for the environment, human rights and stakeholder themes, reported the press-centre of BNP Paribas.

BNP Paribas has obtained the best score in the environmental sector and is thus included among the best practices. BNP Paribas is the only French bank included in the rating, with seven other European financial groups.

The index has been embraced by the investment community and by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index is designed to identify European companies with leading environmental management practices.

Will Oulton, Head of Responsible Investment, FTSE Group commented: "The FTSE4Good Index has become a globally recognised benchmark for investors wishing to identify responsible business practice. This innovative new index will appeal to a broad range of institutional and retail investors who want to minimise environmental risk within their portfolios, capitalize on the benefits of strong environmental management, only invest in companies that demonstrate environmental management best practice, and actively encourage companies to be more responsible."

BNP PARIBAS started its activity in Russia through a Representative Office opened in 1974 and received its full general banking licence in July 2002 after the opening of a subsidiary, BNP PARIBAS ZAO.