(Alliance News) - Italian businesses, upon entering the bank, are looking for solid references and a reading of the economic environment.

As Corriere della Sera wrote Monday, UniCredit Spa is responding to these needs with an omnichannel lending platform, SME Lending, coming by the first quarter of 2025.

Integrated with databases such as the Chamber of Commerce, it will enable an outcome for loan applications in as little as 20 minutes in the simplest cases, reducing the amount of documentation needed.

"This system allows advisors to better focus on strategic solutions for businesses," explained Annalisa Areni, Head of Client Strategies at UniCredit.

In 2024, UniCredit granted EUR21 billion in financing -- up 20 percent from 2023 --, of which EUR4 billion went to SMEs with a turnover of up to EUR50 million. Recent initiatives include EUR10 billion for the Mezzogiorno, EUR5 billion for the Transition 5.0 Plan, and EUR2 billion to support Emilia-Romagna affected by the bad weather.

The bank also supports fashion - EUR1 billion for investment - and startups with programs such as UniCredit Startlab. On the social front, the UniCredit Foundation has allocated EUR30 million in 2024 for projects against school dropouts and to promote research.

With a network of 1,940 branches, built through strategic acquisitions such as Rolo Banca and Bipop Carire, UniCredit ensures continuity for customers from all backgrounds.

"SMEs will remain central to our strategy," Areni stressed, adding that the bank combines Italian roots and pan-European vision, with innovative solutions and access to global markets.

By Giuseppe Fabio Ciccomascolo, Alliance News senior reporter

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