Société Générale Securities Services: Best Global Custody Services Europe 2021

With more than 30 years behind it, Société Générale Securities Services (SGSS) ranks among the top 10 global custody service providers. The offer covers 80 markets through SGSS’s network — 22 locations in 17 countries — and partnership agreements cover the remainder. The French group is the third-largest custodial provider in France and the second-largest in Europe, with 85 percent of its €4.4bn assets under custody covered through the group network. Its 4,000-strong workforce addresses the needs of institutional investors, asset managers, financial intermediaries and corporate clients. Through tech investment, it has developed the New Custody Information System, a single platform covering all geographies in real time. Last year proved to be the group’s best in commercial terms despite the pandemic, with a smooth transition to remote working and no interruption of services. The group is an outsourcing partner for clients’ front-to-back operational chains via its transversal and modular CrossWise platform, integrated software that can be subscribed to in full or per module. SGSS provides a dealing desk platform, in addition to its securities services, as part of the CrossWise solution. SGSS aims to improve client experience through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships. AI helps to automate data for clients, and SGSS strives for maximum transparency on SRI and ESG reporting. It invites investors to engage with portfolio companies through shareholder voting schemes. The CFI.co judging panel declares SGSS winner of the 2021 award for Best Global Custody Services (Europe).