Private Markets at BNP Paribas: 27 Years of Conviction

At IPEM Wealth 2026 in Cannes, Claire Roborel de Climens, Head of Private Assets at BNP Paribas Wealth Management, shared how one of Europe's largest private banks has built a private markets offering that spans 17 countries, and why the next chapter is all about client experience and the next generation. 

Key takeaways from this interview

01. 27 years in: Depth that can't be faked
BNP Paribas Wealth Management has been offering private markets access to its clients for 27 years, across multiple economic cycles. That longevity means a curated selection of GPs with proven track records, a product shelf shaped by hard-won experience, and the credibility to navigate periods when markets get difficult. 

02. Not every products belongs on the shelf
With 17 countries and a diverse client base, Claire's team works closely with GPs to ensure the right product mix, matching instruments to client needs, from closed-end funds to evergreen structures. The goal is a range that is truly fit for purpose, not a catalog assembled for appearance's sake. 

We work with our distribution partners to make sure the right product mix is on the shelf. Different clients have different needs, and our role is to match them correctly. - Claire Roborel de Climens, BNP Paribas Wealth Management

03. Simplicity is the new premium
As private markets reach a broader audience, the quality of the end-to-end client experience becomes a competitive differentiator. Claire is focused on making access, from onboarding to reporting, as seamless as possible, removing friction that has historically been a barrier for wealth clients. 

04. The industry's future walks in on two legs
Claire speaks with clear conviction about the importance of the next generation of investors and of women in finance. Inspiring younger people, particularly women, to engage with private markets and pursue careers in the industry is not just a values statement; it's a strategic imperative for long-term market growth.