An aggressive expansion into Asia that includes hiring 1,300 staff over three years is already reaping results for BNP Paribas – something evidenced by the recent performance of BNP Paribas Commodity Futures, its commodity brokerage arm. The unit registered impressive growth in Asia during 2012, with client numbers up 25% and revenues up roughly 45% compared with 2011.

"There is an overall growth initiative for BNP Paribas across the Asia region, with increased allocation of both capital and