The sustainable finance pioneer has big plans to cut carbon emissions — both its own and its customers’.

Carlo Messina, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s biggest bank by assets following the merger with UBI Banca, talks to The Banker about Italy’s economic rally, the bank’s job in supporting the recovery and the role ESG will play in its new strategic plan.

A government-backed securitisation scheme has helped turn Italian banks’ balance sheets around. But as Covid-19 support measures ease, bad loans are expected to rise.

Ambitious scheme seeks to boost growth and drive reforms, but it will require sustained political support.

Chairman Pier Carlo Padoan on takeovers, bad loans and the need to have more women in the workforce.

As Mario Draghi seeks to form a new government, the banking system must cope with a deep recession and political turmoil.

Corrado Passera, the founder and CEO of digital bank Illimity, believes focus is important and has identified potential among small and medium-sized companies, clients he claims traditional banks have underestimated.

With pandemic driving online activity, the financial sector should support businesses’ digital infrastructure.