History

More than 100 years of tradition, dedication and foresight are the distinguishing features in the history of Società Bancaria Ticinese.

Founded in Lugano in 1903 and transferred to Bellinzona the following year, it is still the only bank that is exclusively "Ticinese".

The decision not to adhere to any major financial institution has always enabled Società Bancaria Ticinese to address its customers directly, discretely and in person and to establish with them lasting relationships based on mutual respect and trust.

In 1919 the Bank was one of the original founders of the Ticinese Banking Association (ABT).

In 1933 it moved into the offices on the Piazza Collegiata, where it is currently located. Its head offices, rebuilt in 1960 on a design by the architect Augusto Jäggli, was viewed at the time to be a bold, controversial project, yet it is now considered to be one of the most important pieces of Ticinese architecture of the post-war period.

It was in these offices, expanded in 1982 with the restoration and integration of the adjacent building, that the Bank experienced an important phase of growth and development. In 1986 Società Bancaria Ticinese inaugurated its Centro Piazza Grande (owned by its affiliate company Immobiliare Castelgrande), a complex comprising offices, apartments and commercial premises. In 1988 it inaugurated Il Pozzo, Galleria d’Arte e Cultura, a cultural centre established in collaboration with the Bellinzona Tourist Office.