A&O Shearman has long relied on Apple products, particularly iPhones, to support their staff. When they decided to stop purchasing devices and explore a more efficient and cost-effective solution, they chose BNP Paribas 3 Step IT.
A&O Shearman, a global law firm, recently signed a Technology Lifecyle agreement with BNP Paribas 3 Step IT in Spain to refresh their fleet of iPhones.
“Carlos is always there to answer the phone and consistently suggests new opportunities to help us improve our operations,” said Sebastian Kroha.
One of the key reasons A&O Shearman has experienced such a positive relationship with BNP Paribas 3 Step IT is the dedication and passion shown by Carlos Fernandez, key account manager at BNP Paribas 3 Step IT. According to A&O Shearman’s Head of IT, Sebastian Kroha, Carlos’ availability, expertise, and proactive approach have been instrumental in the success of the partnership.
The trust and collaboration between A&O Shearman and BNP Paribas 3 Step IT have created a mutually beneficial relationship.
A&O Shearman’s operations require seamless technology to support their staff, especially given their global presence and the need for availability outside of regular business hours. The devices they use must enable their teams to perform at their best, and BNP Paribas 3 Step IT has delivered just that.
One of the standout services A&O Shearman has benefitted from is BNP Paribas 3 Step IT’s “IT Care+” protection service. This service offers excellent value for money and has proven to be incredibly reliable. Sebastian Kroha noted that the portal’s user-friendly interface made managing device protection simple, providing peace of mind. “It’s a one-stop solution that makes life easier for us. When something happens to our devices, we know we have a reliable, fast solution in place.”
Additionally, BNP Paribas 3 Step IT’s asset management platform, Asset IQ, has revolutionised A&O Shearman’s renewal process. Before adopting Asset IQ, A&O Shearman’s IT team had to manage device tracking and inventory manually. Now, with Asset IQ, the firm has full visibility of leased devices, cost projections, and financial data, all in one place. This streamlined process has saved significant time and effort for A&O Shearman and made renewals much easier to manage.
A&O Shearman is also deeply committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, and this partnership with BNP Paribas 3 Step IT supports their ESG goals. As part of their sustainability efforts, A&O Shearman tracks its carbon footprint and implements various initiatives to reduce its impact. Returning devices to BNP Paribas 3 Step IT at the end of their lifecycle for refurbishment and reuse supports A&O Shearman’s broader ESG strategy and helps minimise e-waste.
A&O Shearman values the availability, dynamism, and human touch that BNP Paribas 3 Step IT brings to the table, which has helped them manage their devices efficiently without the bureaucratic red tape often associated with corporate partnerships.
At BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, we are proud to be a trusted partner of A&O Shearman and look forward to continuing to support them with innovative solutions that enhance their operations and drive business success.
- The new 3,500 square metre technology refurbishment and remarketing center in Buchelay (Yvelines) will support businesses in maximising the lifespan of their IT devices through refurbishment, promoting a circular economy.
- Operated by BNP Paribas 3 Step IT and with a capacity of up to 400,000, the centre will handle equipment from both the Bank’s clients and BNP Paribas entities in continental Europe.
BNP Paribas has opened a new technology refurbishment and remarketing centre in Buchelay, Yvelines, reinforcing its commitment to addressing the growing challenge of electronic waste in Europe. This investment aligns with BNP Paribas’ commitment to advancing the circular economy by extending the lifecycle of IT equipment such as laptops, desktops, mobile phones, tablets, and servers.
Located 45 minutes from Paris, this centre is operated by BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, a joint venture launched in 2019 between the professional equipment financing subsidiary of BNP Paribas, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, and the Finnish company 3stepIT, a Nordic leader in circular technology services.
The centre is equipped to process and prepare for remarketing or responsible recycling more than 400,000 IT devices at full capacity, with an initial target of 100,000 devices processed by the end of 2025.
With this new centre, BNP Paribas 3 Step IT allows the Bank to provide more efficient and sustainable IT lifecycle management services to its clients across Europe, as well as to its own entities. The centre also operates a ‘buyback’ service (also known as IT Asset Disposition or ITAD) where businesses can send their decommissioned IT equipment knowing it will be either refurbished or responsibly recycled, with data securely and fully erased.
Carmen Ene, CEO of BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, states: “The investment in this centre underscores BNP Paribas’ commitment to advancing the circular economy in Europe, aligning with the European Union’s ambitious goals to promote circularity and sustainable resource use. This also marks a significant milestone for BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, reinforcing our mission to help clients maximise the value of their technology while reducing electronic waste.”
Neil Pein, CEO of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, adds: “This is a major step for BNP Paribas, strengthening its commitment to supporting clients in their transition to a more resource-efficient and low-carbon use of their IT assets. This centre also upholds a responsible employment policy, which values and supports people with disabilities, those in social reintegration, and older adults.“
Ends
About BNP Paribas 3 Step IT
BNP Paribas 3 Step IT is a leading provider of circular technology services, helping businesses transition to a more sustainable model for all their technology needs. As a joint venture between BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions and 3stepIT, BNP Paribas 3 Step IT offers end-to-end services that enable businesses to procure, manage, and refurbish their digital assets securely and efficiently while contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tech consumption model. With a presence in seven European markets and four Nordic countries thanks to 3stepIT, BNP Paribas 3 Step IT partners with a wide range of businesses and organisations to drive digital transformation while embedding sustainability at the core of IT operations. To learn more, visit 3stepit.bnpparibas
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 63 countries and has nearly 183,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.
About BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions
BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions offers capital-efficient business equipment financing solutions in key sectors including agriculture, construction, transportation, materials handling, ICT, healthcare, and green tech. Drawing on its 70-year history, its partners and clients rely on its market expertise, asset know-how, and advisory services to propel their growth, transformation, and transition to a low-carbon circular economy. Present in 18 countries across Europe and Turkiye, and employing over 3000 experts, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions offers vendor finance solutions in the USA and Canada in partnership with Bank of Montreal, and in China through Jiangsu Financial Leasing. In 2024, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions advanced €16.3 billion in asset finance and presently manages a €40.4 billion leased asset portfolio. BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions is fully owned by BNP Paribas and is positioned within the Group’s Commercial, Personal Banking & Services division. For more information, visit leasingsolutions.bnpparibas.com
Press Contacts:
BNP Paribas 3 Step IT: maria.lini@3stepIT.com
BNP Paribas: thomas.alexandre@bnpparibas.com
BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions: suhale.vorajee@bnpparibas.com