Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) is a French public sector financial institution created in 1816, often referred to as a "public investor." Its mission is to support the development of France's economy by financing various public and private projects, ranging from infrastructure and social housing to education and the environment. The CDC operates under the control of a commission chaired by a member of the French Parliament and is independent from the government in terms of its day-to-day management.

The CDC serves multiple roles in the French economy:

1. Long-term investor: The CDC is a long-term investor, managing a diversified portfolio of assets, including equities, bonds, and real estate. Its investment strategy is focused on generating stable and sustainable returns to finance its public interest missions.
2. Depository and manager of regulated savings: The CDC manages and centralizes various types of regulated savings products, such as Livret A and Livret de développement durable et solidaire (LDDS), which are popular savings accounts in France. The funds collected through these savings products are used to finance eligible projects, such as social housing, urban development, and renewable energy.
3. Financer of public projects: The CDC provides financing for public projects in areas such as infrastructure, urban development, and social housing. It works closely with local authorities, public institutions, and private companies to support projects that contribute to France's economic development and social cohesion.
4. Institutional support for businesses: The CDC supports the growth of French companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by providing financing and equity investments. It also participates in the capital of private equity funds and provides guarantees for loans granted to businesses.
5. Financial innovation: The CDC actively promotes financial innovation, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and social impact investing. It supports the development of new financing tools and solutions that address environmental and social challenges.

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations is a unique institution in the French financial landscape, playing a vital role in supporting the country's economic development and social well-being through its long-term investment and financing activities.