Economic and geopolitical scenarios, role of investments, financial strategies to accompany growth.

3 december 2024

RCS Academy in collaboration with the Corriere della Sera is organising a morning of discussion between entrepreneurs, economic players and representatives of institutions, dedicated to the evolution of the global economy, its impact on financial systems and the business of companies, in a delicate balance between evolving economies and emerging markets.

Themes: digitalisation of financial services, tools to promote the real economy by guaranteeing access to credit and sustainability of the system.

Our Managing Partner Francesco Sciaudone participated as a speaker in the panel entitled ‘The Business Point of View’.

Find out more at the following link: https://rcsacademy.corriere.it/business-talk/geoeconomy-talk/

The event organized by RCS Academy and Corriere della Sera represented an important opportunity for discussion on strategic issues related to global economic and geopolitical scenarios, with a focus on the role of investments and financial strategies to support Europe’s development. The participation of prominent representatives from institutions, businesses, and the banking sector provided valuable insights into the key challenges and opportunities for the continent’s economic growth.

Key themes addressed:

1. European Autonomy in Digital Payments
   Piero Cipollone, member of the Executive Committee of the European Central Bank, highlighted a significant vulnerability of the European Union: 64% of card transactions are processed through non-European networks, with an increase in scheme fees from 2018 to 2022. In this context, the introduction of the Digital Euro represents a priority to enhance autonomy and strengthen the role of the euro as a reserve currency and means of exchange at the international level.
2. Role of the Banking System
   Leading banking institutions discussed their contribution to supporting businesses in a complex global context. Roberto Parazzini of Deutsche Bank Italia emphasized the need to move beyond the traditional banking credit model, while Alessandro Decio of Banco Desio highlighted the importance of sustainable models for proximity banks. Marianna Leoni of BCG and other banking representatives, including Angelo Campani of Credem and Riccardo Corino of the BCC Iccrea Group, reiterated the social role of credit institutions in fostering local development.
3. Support for SMEs and Market Diversification
   Paolo Gerardini of Assolombarda emphasized the importance of diversifying markets for small and medium-sized enterprises, a crucial element for ensuring resilience and growth. Francesco Sciaudone of Grimaldi Alliance stressed the significance of a strategic and legal approach to facilitate the internationalization of businesses. Representatives of Confcommercio also discussed access to credit for microenterprises, a central issue for supporting local activities.
4. Green Transition and Sustainable Finance
   Francesco Beccali of Terna presented a 2 billion euro investment plan aimed at creating a digital electricity grid to transport renewable energy from southern to northern Italy, using advanced technologies such as sensors and artificial intelligence. Valerio Capizzi of ING outlined the financial sector’s commitment to achieving a global target of up to 7 billion euros in annual loans for environmentally sustainable projects.
5. The Future of Digital Transactions
   Luca Corti of Mastercard announced that by 2025, digital transactions in Italy will surpass cash transactions for the first time, marking a significant milestone toward a more digital and cashless society.

The event underscored the need for a strategic and coordinated approach that combines innovation, targeted investments, and collaboration between institutions and businesses. Thanks to the contributions of key players such as Grimaldi Alliance, a clear framework of priorities emerged to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth.