Société Générale, often referred to as SocGen, is one of France’s largest and oldest financial institutions, founded in 1864 by a group of industrialists with backing from Napoleon III. Initially created to promote the development of commerce and industry in France, the bank quickly expanded internationally, establishing a strong presence in Europe, Russia, and North Africa by the early 20th century.
 
Throughout its history, Société Générale has played a central role in French and global finance. It weathered nationalization by the French government in 1945, followed by privatization in 1987 as part of a broader move to liberalize France's financial sector. The bank steadily grew into a global player in corporate and investment banking, asset management, retail banking, and private banking.
 
Today, Société Générale operates in over 60 countries and is recognized as a major European banking group, known for innovation in structured products and sustainable finance.