08:32 - 4.08.2026

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August 4, Fineko/abc.az. The Italian Ministry of Finance is evaluating strategic options regarding its remaining 4.9% stake in Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS), including a potential full exit that would formally end state ownership in the lender.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Rome is considering a private placement of the 4.9% equity block to institutional investors over the coming months. To prevent any single entity from acquiring a dominant position, individual allocation caps are expected to be implemented. The transaction signals a broader retreat by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration from direct state intervention in domestic banking sector consolidation.

Monte Paschi is currently navigating a €30.6 billion (approx. $35 billion) takeover bid from rival banking titan Intesa Sanpaolo. Meanwhile, another potential suitor, Banco BPM, withdrew its merger proposal over the weekend.