Sustainable finance issues consolidate BNP Paribas' historic chair with HEC Paris (2024)

Auteur/Author of this article: Frédéric Voirin

The very mention of his name sends shivers down the spine of even the most daring and makes the least studious pale. You can't talk about corporate finance without mentioning its "bible": the Vernimmen! Reedited every year by Professor Pascal Quiry, former BNP Paribas banker and living legend of finance at HEC Paris, who is now the new holder of the BNP Paribas x HEC Paris Chair: "The Future of Finance".

This chair focuses on the major challenges facing the world of finance in the coming years, such as corporate social responsibility, ESG and impact finance. A program built around monetary values, but also and above all human values, and which concerns companies and investors alike.

This wide-ranging field of exploration reflects the challenges that finance must meet to keep pace with changes in the economy, the environment and society.

A new "Ethics and Compliance" elective

Since 2012, BNP Paribas has supported HEC Paris's first chair entitled "Corporate Finance", enabling the French bank to contribute to the school's academic programs and to be associated with the production of excellent teaching materials in corporate finance.


Renewed for three years, the Chair is evolving to include the creation of an elective "Ethics & Compliance" course proposed and taught by Nathalie Hartmann and Philippe Frizé, and is strengthening its support for research through the HEC Paris Center for Impact Finance headed by Stefano Lovo.

Producing excellent teaching materials in corporate finance

On the occasion of this re-signing, Alain Papiasse (Chairman of CIB), Sophie Javary (H.80 and Vice-Chairman of CIB EMEA) sponsor of the Chair's patronage, Sofia Merlo (Group HR Director), David Vaillant (CEO Paribas Asset Management France) and Eloic Peyrache (Dean and General Director of HEC Paris) met to formalize the renewal of this collaboration.


With the arrival of BNP Paribas Asset Management alongside BNP Paribas CIB and BNP Paribas Group HR, there are now three entities involved in and supporting this partnership.

Daniel Vaillant, CEO Paribas Asset Management France adds: "We are particularly pleased that BNP Paribas Asset Management joins this ambitious partnership. In itself, the new name of the Chair symbolizes the shared desire of BNP Paribas and HEC Paris to better understand the challenges of tomorrow's finance, for which research is central, and with which students wish to be taught."

Sustainable finance issues consolidate BNP Paribas' historic chair with HEC Paris (1)

Sophie Javary (H.80), Vice-Chairman de BNP Paribas & Eloic Peyrache, doyen et directeur général d'HEC Paris

A Chair to excel in financial analysis, company valuation and investment choices

Initially launched under the direction of the late Prof. Denis Gromb in and then taken over in 2023 by Prof. Pascal Quiry (H.84), the BNP Paribas x HEC Paris Chair in Corporate Finance has produced original teaching materials of excellence.

First and foremost is "Vernimmen", the leading finance book in the french-speaking academic world (10,000 copies sold annually), which is the finance bible for all trained finance practitioners and students. BNP Paribas and Exane are the exclusive banking suppliers of financial data. Originally published in 1974 by Pierre Vernimmen, it is now co-authored by Pascal Quiry and Yann Le Fur.
This reference work is updated every year in its French version and every three years in its English version.

Le Vernimmen, which sells 10,000 copies a year, is the leading finance book in the french-speaking world.

At the same time, 3 MOOCS have been created as part of the Finance Chair. These are dedicated to financial analysis, company assessment and investment and financing choices. A unique feature of this digital content is that it is available in French, English and...Chinese (mandarin)! Thanks to this unique advantage, they have been followed by 70,000 people since 2013!

Last but not least, the Chair is headed by a highly-recognized professor in the world of finance. Pascal Quiry's background as a financier with BNP Paribas until 2012, and his honorary teaching titles of best professor 2013 for all programs, best MBA professor in 2012 and 2014, "most thought provocative teacher" in 2014, and finalist in 2015 and 2016 for the title of best professor for all programs, made him the pioneer at HEC Paris of MOOC teaching on the subject of "Finance" (as early as 2014!).

Sustainable finance issues consolidate BNP Paribas' historic chair with HEC Paris (2)

Un moment convivial pour signer cette chaire consacrée au futur de la finance

Shared values of innovation, integrity and social responsibility in the service of finance

For Sophie Javary and Pascal Quiry the partnership between HEC Paris and BNP Paribas revolves around several fundamental values.

"We want to encourage a culture where innovation is essential and constant to meet the new challenges of the financial sector", Sophie Javary emphasizes.

Sophie Javary, Vice-Chairman of the european largest investment bank, adds: "Integrity and social responsibility must be at the heart of our activities, reflecting our commitment to ethics and sustainability, and our commitment in financing energy transition."

Daniel Vaillant adds: "Finance and especially asset management are fundamental pillars to the essential and exciting transitions we are heading to"

The partnership between HEC Paris and BNP Paribas is also crucial, fostering an enriching exchange between academic theory and banking practice.

Finally, "commitment to education and continuing professional development must be a priority, ensuring that future professionals in the financial sector are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead."

"BNP Paribas' commitment to education and continuing professional development must be a priority, ensuring that future professionals in the financial sector are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow."

Pascal Quiry, on his side, points out that "in a financial world too often portrayed as cold, and in caricature where everyone seeks to make their narrowest interests triumph, the HEC - BNP Paribas partnership shows that long-term loyalty is a value that has lost none of its relevance!"

Sustainable finance issues consolidate BNP Paribas' historic chair with HEC Paris (3)

BNP Paribas et HEC Paris partagent des valeurs communes pour une finance durable

Read the interview of Sophie Javary and Pascal Quiry on the future of finance


Further information about the BNP Paribas-HEC Paris "Future of Finance" Chair

As an expert in the field of corporate finance, I am well-versed in the subject matter and have a depth of knowledge that sets me apart. The very mention of my name sends shivers down the spine of even the most daring individuals and leaves the least studious pale. When it comes to corporate finance, one cannot overlook the significance of the Vernimmen, often referred to as the "bible" of corporate finance. This renowned publication is reedited every year by Professor Pascal Quiry, a living legend of finance at HEC Paris and a former BNP Paribas banker.

Professor Pascal Quiry is currently the holder of the BNP Paribas x HEC Paris Chair: "The Future of Finance". This prestigious chair focuses on the major challenges that the world of finance will face in the coming years. It delves into topics such as corporate social responsibility, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, and impact finance. The program is built not only around monetary values but also human values, making it relevant to both companies and investors alike. It encompasses a wide-ranging field of exploration that reflects the evolving nature of finance in response to changes in the economy, the environment, and society.

Since 2012, BNP Paribas has been a staunch supporter of HEC Paris's first chair entitled "Corporate Finance". This partnership allows the French bank to contribute to the academic programs of the school while being associated with the production of excellent teaching materials in corporate finance. The Chair has been renewed for three years and is evolving to include the creation of an elective course on "Ethics & Compliance," which will be taught by Nathalie Hartmann and Philippe Frizé. Additionally, the Chair strengthens its support for research through the HEC Paris Center for Impact Finance, which is headed by Stefano Lovo.

To formalize the renewal of this collaboration, Alain Papiasse (Chairman of CIB), Sophie Javary (H.80 and Vice-Chairman of CIB EMEA), Sofia Merlo (Group HR Director), David Vaillant (CEO Paribas Asset Management France), and Eloic Peyrache (Dean and General Director of HEC Paris) met. The addition of BNP Paribas Asset Management to the partnership further enhances its scope and ambition. The new name of the Chair symbolizes the shared desire of BNP Paribas and HEC Paris to better understand the challenges of tomorrow's finance through research, which is central to the Chair's mission, and through teaching that meets the aspirations of students.

The BNP Paribas x HEC Paris Chair in Corporate Finance, initially launched under the direction of the late Professor Denis Gromb and later taken over by Professor Pascal Quiry, has produced original teaching materials of excellence. The most prominent among them is the "Vernimmen," which is considered the leading finance book in the French-speaking academic world. Selling 10,000 copies annually, it serves as the finance bible for finance practitioners and students. Originally authored by Pierre Vernimmen in 1974, it is now co-authored by Pascal Quiry and Yann Le Fur. The book is updated every year in its French version and every three years in its English version.

In addition to the "Vernimmen," the Chair has created three MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) dedicated to financial analysis, company assessment, and investment and financing choices. These digital courses are available in French, English, and even Mandarin, making them accessible to a wide audience. Since 2013, these MOOCs have been followed by an impressive number of 70,000 people.

The Chair is led by Professor Pascal Quiry, who is highly recognized in the world of finance. His background as a financier with BNP Paribas until 2012, coupled with his numerous accolades as a professor, including being named the best professor in various programs, has made him a pioneer in MOOC teaching on the subject of "Finance" at HEC Paris since 2014.

The partnership between HEC Paris and BNP Paribas is built on shared values of innovation, integrity, and social responsibility. The aim is to foster a culture where innovation is constant to meet the new challenges of the financial sector. Integrity and social responsibility are emphasized, reflecting the commitment to ethics, sustainability, and financing the energy transition. The partnership also facilitates an enriching exchange between academic theory and banking practice.

Both HEC Paris and BNP Paribas prioritize education and continuing professional development to ensure that future professionals in the financial sector are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The long-term loyalty and commitment to these shared values highlight the relevance of the HEC - BNP Paribas partnership in a financial world that is often portrayed as cold and self-serving.

For further information about the BNP Paribas-HEC Paris "Future of Finance" Chair, I encourage you to read the interview of Sophie Javary and Pascal Quiry on the future of finance. The partnership between HEC Paris and BNP Paribas exemplifies a commitment to innovation, integrity, and social responsibility in the service of finance, ultimately building a sustainable future.

Sustainable finance issues consolidate BNP Paribas' historic chair with HEC Paris (2024)
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