BNP Paribas sign agreement for the acquisition of Kantox
Published: October 12, 2022
BNP Paribas has announced the signature of an agreement for the acquisition of Kantox, a fintech for automation of currency risk management. Kantox’s software solution has re-bundles the Corporate FX workflow, offering a one-stop-shop, API driven, plug-and-play solution which has emerged as a valuable technology within the B2B cross-border payments sector. Kantox’s technology provides a high level of automation and sophistication to corporates in setting up hedging strategies.
By leveraging its integrated business model, BNP Paribas plans to accelerate and extend Kantox’s offering to a wide range of corporate clients across the globe. The acquisition of Kantox is supported by the Global Markets business of BNP Paribas’ CIB division and the business centres of the Commercial, Personal and Banking Services (CPBS) division. The two divisions aim to deploy Kantox technology to large corporate as well as SME and Mid-Cap clients, capitalising on market knowledge and local presence of the Group.
This acquisition illustrates BNP Paribas’ Growth Technology Sustainability 2025 plan, that sets out to accelerate the development of technological innovations, to "enhance customer experience and to provide best-in-class capabilities to its clients".
Philippe Gelis, CEO and co-founder at Kantox: "We have been serving clients together since 2019 when our technology partnership started. During those 3 years, we spent a lot of time together in the field, getting the opportunity to understand that together we were stronger and able to bring more value to clients. It is the best of both worlds, the leading software company in the currency management automation category and the leading bank in Europe."
Olivier Osty, Head of Global Markets, BNP Paribas CIB: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Kantox, which brings to our clients a unique and innovative platform to automate their currency risk management. Corporate treasurers are currently navigating turbulent markets and advanced technology can help mitigate some of the challenges, easing the burden of manual tasks and allowing them to focus on their core business.”
Yann Gérardin, Chief Operating Officer, Head of BNP Paribas CIB: “The acquisition of Kantox presents a further illustration of our ability to establish long-term partnerships with fintechs in an ever-increasing range of areas. Supporting our clients in their international development and providing them with the most advanced technological solutions have always been our priority and are as such key pillars of our GTS 2025 strategic plan.”
Thierry Laborde, Chief Operating Officer, Head of BNP Paribas CPBS: “This acquisition demonstrates how our distinctive model and integrated platform strategy are able to create value and develop business opportunities. Our leading positions with European companies of all sizes will enable Kantox to further accelerate its development, while improving our customers' experience."
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the coming months.