The Franciscan “Spirit”: From the Monti di Pietà to the Bank of America - The Little Fellow’s Bank

This essay examines the figure of Amadeo Peter Giannini, founder of the Bank of Italy (later Bank of America), as an example of an alternative banking model based on ethical and humanistic principles inspired by Franciscan socio-economic thought. The analysis explores how values such as fraternity, gratuity, simplicity, humility, and service - rarely found in the financial sector - can be integrated into banking management to create a positive and democratic impact. The objective is to fill a gap in research at the intersection of ethics, spirituality, and economics, demonstrating that an approach grounded in human dignity and the common good can be successful even in a profit-oriented context. This vision proved to have a significant impact during critical moments, such as the San Francisco earthquake and the Great Depression, showing Giannini’s deep trust in human resilience and dignity. Furthermore, the faithful banker supported emerging industries like film and wine and invested in infrastructure projects like the Golden Gate, contributing to California’s economic and social development. Through the analysis of historical sources and testimonies, it is highlighted that the humanistic model of the “gentle giant” not only promoted financial inclusion and democratization, inspired by the Monti di Pietà, and access to credit for working-class people and immigrants but also fostered a visionary role for the bank as a trusted partner in social progress. This approach demonstrated that finance could be a tool for community wealth, uniting economic growth with human development. The legacy of this humble banker confirms that corporate prosperity is not at odds with social justice and sustainable development. His “moral” banking philosophy, rooted in trust, humanity, and fraternity, represents a model for integrating economy and faith, rejecting individualism and promoting inclusivity and fraternity.