Banca d'Italia for financial literacy

"Economics for Everyone" is the financial education website from Banca d'Italia, Italy's central bank. We offer people of all ages - and businesses too - free, impartial and practical information and tools to help them manage their money wisely.

Why financial literacy?

Because everyone needs it, every single day. It can help us live more peacefully, make better decisions, and feel more in control of our lives. Financial literacy is essential - whether for everyday choices, looking after your family or your business, understanding your rights as a customer of a bank or other financial institution, or simply being an active and informed citizen.

In Italy, levels of financial literacy are still relatively low, even compared to other countries with similar economic development. The proportion of Italians who have the knowledge to make sound financial decisions is below the average of other OECD member states.

What do we talk about?

We focus on the real-life financial decisions we all face at some point - choosing the right current account, saving and investing for the future, understanding when and how to take out a loan, and how to make payments securely.

Many people in Italy are unfamiliar with basic concepts like interest rates (especially compound interest), diversification, the risk-return trade-off, and the impact of inflation. There's also limited awareness of consumer rights and the tools available to protect them, and not enough knowledge of how to avoid falling victim to online fraud.

We also explore current events, offering insights and articles to help you make sense of the economy and financial trends.

What does Banca d'Italia do?

Since 2009, Banca d'Italia has promoted financial education across Italy, organising initiatives through its network of branches aimed at young people (in schools and universities) and adults from all walks of life - including women, older citizens, vulnerable groups, and small business owners.

Our work follows the guidelines and goals set by international and national bodies, such as the OECD's International Network on Financial Education and the Committee on the Planning and Coordination of Financial Education Activities - both of which Banca d'Italia has been a member of since their inception.

Financial education also strengthens Banca d'Italia's role in protecting consumers of banking and financial services. This includes:

• rules ensuring clear, transparent and fair conduct from banks and other financial intermediaries;
• monitoring compliance with these rules;
• and providing tools to help people assert their rights, such as the ability to file a complaint with Banca d'Italia or appeal to the Banking and Financial Ombudsman.

But these protections are only effective if people understand the products and services on offer and can make choices that suit their needs. That's where financial education comes in.

Years of hands-on experience have shown us the many different needs people have when it comes to financial literacy - and the importance of offering a trusted, reliable and unbiased source of information. That's exactly what we aim to do with this website.

"Economics for Everyone" also keeps you up to date with all Banca d'Italia's financial education initiatives. Consult the brochure to find out more (only in Italian).

And if you're curious about the history of money and how payment systems have evolved, visit the MUDEM – Banca d'Italia's Museum of Money.

You can also visit Banca d'Italia's main website to learn more about how Banca d'Italia protects you in your dealings with banks and other financial institutions.