David Lane traces Italy's journey to the fore in European banking.
Latest articles from David Lane
A most appetising private equity market
November 5, 2007Italy’s economy is characterised by small and medium-sized family businesses, offering huge potential for private equity. David Lane reports from Rome .
Strong ties help smallfry survive
September 3, 2007In some of Italy’s communes, a credit co-operative is the only bank. David Lane reports from Rome on the continuing attraction of these small institutions to their Italian customers.
Italy enjoys the ‘Draghi effect’
July 2, 2007The hands-off approach of Italy’s central bank boss Mario Draghi seems to be paying off as the country is starting to produce continental-scale banks. David Lane reports.
Banche popolari sitting pretty
February 5, 2007Critics of northern Italy’s rapidly consolidating co-operative bank networks decry the fact they can take over commercial rivals but not vice versa. David Lane explains.
Microstate with macro ambitions
December 4, 2006David Lane reports on the tiny state of San Marino’s bid to take on the likes of Ireland and Luxembourg.
Italian banking comes of age
October 2, 2006The recently announced merger of Banca Intesa and Sanpaolo IMI marks progress in the Italian banking sector: it is market driven and looks good for the bulk of the banks’ investors. David Lane reports from Milan.
Confidence in Rome won’t be rebuilt in a day
February 6, 2006
Under Antonio Fazio, Italy’s central bank seemed to have become an autocracy, with the now disgraced ex-governor its all-powerful boss. Governance will have to be a priority for the new governor, Mario Draghi. David Lane reports on the immense confidence rebuilding task ahead.
Italy’s reputation for institutional excellence is, to put it mildly, far from the country’s strong point. Italian corruption scandals are legendary for involving a wide range of participants from all walks of life: business, politics and public bodies.
Regulator raids concert party
June 6, 2005Italy’s stock market watchdog has crashed the Bank of Italy’s bid to block ABN AMRO’s takeover of Banca Antonveneta, reports David Lane.
Milan's fashion for finance
November 2, 2002Milan has always been a capital of style but it is now being recognised as Italy's financial centre. David Lane reports on the city's banking trends.
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