The official “birth” of the Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna dates back to 14 July 1837, the day on which the Cardinal Legate authorised one hundred private citizens of Bologna to found a credit company whose business and endeavours would largely be aimed at supporting initiatives of public interest for the community of Bologna.
THE 1991 REFORM AND THE BIRTH OF THE CASSA DI RISPARMIO FOUNDATION IN BOLOGNA
Since the beginning of the 1990s, in compliance with the Amato-Ciampi reform for the privatisation of public banks, the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna made its debut as an independent legal entity, with the aim of promoting the social, cultural and economic development of the community and the Bologna area.
During the reform, lending activities came under the responsibility of Cassa di Risparmio, which merged into a joint-stock company, whilst philanthropic and social activities became the responsibility of the newly founded Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna.
Watch the video “The Foundations of the Bank: A vast Italian asset”
A NEW STATUTE FOR THE FOUNDATION
In the autumn of 2000, following the approval by the Ministry of the Treasury for the new Statute, the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna became a private legal entity with full statutory and managerial autonomy. The new Statute highlights the historical continuity of the intentions and objectives that established the Cassa di Risparmio of Bologna 163 years ago.
MERGERS: FROM SANPAOLO IMI TO BANCA INTESA SANPAOLO
In 2002, the merger incorporating Cardine S.p.A. into Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. was concluded.
In 2006 the Sanpaolo IMI Group was further strengthened through the merger with Banca Intesa, which, in turn, gave rise to one of the leading Italian banking groups in terms of size and strength.
THE MEF – ACRI MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in April 2015 between the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Association of Foundations and Savings Banks (ACRI), the Foundation took an essential step in the process of “self-reform”.
The document required the member Foundations to amend their statutes in accordance with the contents of the Protocol, which was aimed at regulating the management of assets through diversifying investments, enhancing the transparency of disbursements and regulating the governance structure.