About

BNP Paribas, a French multinational financial services company, has been active in Ireland since the early 1970s. In line with the global entity, the Irish arm offer the varied activities of corporate and institutional banking, fund administration and commercial property services, as well as offering central financial services to the wider international group. The BNP Paribas Ireland legal team, led by Davina Saint as head of legal, is responsible for frameworks and transaction management across corporate investment banking, funds, structured capital markets and trade service businesses. With seven lawyers, the team is able to handle a diverse workload, including support for the Dublin branch of BNP that acts as a direct member of the Irish clearing system, as well as having a part in the pan-European system. Due to the financial crisis Ireland experienced, Saint and the team have had to adapt their practices accordingly. Efficiently and cost-effective processes have become important, as have the innovative approaches to external counsel management. As the Irish legal team provides support for some transaction across Europe, it has been necessary to include it in meetings and committees that influence the direction of the business. This closeness with the business allows the legal team to advise on issues quickly as well as identify risks well in advance.