Fondazione CRAL launches initiative against banking desertification in Alessandria

The Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Alessandria has launched an institutional initiative to combat banking desertification in the small municipalities of the Alessandria province. Data released by the Foundation indicates a significant decline in local financial access: out of 187 municipalities in the province, only 37 maintain at least one bank branch, leaving 150 municipalities without any local banking services.

To address this, the Foundation aims to facilitate a collaborative table involving banks, local municipalities, the Province, the Bank of Italy, Acri, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The goal is to establish a provincial protocol to test new proximity models, such as light branches, mobile units, periodic consultations, advanced ATMs, and assisted digital points.

Paolo Arrobbio, President of the Foundation, emphasized that banking desertification is not an abstract issue but a problem that impacts the daily lives of citizens, families, the elderly, and local businesses by reducing proximity and weakening community trust.