Mauro Micillo speaks at the Graduation Ceremony of the 9th edition of the “Executive Master in Finance” at SDA Bocconi

Mauro Micillo, Chief of the IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division at Intesa Sanpaolo, recently delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony for the EMF9 – Executive Master in Finance at SDA Bocconi. Speaking to graduates, faculty and the academic community, he offered a thoughtful perspective on the major transformations currently reshaping the global financial sector.

In his speech, he highlighted the relevance of continuous learning and artificial intelligence as key drivers of competitive advantage in an environment marked by rapid technological change, increasing market complexity and evolving competitive dynamics.

In this context, continuous skills development is more than a tool for professional growth, becoming a strategic lever for fostering innovation, adaptability and long-term performance. Technology and AI are fundamentally reshaping operating models, decision-making processes and work organization, increasing the need for interdisciplinary profiles that combine technical expertise, strategic vision and the ability to navigate change.

He then addressed the transformation of Corporate & Investment Banking, emphasizing that the sector must adapt its strategic positioning to seize opportunities arising from new business models, technological innovation and evolving corporate needs. In this context, financial institutions play a central role in supporting investment, facilitating access to capital and enabling the growth of the real economy.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the European capital market as a key driver of competitiveness. Mauro Micillo emphasized the need for a more integrated and efficient economic-financial system, underlining that the completion of the single market represents a necessary condition to support investment, promote innovation and enhance Europe’s long term international competitiveness.

In conclusion, Mauro Micillo addressed to the EMF9 graduates with a message of encouragement, inviting them to build on the knowledge acquired during their academic journey and to approach their professional paths with critical thinking, openness to innovation and a sense of responsibility, aware of the important role that new generations of professionals will play in shaping the future of the economic and financial system.