Italian state assets and financial innovation: The vision of Christopher Aleo Ceo of iSwiss Bank

Gulf Network

The Italian government is considering an innovative approach to enhance the value of public real estate assets and generate liquidity for the state treasury. The strategy is based on a new generation of securitizations, a financial system that involves transferring public properties to a special-purpose vehicle. This vehicle would then issue bonds guaranteed by the value of the properties and the expected cash flows from their sale.

One of the proponents of this initiative is Christopher Aleo, a young Italo-Swiss banker and president of iSwiss Bank, who has built a solid reputation in the international financial sector. Aleo believes that securitizations can be rethought compared to the past to provide new momentum for the Italian economy. According to his vision, it is not just about selling properties but regenerating them and making them productive.

Aleo emphasizes that, in addition to large international funds, this operation could also involve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and increasing the economic value of the assets. For him, Italy's public assets represent a strategic resource that, if managed with a modern approach, can become a long-term driver of economic growth.

The idea is not new. Between 2001 and 2002, the Italian state had already used securitizations to raise about €9 billion through the Public Real Estate Securitization Company (Scip). The first operation, SCIP 1, was a success thanks to careful management, while the second, SCIP 2, faced difficulties due to less structured planning. For Aleo, these past experiences highlight the importance of thorough preparation and effective management for the success of similar initiatives.

In this new version, Aleo proposes combining the sale of properties with redevelopment projects involving the private sector. The goal is to transform public assets into modern, productive infrastructures, such as commercial spaces, residential areas, or innovation centers. According to the banker, this strategy could speed up the process and significantly increase revenues, bringing widespread benefits to the state and its citizens.

However, iSwiss Bank is not just proposing ideas for the future. Through its dedicated financial vehicle, iSwiss Securitisation, it is already taking concrete steps to revive one of the key sectors of the Italian economy: construction. Aleo recently announced one of the largest stock market operations ever undertaken, involving the management of approximately $15 billion in credits guaranteed by the Italian state. This intervention represents a breath of fresh air for the construction sector, offering companies access to critical resources to complete struggling projects and create new job opportunities.

Aleo has stated that iSwiss Bank is ready to support the government in an even more ambitious operation, such as the securitization of Italy’s public assets. With its expertise in securitizations and a strong presence in international markets, the bank could play a crucial role in shaping this project. Aleo’s vision goes beyond generating liquidity: he envisions a development model capable of building a sustainable and inclusive future for Italy, where public assets are not just financial resources but engines of economic and social growth.