Corporate and Risk Governance: key-drivers for value creation and growth. The case of Italian Credit Cooperative Banks.

Our research is a theoretical study in which we identify and discuss the role of Corporate Governance and Risk Governance of Italian Credit Cooperative Banks, as key-drivers for growth and value-creation, not only for the bank itself, but for the local community in which they operate. As sound corporate governance and internal controls have become the determinant elements for the stability of every single institution and of the overall financial system, by drafting a Corporate Governance and Risk Management model, we evaluate its adequacy and compliance with the laws and the new regulatory requirements, imposed by the European Central Bank and the Basel Committee and transposed into the Italian legislative context by Banca d'Italia. Furthermore, we analyse how those banks enhance growth and value-creation. Finally, we consider the interaction between Corporate Governance and Risk Governance in order to strengthen the role of a robust communication throughout the organisation, which is important for the development of a corporate and risk culture, fundamental for setting and achieving strategic objectives.