Interested in starting a business in Italy in the financial sector? This article can provide you with answers to the questions you have in this regard, as well as information about this type of business. Such a company can only carry out its activities if a financial license is issued first. We invite you to explore the following lines and discuss further details with our specialists in company incorporation in Italy.
Table of Contents
Types of companies operating in the financial sector in Italy
The National Bank and the Financial Regulator (CONSOB) in Italy allow banks, insurance and reinsurance companies, as well as investment and trust companies, to operate here. Moreover, Italy renewed its Financial Market Law, which is in line with all EU directives related to operating in the financial sector.
Registering a financial company in Italy implies respecting the Company Law’s provisions and submitting the necessary paperwork with the Italian Companies Registrar. Our company registration agents in Italy can assist with the company incorporation process, including drafting the documents required to set up the company.
How can you obtain a financial license in Italy?
The incorporation of a company in the financial sector of Italy is not complicated as long as the imposed rules are respected. In this sense, a financial license is mandatory and can be obtained by taking into account the following:
- the application begins with the formalities and procedures imposed by the Bank of Italy. These are based on the European Central Bank’s regulations (ECB), respectively Regulation EU 1024/2013;
- specific meetings with company shareholders/representatives are requested, and if additional information is needed, certain certifications might be requested;
- after the presentation of the company documents and preliminary assessments, and if approved, the financial license in Italy can be issued;
- the ECB issues the last approvals.
We would like to point out that the Bank of Italy grants the business license for a financial company, notifying the ECB in the case of a positive outcome. However, the issued license can be subject to restrictions, as a result of which company owners must comply with the requirements/formalities imposed. You can count on our help when opening a company in Italy and applying for a financial license.
What happens if the application for a financial license is rejected?
The Bank of Italy is the institution responsible for financial licenses and applications received. This institution reserves the right to reject non-compliant applications, notifying applicants at the same time of the reasons for such a decision. In most cases, the lack of required documents, failure to comply with formalities, and to implement rules related to activities in the financial sector are reasons for which the application may be rejected. In this case, the applicant has 10 days to submit their observations regarding the rejection, following which the Bank of Italy will accept them or issue a final rejection. As we have experience in applying for business licenses on behalf of companies, we recommend our services to those interested. They can be assured that the application is complete and that there is very little chance of being rejected.
Registering a financial company in Italy
Once a financial company is registered with the Italian Trade Register, it must pass through the authorization procedures of the National Bank and CONSOB, which imply a stress test and a liquidity test where the company’s capital will be analyzed in order to verify if the company is in any danger of defaulting. In the case of financial companies operating in the investment funds segment, it is required for the owners to submit a prospectus to CONSOB before being allowed to operate.
About the financial sector of Italy
We present some interesting data about the financial sector of Italy, which will help you when making a business decision and wanting to develop your activities here:
- Profitability and capitalization stayed at high levels in the second half of 2024.
- In the insurance sector, the recovery in life premium income has helped to improve liquidity.
- The Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) on credits for property purchase was around 3.67% in April 2025.
We recommend that, besides assistance in opening a company in the financial sector of Italy, you apply with our team, which can also help you in other situations. For example, you have at hand the services of our accountants in Italy right from the start. Please explore our services and then contact our experts in company incorporation in Italy for personalized offers and more.