It all kicked of 101 years ago...
On 31 October 1924, 350 visionaries from 27 countries convened in Milan for the 1st International Thrift Congress. They shared a vision: to promote savings as a key to financial security and independence.
That historical day marked the birth of the International Savings Banking Institute (ISBI). Under the pioneering leadership of President Marchese de Capitani d’Arzago and Director Prof. Filippo Ravizza, they established the “World Thrift Day,” now known as “World Savings Day”. This occasion continues to be celebrated by our members spread to 4 continents every 31 October.
The word ‘savings’ originates from the early 14th century, symbolizing ‘salvation’, a way to protect oneself from life’s uncertainties.
This profound meaning continues to guide the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute and its members every day for more than a century.
 1st international thrift day |
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 1948 int thrift inst in amsterdam |
 1935 IIIe Congres International de l'Epargne 20-25 mai Paris. |
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 1924 giuseppe-de-capitani-darzago-1924-1945 |
 first int thrift congress 1924 |
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 1924 establishment |
BECAUSE
Savings banks are more than financial institutions.
BECAUSE
Savings banks transform your dreams into reality
BECAUSE
Savings banks build brighter futures.
BECAUSE
Savings bank shape a better tomorrow.
WSBI's Hymn of Thrift performed during the Centenary Celebrations in Rome, 31 October 2024
Composed in 1928 by Italian maestro Giuseppe Pietri with lyrics by Gino Valori, “The Hymn of Thrift” of the WSBI, an ode to promote the virtue of thrift, has touched the lives of people around the world, both young and old for almost a century now.
This melody then crossed the borders and was subsequently performed in other languages as part of a competition among national savings banks. The first winner of that contest was Belgium, followed by Great Britain, Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia, France, Spain and finally Germany.
During the centenary celebrations of WSBI in Rome on 31st of October, under the direction of Choir Master Stefano Vasselli, the room resonated with the enchanting voices of the Coro da Camera Italiano and ResAltera Vocal Ensemble, the soaring brilliance of Soprano Rosaria Angotti and Tenore Carlo Putelli, and the refined accompaniment of Francesco Del Fra on piano, alongside the trumpet artistry of Massimo Patella and Beatrice Galli.