Stock Markets January 22, 2026

BNP Paribas Initiates 1,200 Staff Reductions Amid Axa Investment Managers Integration

Following 2024 acquisition, BNP Paribas begins workforce restructuring discussions with unions

By Nina Shah
BNP Paribas Initiates 1,200 Staff Reductions Amid Axa Investment Managers Integration

BNP Paribas is preparing to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,200 positions as part of the integration efforts after acquiring Axa Investment Managers in 2024. The job cut figures are preliminary and will undergo negotiation with labor unions. This strategic move aligns with the merger of the two entities to optimize operational efficiencies within one of Europe's largest asset management entities created by this acquisition.

Key Points

  • BNP Paribas plans to cut around 1,200 jobs as it integrates Axa Investment Managers.
  • The job reduction figure is preliminary and will be negotiated with labor unions.
  • The acquisition of Axa IM formed one of Europe's largest asset management businesses, managing €1.5 trillion in assets.
  • This restructuring effort impacts the financial services and asset management sectors primarily.

BNP Paribas SA is moving forward with plans to reduce its employee count by around 1,200 jobs as it advances the integration of Axa Investment Managers, acquired in 2024. Sources close to the matter told Bloomberg that this number serves as an initial basis for talks with labor unions expected to occur in the coming weeks. The workforce reduction plan, originally reported by French publication Les Echos, remains subject to potential revision through these consultations.

A BNP Paribas Asset Management spokesperson confirmed via email to Bloomberg that the company aims to initiate discussions with employee representatives regarding a proposed organizational framework following the formal legal merger of BNP Paribas and Axa Investment Managers.

In 2024, BNP Paribas, the largest lender in France, acquired Axa Investment Managers from insurer Axa SA in a transaction valued at approximately €5 billion (around $5.9 billion). This deal considerably expanded BNP Paribas' asset management operations, creating one of Europe's foremost money management groups overseeing close to €1.5 trillion in assets at the time of acquisition.

The planned reduction will be executed through a voluntary redundancy scheme and is intended to be addressed with union representatives over the next several weeks as part of the integration process to streamline operations between the merged entities.

Risks

  • Uncertainty regarding the final scope of workforce reductions due to ongoing union negotiations.
  • Potential disruptions during the integration and restructuring of the merged companies.
  • Impact on employee morale and operational continuity in the asset management division during transition.

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