45 Years of Factor: Experience that drives us. A future we shape.
45 years leave their mark. Experience becomes knowledge, change opens up new perspectives, values shape our mindset, and challenges and successes build strength.
For a company, 45 years are testament to its ability to successfully navigate change, overcome challenges and remain true to its values.
This is what BNP Paribas Factor GmbH has stood for since 1981.
Much changes. Some things remain.
Much has changed since 1981: markets, technologies, company names and the needs of our clients. What has remained is what continues to make Factor special today: people who understand businesses, support them personally and develop solutions together with them.
For more than four decades, we have combined this close client relationship with deep factoring expertise. We have embraced new perspectives, continuously evolved and used our experience to help companies secure liquidity, enable growth and create financial headroom.
That is why our story is about more than factoring. It is a story of change, partnership and, above all, the people who have shaped Factor and continue to shape it today.
Key milestones
1973 | Our roots
Our story begins in Frankfurt am Main in 1973. Even then, our outlook extends beyond national borders: the company starts out as International Qualit AS Deutschland GmbH, operating in the international import and export business.
This lays the early foundations for a history that would go on to be shaped by different European influences.
1981 | Our factoring story begins
A defining milestone: on 14 November 1981, the company becomes CENTRAL-FACTOR Factoringgesellschaft mbH, headquartered in Munich. Factoring becomes the company's new core business, laying the foundation for the story whose 45th anniversary we celebrate in 2026.
1990 | Düsseldorf becomes our home
A new chapter begins with De Lage Landen in 1990. Our journey takes us to Düsseldorf, bringing us closer to the Netherlands. As De Lage Landen Factors, Dutch influence becomes part of our continued development. Düsseldorf becomes our permanent base and remains our home to this day.
1997–2000 | Our journey becomes more European
Our story in Germany becomes increasingly European. With Fortis Commercial Finance, our group affiliation changes and Belgian influence becomes part of our corporate culture.
The Netherlands and Belgium have a long tradition of factoring and markets in which flexible solutions for financing and protecting receivables had already become an established part of corporate finance. We take this experience with us on our journey to further establish factoring in Germany.
What remains unchanged is our passion for our business and our commitment to being a reliable partner for our clients.
2006 | Growth brings us together
The Fortis Group continues to pursue growth in Germany and expands its business. Initially, two factoring companies operate side by side before joining forces in 2006: Fortis Commercial Finance Deutschland GmbH, formerly Atradius Factoring GmbH, merges with Fortis Commercial Finance GmbH.
Two companies become one. Experience, expertise and different perspectives come together, creating a shared foundation for the future.
2012 | A new chapter with BNP Paribas
The next major chapter begins in 2012: Fortis Commercial Finance GmbH becomes BNP Paribas Factor GmbH. As part of the BNP Paribas Group, we have since combined our established factoring expertise with the international strength of a leading European banking group.
2026 | 45 years of experience. And looking ahead.
We build on this experience as we look to the future: with new ideas, strong partnerships and the ambition to shape the future together with our clients.
What defines Factor today
Looking back shows us what we have built over many years. It provides a strong foundation for what lies ahead. And we continue to build on it: personal and individual, locally rooted and internationally connected.
45 years of factoring also mean 45 years of economic change. The Deutsche Mark and the euro, fax machines and digitalisation, regional markets and global supply chains: much has changed. Factor, too, has evolved alongside the changing needs of its clients and markets.
One thing has remained constant: our commitment to supporting companies reliably, securing liquidity and creating the financial headroom they need to grow and develop.
Close to our clients
We listen, understand business models and develop solutions tailored to our clients' individual needs. Dedicated contacts and tailored concepts are an integral part of how we work.
At home in Germany. Connected internationally.
With dedicated contacts across nine locations in Germany, BNP Paribas Factor GmbH combines a strong regional presence with the international reach of the BNP Paribas Group. As part of BNP Paribas, a leading European banking group, BNP Paribas Factor GmbH benefits from its global expertise and resources.
More than financing
We see factoring as more than financing. It is an important element of future-focused working capital management. In doing so, we combine many years of experience with a clear view of tomorrow's requirements.
Thinking ahead, responsibly
Digitalisation, internationalisation and sustainable business practices are changing our clients' requirements. We continuously develop our offering and aim to contribute to a responsible future through our solutions and our engagement with society.
45 years. Many people. Many stories.
Names, technologies and structures have changed. But throughout all these years, it is the people who have carried Factor forward.
People who share their knowledge. Who know their clients and understand their business models. Who listen, look for solutions and remain accessible even when things get complicated. Some have been part of Factor for many years, while others joined only recently.
Together, they have experienced change, contributed new ideas and shaped our culture. Different generations, experiences and perspectives come together.
That is why 45 years of Factor are, above all, 45 years of people, connections and shared stories.
What makes Factor special to us