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AI Adoption Impact on Italian Firms' Productivity and Profitability

Banca d'Italia published a paper analyzing the economic impact of AI adoption on Italian firms. The study found that AI adoption increases productivity and profitability, leading to a reallocation towards more qualified roles without negative overall employment effects.

Italian Less Significant Banks' Corporate Lending Deterioration Analysis

Banca d'Italia published an analysis on corporate lending by Italian less significant banks (LSI) compared to significant groups (SI). The study found that LSIs have a higher loan deterioration rate, largely due to a greater proportion of loans to smaller, higher-risk businesses.

Generative AI for Bank Carbon Data Gaps

Banca d'Italia published a paper exploring the use of Generative AI (GenAI) to address gaps and inconsistencies in carbon emission data reported by major Euro area banks. The research assesses GenAI's ability to supplement traditional data sources, noting its potential while also highlighting quality and transparency concerns.

Italian Competition Authority Opens High-Speed Rail Market

The Italian Competition Authority has concluded an investigation into Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) by accepting binding commitments to open the high-speed rail market. These commitments ensure fair access for a third operator and amend RFI's capacity allocation rules to promote competition and passenger benefits.

Italian Competition Authority Closes FiberCop and TIM MSA Investigation

The Italian Competition Authority has closed its investigation into the Master Service Agreement between FiberCop and TIM by accepting commitments from the companies. The investigation, opened in December 2024, focused on exclusivity clauses, rebate schemes, and IRU transfer terms. The accepted commitments aim to ensure effective competition and maintain incentives for future investments in fibre infrastructure.

Italian Competition Authority Fines Bernabei Companies for Unfair Commercial Practice

The Italian Competition Authority has fined Bernabei s.r.l. and Bernabei Liquori s.r.l. a total of €400,000 for unfair commercial practices. The companies made misleading claims and omitted key information regarding discounts on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks advertised on their website and app.

Italian Competition Authority Investigates Ambush Marketing for Milan-Cortina 2026

The Italian Competition Authority has launched two investigations and one moral suasion action against supermarket chains Rialto (Il Gigante), MD S.p.A. (MD), and SELEX Gruppo Commerciale S.p.A. (Famila) for alleged ambush marketing related to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The actions are based on potential breaches of Article 10 of Law Decree No. 16/2020.

AGCM Investigates Procter & Gamble for Misleading Braun Ads

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into Procter & Gamble S.r.l. concerning misleading advertising for the Braun Skin i-Expert hair removal device. The authority is concerned that claims of being 'hair-free for two years' may overstate the product's effectiveness and lack sufficient evidence.

Eurocoin Indicator Increased to 0.54 in February

The Bank of Italy announced that the Eurocoin indicator, a summary index of the euro area's current economic situation, slightly increased to 0.54 in February 2026 from 0.49 in January. The indicator is boosted by manufacturing confidence and demand indicators.

Banca d'Italia Identifies O-SIIs and Sets Capital Buffer Requirements

Banca d'Italia has identified additional Other Systemically Important Institutions (O-SIIs) and set new capital buffer requirements. BPER Banca and Monte dei Paschi di Siena will be subject to a 0.50% buffer starting April 1, 2026, in addition to previously identified institutions.