In 1981, NBK entered the French Market by taking over 51% of a French licensed bank. In 1987, NBK completed the take over and set up its fully owned subsidiary as part of its initial strategy to capture investment and trade flows between Kuwait and the European Market and to provide Kuwait investors access to the European market for short and long term investment. The Paris office became officially a branch of NBK International in 1996 when NBK merged its two European operations in Paris and London to improve the efficiency of services it provides to its customers in France and Southern Europe. Since January 1st, 2019 the activities of the French branch of National Bank of Kuwait (International) Plc were transferred to NBK - France SA, French subsidiary 100% held by the NBK Group, having a full European passport to continue strengthening the bridge between the Middle East and the European markets. Today, NBK - France SA, which offices are located on the Avenue des Champs -Élysées, provides Wholesale Banking, Commercial Real Estate Financing, Treasury Services as well as Private Banking. Trade Finance is one of the focus areas, supporting trade and other cross-border transactions with Kuwait and the Middle East. NBK - France SA Private Banking offers traditional financial products as well as real estate products to assist investors in the acquisition and financing of commercial and residential real estate properties.