Foundations of banking origin, compromises and contradictions in the urban regeneration of the historic centres1

Urban regeneration often implies conflicts, unresolved contrasts, but also beneficial prospects for the territory. The aim of this essay is to shed light on the relationship between urban regeneration processes in historic centres and foundations of banking origin, an unusual actor, but common in the Italian context, through some case studies. The findings provide new perspectives on the sector of philanthropy and on an actor, that engages in various forms of interaction with local communities.