Intesa Sanpaolo and BlackRock Form Digital Asset Management Alliance in Benelux
Italy's largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with the world's largest asset manager, BlackRock, to provide digital asset management services in Belgium and Luxembourg. This partnership will enable Intesa's private banking division, Fideuram, to enhance its digital investment offerings in these two countries and potentially expand across Europe.
Carlo Messina, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, stated that this alliance aligns with the bank's strategy to grow its asset management business and develop innovative digital solutions. Intesa has been investing in technology to advance its services, particularly after launching Fideuram Direct, a digital private banking channel targeting young customers last year.
The bank's emphasis on technological investment is part of its focus on the Italian market, which continues to be a primary source of profits. Following Intesa's acquisition of UBI in 2020, domestic expansion opportunities have been limited due to antitrust restrictions. Messina previously mentioned that Intesa is not pursuing acquisitions in the asset management sector as high costs do not provide sufficient value to shareholders.
Messina also indicated that a cross-border deal akin to UniCredit's potential acquisition of Commerzbank would not yield significant cost savings for UniCredit without substantial overseas assets. In light of these restrictions, Intesa prefers to pursue growth through partnerships and digital expansion.
Earlier this year, Intesa restructured its asset management operations, appointing an experienced manager and potential future CEO candidate, Tommaso Corcos, to oversee core activities. On Friday, the bank announced further simplification of its asset management divisions by consolidating its Eurizon asset management business to oversee funds and creating a separate section within Fideuram to manage all portfolio services provided by financial advisors and private bankers.