Banks, bank foundations and insurance companies: the tools that guarantee and finance growth .

The first city in Italy to create a computerized "discount broker" for stocks and bonds, Torino is at the forefront of financial innovation - putting its technical know-how into practice.
All the main financial operators are present in Torino. The city is the headquarters for banks of European importance, plus branches of international banks and many local banks. Torino is the hometown of eight insurance companies - including some of Italy's largest (Reale Mutua, SAI and Toro Assicurazioni).
Torino is currently promoting a unique initiative: a "finance and insurance park" will be created here on the model of the science and technology parks. An unusual local opportunity for bank and insurance call-centres which will be able to count on an extraordinary mix of technological innovation, specialised services and targeted training.
Collaboration between the city and financial institutions has a long history. The shareholding foundations of Torino banks (most importantly the Compagnia di San Paolo and Fondazione CRT) organise, by statute and long tradition, projects to aid economic and social development and research. Their many local activities include the restoration of museums and works of art, the sponsorship of exhibitions and cultural events, contributions to medical and scientific research, support for the university and education system in general.
Another opportunity for development is found in the ITP - the agency for Investment in Torino and Piedmont. It is the first local marketing agency set up in Italy as the partner for companies intending to establish new industrial and property initiatives in the city and region. It offers businesses all-round assistance in finding a site, in relations with the public administration and in gaining access to grants.