UniCredit was named Best Social Impact Bank in Europe in 2020 by Capital Finance International (CFI.co) magazine. The jury highlighted UniCredit’s determination to “make a difference and make an impact” as well as its pandemic efforts to engage its stakeholders, grasp their concerns and needs and promptly adapt its policies and product offering. The Bank’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and “important and significant corporate social responsibility policies” have also been rewarded.
Commenting on the award, Roberta Marracino, Head of Group ESG Strategy & Impact Banking, said: “We are very proud to be recognized by CFI as the Best Social Impact Bank in Europe. This confirms how the efforts made through the Social Impact Banking program, the work of the UniCredit Foundation and the Group’s broader approach to ESG issues have been noticed and appreciated by our stakeholders. Acting in a socially responsible manner continues to be a priority for UniCredit. The crisis caused by the Covid-19 emergency has made us all much more aware of the role of companies in driving positive social change. We will continue to do the right thing and work in this direction in line with the needs and interests of all our counterparts”.
The winners were selected by a jury of industry experts with the aim of identifying individuals and organizations that can make a significant contribution to the convergence of economies and bring value to all those involved.
Since its launch, UniCredit Social Impact Banking has supported more than 4,000 beneficiaries through microcredit initiatives and impact financing, as well as providing various financial education programs for approximately 50,000 young and disadvantaged people.
As evidence of its continued social commitment, in 2020 the Group allocated more than €6.4 billion[1] to SMEs in Europe to address the Covid-19 emergency. Thanks to the contribution of the UniCredit Foundation, hospitals and non-profit organizations in the front line in the fight against the pandemic and operating in the various countries where UniCredit operates have also been supported through major donations.