Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The enhancement of people, their talent and respect for the characteristics that distinguish them are an essential factor of the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy and the people strategy, and allow for a broader spectrum of points of view, opinions and experiences. Intesa Sanpaolo has been committed for years to promoting a culture based on respect for all dimensions in which the natural difference between individuals can be expressed in an intersectional approach to the uniqueness of people.

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Structure, reporting directly to the Chief People and Culture Officer, oversees the DE&I strategy and all related initiatives. The Group has launched numerous projects and initiatives over time in the field of diversity and inclusion.

The commitment to inclusion is increasingly important and this is why the bank has adopted a specific policy: the Principles on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, a document that complements the Code of Ethics, the Principles on Human Rights and the Group's Internal Code of Conduct, reinforcing the message on the values that distinguish the Group and inspire all processes, initiatives and behaviors. The basic values are: respect, enhancement of talent, meritocracy and equal opportunities. The goal is to create a job environment characterized by plurality, respectful and harmonious, which knows how to generate value from the comparison between people with different characteristics and opinions. An environment in which each person can feel valued and free to express themselves authentically.

The policy sets out specific commitments, monitored by a dedicated working group, aimed at ensuring fair opportunities in the recruitment processes, promotion to roles of responsibility, appointments to management and in the succession plan for top roles. The 2022-2025 Business Plan also provides that new appointments for senior positions will be gender-balanced.

In support of these commitments, the Group has carried out numerous training and awareness-raising initiatives.

The policy also identifies the behaviors and languages expected of each person to ensure a collaborative work environment, based on mutual respect and recognition of the identity and value of each person.

Read our paper dedicated to the Principles!

One of Intesa Sanpaolo's objectives is to spread the value of inclusion not only within the Group but also externally, in the socio-economic context and in the territories in which it operates. In this context, a fundamental role is played by the supply chain.

For this reason, Intesa Sanpaolo has produced an information document on the Principles on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion dedicated to these partners, through which these stakeholders become aware of the commitments and values expressed in this document. The Principles on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are thus shared with the Group's entire supply chain, describing the expected behaviours, so that these are always based on the principles of inclusion, respect and meritocracy, which represent the Group's founding values.

Intesa Sanpaolo also addresses its suppliers with a questionnaire dedicated to ESG issues which evaluates, among the many merit criteria examined, their commitment to inclusion and the fight against all forms of discrimination and harassment. The positioning of suppliers in the main international indices and the acquisition of certifications dedicated to inclusion issues are also strongly enhanced.

More than three thousand of the Group's suppliers have confirmed that they have implemented policies to protect diversity and inclusion and mechanisms, tools and processes to combat discrimination and harassment. In addition, thirty large suppliers are included in the international indices on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Gender Equality and more than twenty have acquired at least one certification in the field of inclusion.

The dissemination of the culture of inclusion is a fundamental element of the Group's DE&I strategy and translates into training, communication and awareness-raising initiatives for all people, at all organisational levels.

The main initiatives were addressed on topics such as: (i) inclusive leadership (ii) disability and mental health (iii) interculturality (iv) dialogue between generations (v) affective orientations and gender identity (vi) parenting.

The "Respectable Words" project, dedicated to inclusive communication and born from the collaboration between the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion structure, the Internal Communication structures and with the support of a cross-functional working group, has led to the creation of an internal document that can support the Group's people in the use of increasingly inclusive and accessible communication through the suggestion of good practices to be adopted. The project is enriched with awareness-raising and training initiatives, aimed at Group personnel, on the importance of using language that respects all dimensions of diversity.

Intesa Sanpaolo's "Inclusion Week" is an opportunity to share reflections and raise awareness of the value of diversity, through online events attended by Group members and external guests.

To confirm the Group's strong commitment to preventing and combating any form of discrimination and harassment, the  Rules for combatting sexual harassment have been drawn up.

The document describes the conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, formalises the commitments of Intesa Sanpaolo and all the people of the Group to ensure a work environment inspired by the principles of protection of the dignity and inviolability of the person. The process of managing reports in all its phases is also described, with clear timelines for managing them.

A compulsory training course on the subject is provided annually.

The functions that deal with the management of reports are the recipients of specific training to better carry out their role.

As part of the Group's commitment to the issue, a psychological support and legal information service has also been established, available to all persons involved in an episode of sexual harassment. The service, which makes use of the support of professionals with great experience in the psychological and psychotherapeutic fields, is also extended to sexual harassment that occurs outside the work context.

Intesa Sanpaolo has been ranked as the first bank in the world among the 100 most inclusive and diversity-conscious workplaces in the FTSE diversity and inclusion index – top 100, the international index of FTSE Russell (formerly Refinitiv). The Group ranked seventh globally, the first banking group overall and the only one in Italy.

The analysis conducted by FTSE Russell evaluates, in fact, over 15,500 listed companies worldwide based on 24 parameters that can be traced back to four key categories: gender diversity, inclusion, people development and controversies. FTSE Russell is a leading global provider of benchmarks, analytics and data solutions with multi-asset capabilities.

In addition, Intesa Sanpaolo is included in the Equileap Top Ranking 2025 among the 100 best companies in the world for gender equality.

The Group, through the Principles on Human Rights, the Code of Ethics and the Principles on Diversity & Inclusion, is committed to combating all forms of discrimination – whether it is based on gender, gender identity and/or expression, affective-sexual orientation, marital status and family situation, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, political and trade union membership, socio-economic condition, nationality,  language, cultural background, physical and mental conditions or any other characteristic of the person also related to the expression of his or her thoughts – ensuring equal opportunities in the processes of selection, management, development and professional growth.

The following table shows the main nationalities of the Group's people.