BNP Paribas shares have been trading at a discount to the sector with a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.20 versus 7.31 for Credit Suisse CSGN.VX and 8.49 for HSBC (HSBA.L), according to Thomson Reuters data. BNP Paribas has said that it is to shrink the riskiest part of its investment bank and cut costs in the face of tougher regulation . It will reduce its commitment to fixed income while focusing more on fee - generating businesses that use less capital , such as securities services and cash management . Compliance and regulatory measures , along with a previously announced € 900 m writedown on the assets of its BNL Italian subsidiary , brought its 2015 net income down 51.7 % to € 665 m , undershooting estimates of € 845 m . Europe 's biggest banks have come under pressure to shrink risk intensive parts of their businesses and focus more on the most profitable areas .
BNP Paribas has said that it is to shrink the riskiest part of its investment bank and cut costs in the face of tougher regulation . It will reduce its commitment to fixed income while focusing more on fee - generating businesses that use less capital , such as securities services and cash management . Compliance and regulatory measures , along with a previously announced € 900 m writedown on the assets of its BNL Italian subsidiary , brought its 2015 net income down 51.7 % to € 665 m , undershooting estimates of € 845 m . Europe 's biggest banks have come under pressure to shrink risk intensive parts of their businesses and focus more on the most profitable areas .