In a momentous achievement, BNP Paribas Fortis secured the coveted gold award at the Qorus-Accenture Banking Innovation Awards 2023. The Belgian bank stood out in the "Beyond core banking offerings" category, showcasing its groundbreaking initiative, HappyNest.
Revolutionizing real estate: Mortgage transformation, new business models and home ownership ecosystems
HappyNest, a collaborative effort between BNP Paribas Fortis and real-estate developer Matexi, is a pioneering venture aimed at making energy-efficient housing more accessible to the public. The initiative offers new green properties for rent, providing tenants with the opportunity to eventually purchase their homes at a discounted rate. The innovative cross-industry platform supporting HappyNest seamlessly integrates financial leasing and real-estate expertise, aligning with the bank's ambitious net-zero and social inclusion goals.
Laurent Loncke, Member of the Executive Committee and General Manager Retail Banking at BNP Paribas Fortis, expressed his excitement, stating, "I am thrilled to share the news that the BNP Paribas Fortis Beyond Banking initiative, HappyNest, has won Gold at the Qorus Banking Innovation Awards!"
The Qorus awards are widely regarded as the Oscars of the financial services industry, adding prestige to BNP Paribas Fortis and its HappyNest launch partner, Matexi. This victory holds particular significance as it marks the first time in four years that BNP Paribas Fortis reached the finals, underscoring the exceptional nature of their achievement.
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HappyNest's primary mission is to facilitate first-time buyers in stepping onto the property ladder. Recent statistics indicate that only 24% of Belgians can afford homes with mortgage values of 295,000 euros, compared to 32% just a few years ago. HappyNest aims to address this disparity and contribute to making new builds in Belgium more affordable and sustainable.
Loncke extended gratitude to everyone who played a role in the HappyNest success story, acknowledging the collective effort that brought this innovative initiative to fruition. The award not only recognizes the financial prowess of BNP Paribas Fortis but also underscores the bank's commitment to driving positive change in the real estate sector.
In conclusion, the Gold win at the Qorus-Accenture Banking Innovation Awards 2023 serves as a testament to BNP Paribas Fortis' dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional banking, as exemplified by the transformative impact of the HappyNest initiative.
