ESG for Our People Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards 2025

Banca Widiba operates in a market context where major financial institutions are strongly committed to ESG principles, implementing initiatives that not only enhance internal sustainability but also generate a positive impact on society. Banca Widiba stands out in the financial landscape for its strategic and integrated approach to sustainability, rooted in a solid ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework. Its HR initiatives represent an innovative model that combines social impact, environmental responsibility, and the empowerment of people. Since 2023, the Bank has formalized its commitment by achieving Gender Equality Certification together with Banca MPS. The HR projects are part of this virtuous path, contributing concretely to the creation of a participatory and inclusive work environment. These initiatives have been designed and developed by actively involving employees through regular surveys to identify needs, passions, and interests, as well as by creating opportunities for dialogue and exchange with experts in the field of Diversity & Inclusion.

The main initiatives of the program are listed below:

“Faccio cose, vedo gente” Series: A newsletter dedicated to employees sharing their stories, professional skills, interests, and generational backgrounds. Started in 2023 as an onboarding tool, the format has evolved to give voice to diverse personal stories, creating opportunities for dialogue, connection, and relationship-building during and beyond work. Approximately 70 episodes have been published.

Christmas Boxes: A solidarity initiative in which Banca Widiba participates as a collection point for gift boxes destined for poor people. Employees take part by embracing values such as generosity and solidarity, while also enjoying a moment of creativity and inclusion through the manual preparation of gifts, strengthening interpersonal bonds. In the latest edition in December 2024—the fourth in which the Bank participated—313 boxes were collected. The fifth edition will take place in December 2025.

“Zo’è” Series: A column focused on the climate crisis and environmental care, co-created with employees. started in 2023, it aims to share best practices, educational content, and encourage care for the Earth. Each episode includes daily eco-friendly tips and curated content such as podcasts, films, and local sustainability initiatives. Topics have included food waste, water and energy conservation, sustainable fashion and mobility, recycling, upcycling, and swapping.

Blood Donation: In 2024, the Bank joined a social responsibility project with a Milan-based non-profit organization to promote the value of solidarity and encourage blood donation directly within the workplace. Donation days are organized at the Milan office to support local blood collection and foster a culture of giving. The blood collected is donated to Niguarda Hospital in Milan. The most recent collection took place in May 2025, with the next scheduled for October.

Sanitary Products Project: In 2024, a partnership was launched with an Italian start-up to promote access to essential goods, grounded in the values of diversity, well-being, and environmental sustainability. The project, initiated at the Milan office, includes the distribution of sanitary pads made from 100% compostable organic cotton in restrooms, along with webinars on menstrual health and disease prevention.

Spokesperson Events: As part of its Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) program, Banca Widiba has hosted several guest speakers to raise awareness and promote a more equitable and inclusive environment. In 2024, the Bank welcomed a feminist philosopher who spoke about the role of language and inclusive communication in today’s society. In 2025, a writer, TEDx speaker, presenter, and columnist was invited to speak on disability, addressing the topic with both humor and depth, and highlighting the social stereotypes that often accompany it. These events serve as opportunities for dialogue and are part of a broader training and awareness journey aligned with the Group’s D&I values. Parenting at the Bank: Through various initiatives, the Bank—together with the Parent Company—supports a parenting journey aimed at promoting well-being, providing new tools, and creating opportunities for listening and discussion that go beyond the role of being a parent. The project includes multiple stages and training moments to support both current parents and those interested in engaging with cultural topics that affect the entire community.

Partnerships with Local Associations: A collaboration was launched with an association that promotes inclusivity and solidarity, values aligned with those of the Bank. The non-profit provides clown therapy to bring smiles and relief to individuals experiencing illness or vulnerability, such as hospitalized children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Banca Widiba partnered with the association to promote a sporting event held in April 2025, aimed at raising awareness among employees about solidarity through shared passions like running. The Bank also supported the association in delivering a training course to equip participants with tools to improve care for people with ALS.

Waste sorting through AI: Banca Widiba is collaborating with a startup that has developed an innovative system based on Artificial Intelligence, which enables the monitoring of waste produced by the Bank, the collection of data, and the delivery of useful feedback to improve the habits of the corporate community and reduce the environmental impact of office operations. The project, launched in March 2025 as a six-month pilot at the Milan headquarters, is testing a solution that aligns with the Bank’s commitment to environmental care and the promotion of sustainability. The application allows for monitoring the quality of waste sorting to assess the accuracy of waste separation, adopt targeted strategies to reduce waste, and thereby contribute to lowering the overall environmental impact.