How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

In periods of crisis or uncertainty, my first priority is to ensure clarity, responsiveness and alignment. I work closely with senior management to identify the legal implications of shifting scenarios early on and to calibrate our legal strategy accordingly. Whether the issue is regulatory, financial, geopolitical or reputational, I aim to distill complexity into actionable insights, ensuring that legal advice is both sound and commercially viable. My team adopts an agile mindset, enabling the business to remain resilient and compliant while maintaining momentum. Legal is not just a support function — we see ourselves as co-drivers of strategic decisions and business continuity.

What are the major cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?

The bank is currently experiencing an extraordinary phase of growth, particularly in the Italian market. Following the successful launch of our fully digital retail bank, we began offering mortgage products to individuals in Italy last year — a major step that required full-spectrum legal support, from regulatory clearance to contract design.

On the corporate and investment banking side, we are increasingly active in previously less-developed practices in Italy, such as leveraged finance and real estate finance. At the same time, we continue to consolidate our leading position in project finance, with several flagship transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

My team plays a central role across all these areas. We provide legal support on structuring, documentation, negotiations, and regulatory matters. Additionally, we have recently taken on a regional role, becoming responsible for legal advice on transactions originated in the Middle East — an exciting challenge that expands our scope and allows us to bring added value across jurisdictions.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

Sustainability is embedded in the bank’s DNA and long-term strategy. ESG criteria guide credit decisions, investment policies and operational planning. As legal counsel, I ensure that sustainability is reflected not just in principles but in enforceable frameworks — whether through green loan documentation, ESG-linked clauses or support in drafting internal governance policies. I also contribute to cross-functional ESG committees, helping translate sustainability goals into concrete legal standards and ensuring that legal risk assessments include environmental and social dimensions. The legal function is uniquely positioned to bridge purpose and accountability, and I see that as one of the most meaningful aspects of my role.