BNP Paribas has rolled out a genAI assistant to improve the accuracy and speed of its ESG assessment process.

The technology, which is the result of internal development using OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4 or mini model via Azure API, has been used by 600 users since its launch, helping them complete nearly 1,600 ESG assessments.ESG assessment is a tool used by the bank’s relationship managers (RMs) to evaluate the ESG performance and risks of its clients.

Implemented in ImpACT, the group's internal platform dedicated to ESG data, with up to 80 questions the assessment can take several hours for an RM to complete.Enam Ehe, head of ESG data and systems within the group's data office, said that AI assistant helps to reduce questionnaire completion times and boost operational efficiency.

“The main goal of implementation of genAI is to assist relationship managers in completing the ESG Assessment questionnaire faster and more efficiently, by providing suggestions answers and justifications based on quick comprehensive analysis of the documents disclosed by the clients and uploaded by the RM,” she said.

Ehe said that the technology also helps reduce data quality issues when compiling ESG assessments in ImpACT by identifying and suggesting the correct information to answer the question.

"Besides, AI makes the job simpler and quicker for the RMs, who remain responsible for the inputs provided,” Ehe added.

Ehe explained that the process requires managers to upload relevant information, including ESG and CSR documents, disclosed by clients, publicly available or shared with the RM during meetings. Once the documents are uploaded, the AI analysis can begin.

During the process, the documents are scanned and indexed by AI, which displays suggested answers to the questionnaire from the uploaded documents and comments referring to relevant sections of the document, which can be viewed by clicking on the related links.

“AI is prompted and delivers as many answer suggestions as possible,” Ehe explained.

The ESG expert added that the enhanced process aims to guide and ease the analysis of the client’s ESG strategy, helping them to identify the main ESG risks and impacts and easily display the main sources of information and their location.

The project was initially launched by the CIB Sustainability Office and managed in collaboration with CPBS Company Engagement and many Group stakeholders.

Ehe emphasised the tool doesn’t replace human action. “Just like stated in its name, the AI Assistant is an assistant,” she said.

The RM can use AI to obtain suggested responses and use links to passages in documents that provide information translated by AI as suggestions but must double-check the information provided, Ehe added.

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