Which institution has been France’s central bank since Napoleon established it in 1800?

The Bank of France has been France’s central bank since Napoleon Bonaparte established it in 1800.

Napoleon created the institution to restore confidence in France’s currency and public finances after the monetary upheaval of the French Revolution. It initially focused on issuing banknotes and providing credit, especially in Paris, before expanding its national role.

Today, the Bank of France is part of the Eurosystem, which consists of the European Central Bank and the national central banks of countries using the euro. It contributes to monetary policy, financial stability, banking supervision and the production of euro banknotes.

The institution’s name can be confused with Banque de France’s former private-banking origins. Although it has a long history connected to the French state, its modern role is shaped by France’s membership in the euro area rather than by issuing a separate national currency.