UBI Banca Group

certification. As part of the convention, SF Consulting has created a special IT platform, implemented by
the Group, which allows account managers to interact with the company while applications are being
processed.
Direct guarantee from SGFA - Società di Gestione Fondi per l’Agroalimentare Srl
The Group commenced operations using the “direct” first level guarantees which SGFA is able to issue in
order to acquire an additional means to protect against risk towards farming businesses and at the same
time to satisfy requests from trade associations to facilitate access to credit by these businesses.
This guarantee is the same as a standard unsecured bank guarantee issued to the bank on behalf of the
borrowing business, after independent risk assessment has been performed.
The “direct” guarantee issued by SGFA covers 70-80% of the amount of the loan and is recognised as an
appropriate credit risk mitigation instrument because that company is covered by a guarantee of last
resort from the Italian government.
Subsidised loans
In order to facilitate access by customers to the main forms of subsidised loans provided by regional,
national and EC legislation, the UBI Banca Group, assisted by SF Consulting, a company specialised in
the supply of consulting services in the subsidised loans sector, is able to offer companies full support as
follows: assessment of the eligibility of companies for subsidies, the preparation of investment projects,
the assessment of investment plans and general assistance in making and processing applications for
subsidised loans right through until disbursements are actually received.
SECTOR PRODUCTS
Agreement with Assofranchising
During the year the Group also concluded a commercial co-operation agreement with
Assofranchising – the Italian Franchising Association, designed to develop the franchising
sector.
The franchising sector is one which stands out for its fast growth over the last two years and
the Group intends to support it further, by continuing to work at the side of local business
communities.
The agreement involves the willingness of the Group, for franchisors, to support investments
and worthwhile financial operations relating to affiliated brands. For franchisees, in addition
to access to basic banking services, a dedicated credit line is offered to meet the investment
needs of both franchisees who are already operational and those at the start-up stage.
This line was designed in co-operation with the main commercial guarantee consortiums with
whom solid relationships have been established over many years.
Authorities, Associations and the third sector
The year 2011 saw the progressive establishment of service models for authorities and third
sector associations performed with the following objectives: to meet the specific demands of
these customers more efficiently and effectively; to grasp opportunities provided by market
trends; to exploit developments in the legislative and regulatory contexts of the sectors
concerned.
New types of portfolio were created to help achieve these objectives, currently being added to,
which will become fully operational in the first half of 2012, once details of accounts had been
examined and reclassified following the issue in August 2011 of a new more accurate
classification of the different types of authority (based on the different types of legal status and
organisational models). This action will make it possible to improve the detection of specific
needs, the definition of targeted commercial strategies, the development of dedicated products
and services and therefore the management of the respective business areas.
ASSOCIATIONS AND GUARANTEE BODIES
In the context of policies to provide financial support to SMEs on the Group’s local markets
and with a view to facilitating access to credit under competitive conditions, even in the
current difficult economic environment, a central role has always been played by guarantee
consortiums and trade associations as well as by public sector instruments to mitigate credit
risk. The latter include the Guarantee fund for SMEs (pursuant to Law No. 662/1996) and the
fund managed by SGFA (Fund Management Company for the agricultural and food sectors) for
farms.
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