Bank commissions: lenders defend themselves by attacking. And not failing to respond, albeit indirectly, to the criticisms of Confindustria on the tightness of credit and the high rates applied. It is the president of ABI himself, Giuseppe Mussari, in the Senate Industry Committee who points out that the banks, due to the general crisis, have to face a reduction in profitability, but that in any case "Despite the depth of the recession, the credit crunch was avoided". And with pique he also underlines the financial interventions for businesses. But having said this, Mussari points out that if on the one hand "it is essential to subject banking companies to a correct set of rules, which must concern three specific areas: stability, transparency and correctness, competition", on the other hand however "apart from apart from these rules, banks like all other companies must be free to manage their costs and revenues, without administrative constraints, administered prices or the obligation to provide services free of charge”, he underlines. "These measures, in addition to being contrary to the principle of free enterprise, to the Community principles of free circulation of services in Europe, translate into damage for the Italian economy".
Credit – In a scenario "among the worst in recent decades", the banks show a "structural reduction in the generation of profitability", Mussari points out, the return on invested equity has returned to the levels of the mid-90s. But the credit crunch was avoided. Banks continued to commit resources: between 2000 and 2009 the average annual growth rate of loans to businesses and households was +7,8%. And even if there was a slowdown in 2011, loans nonetheless continued to grow: +3,6% in December 2011. A slowdown "to be related also to a sharp drop in loan demand". "The support of businesses and households from the banks, even in this difficult junction of a new recession, is assured".
Enterprises – Despite the "virulence" of the sovereign debt crisis, the action in favor of companies has not stopped. And Mussari, remembering the figures, recalls how the financial interventions envisaged for companies are of 3 types: 1) operations to suspend payments; 2) loan extension operations; 3) operations to promote the recovery and development of activities.
Banks – Credit institutions "didn't cause the crisis, they are suffering the effects", says Mussari. And if on the one hand "it is essential to submit banking companies to a fair set of rules", on the other hand they must be free from constraints. And if the banks have to equip themselves to better respond to changes in demand, face the increased competition from non-bank operators, start restructuring processes and "reflect on the causes that give rise to a negative perception of their operator" - admits the president of ABI - " other steps, however, are the responsibility of the institutions”. And the references are precise: an international and national regulatory framework; the removal of regulatory gaps at the EU level; the creation of the right balance between legislative evolution and compliance costs for banks; a more careful analysis of the impact of the regulations.
In short – this is Mussari's conclusion – so that we can grow together "a set of conditions is needed including a coherent domestic and international regulatory and regulatory framework". And in this context, the ABI expresses "appreciation" for the decree that reintroduces bank commissions.
