Bank BPM's Unique Strategy in Assisting Small and Medium Enterprises
Read Time: Approx. 5 Minutes
(Our publication: RadioCor) - Banco BPM, renowned for its unwavering commitment, consistently focuses on empowering Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Aware that these SMEs form the bedrock of the nation's economic and industrial foundation, the bank extended approximately 12 billion euros in credit to such enterprises (with a turnover of up to 75 million euros) during the pandemic crisis, processing more than 80,000 applications for micro-enterprises, totaling around 1.5 billion euros. In 2024, loans to businesses with turnover of up to 75 million soared by 19%, reaching a staggering 8.5 billion. This trend continued in Q1 of the year, with a 44% surge, accumulating an impressive 2.8 billion euros in disbursements. This fervent support from the institution at Piazza Meda is further echoed in the establishment of a dedicated structure, with a nationwide team of 800 employees, aimed at capitalizing on opportunities provided by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). "These clients, often less structured than larger corporations, require a plethora of specific services beyond mere commercial ones, such as assistance with extraordinary finance operations, investments, or acquisitions," elucidated Massimo Pasquali, head of companies at Banco BPM.
The Pivotal Role of a Manager
"At Banco BPM, we have divided companies with turnovers up to 75 million into two categories: those with turnovers up to five million, and those above. For corporate entities surpassing 75 million, we manage them through a separate dedicated structure. This segmentation facilitates better customer management and allows for targeted service based on unique needs. The on-ground care of these equally crucial and strategic companies is entrusted to the 1,200 branch managers, while for businesses with turnovers between 5 and 75 million, 72 business centers dot the national landscape—with 60 outposts added for added convenience. As evident, in both cases, the cornerstone figure leading companies in their growth trajectory is the manager," expounds Pasquali. This is due to the strategic decision to always remain in close proximity to companies, accompanying them every step of the way, and promptly addressing their needs. To achieve this, it is necessary to depend on competent, trained professionals who can cater to clients both in-branch and on-site. We have around 42,000 companies between 5 and 75 million in turnover that entrust us with daily commercial work and extraordinary finance operations, and it is precisely in these situations that our managers prove their worth." The top manager acknowledges the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology "as they aid in lightening workloads for both our teams and the companies. However, the human element will never be replaced. Our work is predicated on the trusting relationship forged between the entrepreneur and the manager; active listening is germane to our work, a skill only a human being can possess.”
Specialist Structures
To cater to these needs, Banco BPM has conceived a series of specialized structures, where managers guide businesses intent on engaging in more intricate operations than merely commercial ones. Operations such as acquisitions, family buyouts, or management buyouts can be navigated with assistance from specialized figures and central structures, offering a 360-degree solution. This assistance extends beyond national boundaries. "We are a formidable bank in lending to countries with markets more distant and complex than ours, such as those in South America or Africa; in these instances, we leverage the support of Sace and Simest," explains Pasquali. In essence, "we have replicated the tools and services typically available to large corporate clients; we do the same for SMEs.” Another support comes from Banca Akros, a subsidiary within the Banco BPM constellation, primarily for M&A operations and scouting potential acquisition targets. We also rely on Banca Aletti, the private bank within our Group, which offers a series of specialties unrelated to the management of a company's resources but supports us in defining targeted consulting, such as in cases of generational transitions within a company.
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- Banco BPM's dedicated structure, composed of a nationwide team of 800 employees, aims to capitalize on opportunities provided by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), offering services such as assistance with extraordinary finance operations, investments, or acquisitions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- For SMEs requiring more intricate operations than mere commercial ones, Banco BPM has conceived specialized structures, where managers guide businesses intent on engaging in operations like acquisitions, family buyouts, or management buyouts, offering a comprehensive 360-degree solution to navigate these complexities.
