Italian Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata Faces Shareholder Shift Under Extended Emergency Law

During the COVID‑19 emergency, Italian legislation allowed temporary changes that limited shareholders' rights at several regional banks. After the pandemic, the same emergency provisions were renewed, permitting a new group of investors described as "philanthropic financiers" to acquire shares in Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata and to take managerial roles. Critics argue the law is unconstitutional and that the financiers can purchase shares at a lower price than historic shareholders, potentially altering control of the bank, which historically served communities in Bari, Altamura and Gravina. The article cites concerns of a possible anti‑southern bias but notes no official investigation or response from authorities.

The bank's shareholders claim the renewed emergency measures could enable a concentration of ownership that disadvantages long‑standing local investors, while the Italian government has not publicly addressed these allegations.