Gros-Pietro: digitalisation a priority for the future of banking

In an interview published by MF in an issue celebrating the financial news magazine's 35th anniversary, Chairman Gian Maria Gros-Pietro revisits some of the most significant milestones in the history of Intesa Sanpaolo, which he has chaired for three terms, but above all traces a clear vision for the banking sector's future:

Digitalisation, a priority for the European banking system

• “We obviously have many priorities, from the ecological transition to applying new technologies. There’s one point I’d like to dwell on. It will be essential for the banks of the future to provide customers with comprehensive, safe and easy-to-use digital products.”

Recruiting young professionals

• “Today, digitalisation is the new enabling factor that will multiply people's potential," but "to recruit young professionals, you have to create an organisation that adapts to them and what they expect from life."

Intesa Sanpaolo's international profile

• “Intesa Sanpaolo is not a domestic bank. We are present in 25 countries on all five continents. Our International Subsidiary Banks division is highly active, especially in Eastern Europe, home to faster-growing countries and banking systems with large gaps with Western Europe to be closed.”

Strength of the banking system in Italy

• “The Italian banking system today presents very strong numbers" .... "Beyond its national champions, Italy boasts a livelier community of mid-sized banks that, in addition to fostering market competitiveness, could contribute to the emergence of a third pillar in the credit sector.”

Key mergers in Intesa Sanpaolo's history

• 1998: “Two very important events happened that year. One was the merger of Cariplo with Banco Ambrosiano Veneto. The other was the integration of San Paolo of Turin with Imi" .... "Cariplo was heir to the great savings banks of the 19th century; San Paolo was one of the oldest Italian banks, with roots firmly in the 16th century, while Imi was Italy’s biggest player in finance for industry.”
• 2006: “The meeting between Giovanni Bazoli and Enrico Salza created a new leader of the Italian banking industry: Intesa Sanpaolo.... The merger shored up the two banks, while also creating a champion at the European level."
• 2017 and 2020: “We saved the Veneto banks because it was absolutely necessary to do so, and the deal was struck at the right values in a very good area with healthy customers. With Ubi, we picked the best of the bunch. It was a sound bank, well run, though very traditional.”