New York hub builds business for the future
Intesa Sanpaolo’s New York hub, part of IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, works with corporate and institutional clients across the Americas. Here, General Manager Nicola Baiocchi Di Silvestri explains why the focus for him is on creating long-term relationships
22/07/2021
“We are the bank of choice for American clients who want to invest in Italy and other areas of Europe” – Nicola Baiocchi Di Silvestri, General Manager, New York Hub, IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, Intesa Sanpaolo
Based in the world financial capital, Intesa Sanpaolo’s New York hub serves some of the biggest names in the Americas, from blue-chip clients on the Fortune 500 list to major Latin American corporations.
“We operate in both North and South America,” says Nicola Baiocchi Di Silvestri, the hub’s General Manager, “where we deal mainly with large corporations, banks and other financial institutions such as insurance companies, private equity firms and infrastructure funds.”
In addition to serving the Americas clients, a dedicated team assists US subsidiaries of non-US companies based in Italy or in one of the countries where the bank has significant presence. The team also encourages investment to and from Italy, and supports joint ventures between local businesses and Italian companies.
Foto Nicola Baiochi, Nicola Baiocchi Di Silvestri, General Manager, New York Hub, IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, Intesa Sanpaolo
Key areas of growth
Supported by head office industry expertise, the hub is targeting the following sectors in the Americas: telecoms, media, technology, healthcare, automotive and infrastructure.
In infrastructure there is an urgent need for the US to upgrade its airports, ports, dams and roads. Recently the New York hub reached an important milestone, being awarded the role of co-ordinating lead arranger and hedging provider (with six other banks) for the new Terminal One at JFK airport, providing up to $6.6bn in finance, supporting the sponsors Ferrovial, Carlyle, JLC and Ullico.
The energy sector is also set to benefit from mergers and new investments driven by its transition to greener energy and ESG-friendly targets, to which Intesa Sanpaolo is strongly committed.
"We have strong expertise in green financing, not just in bonds and loans linked to ESG KPIs, but also derivatives. We are looking to expand our commitment to industries that are investing into energy alternatives, such as solar and wind. It’s the future for the bank and for the world."
Nicola Baiocchi Di Silvestri, General Manager, New York Hub, IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, Intesa Sanpaolo
With its focus on ESG financing, a broad portfolio of products and services, and links to the Group’s international network of banks, the hub enjoyed a profitable 2021 and now hopes to build on this success.
“Our objective is to grow our commercial banking activities and to exploit opportunities using our investment banking capabilities and our global footprint,” says Baiocchi Di Silvestri.
