Est. 1472
This is the world’s oldest surviving bank. Created in 1472 in the city state of Siena as a ‘mount of piety’ – a charity pawnbroker that offered loans with moderate interest to those in need.
But, as most banks go, it stopped being altruistic. Following the unification of Italy in the 19th century, the back expanded throughout the country and started offering mortgages. Now it’s Italy’s third largest bank by assets, with 5.1 million customers and profits of $3.54 billion a year.
