Sicilbanca grows and opens new branch in Palermo

Last Updated: June 19, 2024

Sicilbanca cresce e apre una nuova filiale a Palermo

Sicilbanca, a cooperative credit bank of the Cassa Centrale group, continues its territorial expansion with the opening of a branch in Palermo, adding a third area office in Sicily, after Caltanissetta and Catania.

With the inauguration of the new branch, scheduled for Saturday, June 29, the Bcc reaches 22 operational branches, 102 employees, and a social base of 4,000 members throughout Sicily, including 600 in Palermo. The Credit Institute combines solid capital stability and operational efficiency with significant technical balances: a CET1 of 35%, with a net worth of over 70 million euros and a Cost/Income ratio of 54%, which in 2023 allowed for a net profit of 5.7 million euros.

“The inauguration of the new branch – said Giuseppe Di Forti, president of Sicilbanca, during a press conference – is part of an industrial plan developed as part of a strategy aimed at the growth of the bank while maintaining strong roots in the territory and returning to Sicily, specifically to the city of Palermo, a local bank close to communities and individual needs. A bank with a soul that, strong in its belonging to the Cassa Centrale group, is able to offer cutting-edge banking and financial products, without neglecting personal relationships.”

“The proximity to people in the territory is one of our main distinctive elements – adds Sandro Bolognesi, CEO of the Cassa Centrale group – and the new presence in Palermo of our partner bank, Sicilbanca, is proof and confirmation of this. The growth path of our group passes through the widespread presence of our partner banks and the development of new and more complete commercial opportunities, which combine technological efficiency with our DNA, based on relationships and community care.”

The new Palermo branch, located at Viale Lazio number 9, is the “Gino Morici” branch, in homage to the eclectic Palermo artist (1901-1972) whose rich artistic heritage the bank preserves.

The opening of the branch marks the beginning of a dedicated project path for the city, characterized by concrete and cooperative actions. This vision, highlighted by Sicilbanca president Giuseppe Di Forti, translates into a constant commitment to support cultural, social, and economic initiatives, making the Bcc not only a banking institution but an active partner that acts alongside institutions and local realities for the enhancement of the city’s cultural and artistic beauties.

“Funding for the restoration of the relics of San Benedetto il Moro”

Among the first actions taken by Sicilbanca, the collaboration with the Archdiocese, together with the Franciscan Friars of Sicily, and the Municipality of Palermo stands out for the restoration of the relics of San Benedetto il Moro, co-patron of the city along with Santa Rosalia, whose 500th anniversary of birth is celebrated this year. The intervention funded by Sicilbanca for the restoration of the relics, always kept inside the church of Santa Maria di Gesù, represents an act of cultural, historical, and religious value.

“San Benedetto il Moro – comments the Archbishop of Palermo, Corrado Lorefice – reminds us of the importance of inclusion, listening, and service to others, values that today more than ever need to be rediscovered and lived. The restoration of his relics, after the frightening fire last July 25, represents an opportunity to reaffirm the value of social responsibility and contribute to the common good.”

“On behalf of the city and the municipal administration – declares the mayor of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla – I welcome the new branch of Sicilbanca on Viale Lazio, thanking its president Di Forti, because this opening is a sign of attention to Palermo. To the employees of the new branch, my best wishes for good work in the sign of a growing relationship between the bank and the territory.”

Among Sicilbanca’s partnerships is also one with the University of Palermo. “We strongly believe – emphasizes the Rector of the University, Massimo Midiri – that synergies between the public and private sector, business world, and academic realities can achieve ambitious goals for the future of our territory. The collaboration between Sicilbanca and the University of Palermo is an example of this.”