Moderated by Dimitri Loringett, journalist at Corriere del Ticino, the opening discussion brought together Luca Soncini, Member of the SFI Foundation Board, Prof. Gabriele Balbi, Full Professor of Media Studies, Interim Rector, and Pro-Rector for Education and Students’ Experience at USI, Prof. François Degeorge, Managing Director of SFI and Professor of Finance at USI, and Alberto Petruzzella, President of the Associazione Bancaria Ticinese. Looking back on the development of SFI and its long-standing partnership with USI, the speakers reflected on the factors that have contributed to its success and on the role that collaboration between academia, the financial sector, and institutional partners continues to play in strengthening finance research and education in Switzerland.

The keynote address was delivered by Antonio Foglia, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Banca del Ceresio. Offering a personal perspective on the evolution of the banking and finance industry, academic research in this field, and the challenges facing the sector, his remarks sparked a lively discussion with the audience.

The event concluded with a tribute to SFI Prof. Giovanni Barone-Adesi, Professor Emeritus at USI, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to finance research and education in Lugano. Following remarks by Prof. François Degeorge, Giovanni Barone-Adesi shared personal reflections on his academic career and his long association with both SFI and USI.

More than a celebration of an anniversary, the event highlighted the strength of a partnership that has helped advance research, teaching, and knowledge exchange over the past two decades. Through its collaboration with USI and its network of partners, SFI continues to promote world-class research and teaching in banking and finance in Switzerland, bringing together academic excellence and practical experience to strengthen the Swiss financial center.