Versilia is not merely a slender swathe of golden sand meeting the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is an idea of place, a distinctive microcosm where the rugged peaks of the Apuan Alps plunge dramatically into the refined sociability of the coast, and where the heartbeat of a proud, resilient community is deeply felt. It is within its unique intersection of scenic beauty and daily enterprise that the concept of ‘proximity’ takes on tangible meaning. In an era dominated by global, often impersonal finance, Versilia retains a stronghold of a distinct identity: Banca Versilia Lunigiana e Garfagnana. To understand how a banking institution can become a true custodian of its territory, we spoke with Enzo Stamati, President of BVLG. President, Versilia is undergoing a significant transformation. What role does BVLG play in this context? “Being a Cooperative Credit Bank today means, above all, remaining present where others may choose to withdraw. Our bond with Versilia, Lunigiana, and Garfagnana is not merely economic—it is almost genetic. We do not view numbers as abstract projections, but as real stories of lives: the young couple taking out a mortgage for their first home, the marble artisan developing his projects, the beach operator investing in sustainability. Our added value lies in our deep, personal knowledge of the people we serve.” The term ‘local bank’ is often used. In practical terms, how does this proximity translate for the Versilia community? “It means reinvesting locally the wealth generated here. BVLG acts as an engine that sustains social well-being: we support youth sports, volunteer associations, the restoration of artworks, and cultural initiatives that keep our region vibrant even during the winter months. During times of crisis, we have never turned off the tap of financing; on the contrary, we have consistently extended our hand, because when one part of the community falters, we all do. We are a bank of members, not distant shareholders—that is our democratic strength.” What challenges lie ahead for BVLG? “The challenge is to combine the efficiency of digital services with the warmth of a handshake. We aim to be pioneers in ethical finance and in supporting the ecological transition, safeguarding the landscape that remains our most precious asset.”

Banca Versilia Lunigiana e Garfagnana
www.bvlg.it