The economic crisis caused by the coronavirus places banks at the center of international attention. In fact, they will have to convey liquidity to the real economy, trying to support households and businesses grappling with an unprecedented recession. It is no coincidence that the ECB and Bank of Italy have asked the banks listed on the Stock Exchange to suspend the disbursement of dividends and conserve resources to be allocated to the recovery.
In this context, according to an analysis conducted by Assopopolari proximity becomes an essential element for access to credit.
The study carried out on category data also analyzes the past, highlighting how in the last ten years popular credit loans have recorded double growth compared to that shown by other credit institutions. All of this, Assopopolari points out, translated “into an anti-cyclical action to stabilize economic trends in the recessionary phases of the economic situation”.
For this reason, the Association emphasizes how much it is the physical presence of banks in the area is important settlement, warning of the risks created by "a further closure of bank branches". The primary consequence of this scenario could in fact be to reduce the possibility of accessing credit especially for small and medium-sized companies.
Giuseppe DeLucia Lumeno, general secretary of the Association of Popular Banks, recalled how “today, in the dramatic situation of the economy, rapid access to credit will be essential. For this reason, the knowledge and closeness to the communities, to businesses, especially medium and small ones, and to families, which the Credito Popolare system is able to ensure to the entire economic system, is essential for the rebirth to be rapid and real". .
