Global Atlanta's Italy Channel is presented by the Sept. 15-22 Made in Italy Expo, which is made possible in part through the sponsorship of the law firm of Miller & Martin. Subscribe here for monthly Italy newsletters.
Hall Booth Smith P.C. is the presenting sponsor of Global Atlanta's Europe Channel. Subscribe here for monthly Europe newsletters.
A week before the financial technology world descended on Atlanta for Fintech South in late August, an Italian firm became a node for connecting its compatriots in the city.
At its Buckhead offices, CRIF Select Corp. hosted a networking meeting for the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast’s Georgia Chapter, bringing together executives from Italian companies invested in the state.
CRIF Select is an indirect lender, operating a software platform that connects banks, credit unions and other funders with loans being originated at car dealerships around the U.S.
It’s an affiliate of Bologna, Italy-basezd CRIF Corp. S.p.A., a credit reporting agency that works with 10,000 financial institutions worldwide.
CRIF Select has had dealings in Atlanta since at least 2010, when it purchased Atlanta-based Equifax’s loan origination software unit for $72.4 million.
But CRIF Select is a relatively new member of the Italy-America chamber, which was launched five years ago and is now looking to capitalize on momentum from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s visit to the country in July.
The gubernatorial mission shined a light on the 90 Italian companies in the state, many of which employ hundreds of Georgians in key industries, often without much fanfare.
Giorgio Carera, CEO of FAE Inc., a provider of heavy equipment for the forestry sector with a facility in Hall County, was among the executives and governing committee members represented at the networking event, commending CRIF for the way it helps customers minimize risk.
“It was eye-opening to see just how much expertise is needed to navigate the complexities of risk management,” Mr. Carera said in a news release.
Nicola Vidali, named managing director of the IACCSE Georgia Chapter during a June leadership transition, said CRIF exemplifies the way Italian companies add value to the state.
“CRIF brings robust solutions, and a stellar reputation to a sector traditionally dominated by U.S.-based companies. Their involvement is a
significant step forward in strengthening the transatlantic business ties that benefit both our members and the broader community,” Mr. Vidali added.
Learn more about the chamber here.