Latest articles from David Lane

Italy's race to the top

February 4, 2008

David Lane traces Italy's journey to the fore in European banking.

A most appetising private equity market

November 5, 2007

Italy’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, 2007

In 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, 2007

The 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, 2007

Critics 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, 2006

David 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, 2006

The 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, 2005

Italy’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, 2002

Milan 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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