Cardif Pinnacle (a trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc) is the UK insurance arm of banking group BNP Paribas SA, a European leader in global financial services. BNP Paribas SA is an international financial services group, with roots in Europe and a significant and growing presence in the United States and Asia. It is one of the largest international banking networks, with a presence in more than 84 countries and 205,000 employees, of which 165,000 are in Europe. BNP Paribas Assurance, also part of the BNP Paribas group and a parent company of Cardif Pinnacle, is a worldwide provider of insurance and savings products. Formed in 1971 and currently employing circa 750 staff in the UK, Cardif Pinnacle has established itself as a leading provider of Protection solutions. The Cardif Pinnacle group acquired Warranty Direct and Direct Life and Pensions in 2008, specialists in the provision of warranty and life insurance products. With an emphasis on quality of service for clients and customers, Cardif Pinnacle is a preferred partner to more than 250 of the UK's leading Banks, Building Societies, Finance Houses and Intermediaries. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.