The Sella group closed 2021 with positive results and growth compared to the previous year, thanks to the good performance in all sectors of activity and the further development of its strategy based on consultancy and technology, with an open platform model, and on the promotion of a sustainable innovative ecosystem, to provide efficient responses to the financial needs of families and businesses. The Boards of Directors of the parent company Banca Sella Holding, the issuing company Banca Sella and the other companies of the group, approved the financial results as at 31 December 2021. At the consolidated level, the results recorded a significant increase in net profit and of the intermediation margin, also thanks to managed savings and investment advisory services, in addition to the growing contribution of new businesses. The high financial solidity remains confirmed.
During the year, the Sella group gave great impetus to its commitment to sustainability. In 2021 it reached carbon neutrality, eliminating the impact of its own CO2 emissions, and underwent a standardized assessment to measure its ESG impact profile, launching a consequent plan for further improvements. The consolidated results of the Sella group as at 31 December 2021 recorded a net profit of 108.3 million euros, compared to 29.6 million euros the previous year. Without considering the extraordinary components, connected to activities consistent with the development and growth strategies of the group, the net profit was 56 million euros. The capital gain obtained from the creation of the 50/50 joint venture in Hype contributed, which led to the acquisition of a total stake of 10% of illimity Bank by Banca Sella Holding and Fabrick. The good performance of the year is also highlighted by the improvement in the profitability index: the ROE stood at 11.1% (6% without considering the extraordinary components). There was a notable development in the intermediation margin which increased by 78.5 million euros, equal to 12.1%, reaching 727.8 million euros. The two main components, the interest margin and net revenues from services, grew by 7.1% to € 251.5 million and by 12.8% to € 388.3 million respectively. The performance of deposits was particularly positive, recording the best result ever. Global inflows at market value grew by 14.9% to reach 49.2 billion euros, while global net inflows were 4.7 billion euros.
Loans to support the activities of households and businesses also increased, while credit quality indices improved further. Compared to the previous year, revenues from investment services, with particular reference to private banking, grew by 16.4% to 183.3 million euros. Investment banking and finance had a particularly brilliant year: margins increased by 39.5% and reached 132.7 million euros. Mobile banking services were particularly popular with customers, obtaining an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 for the Sella app and 4.4 for the Sella Invest app on the main stores.
The results as at 31 December 2021 of Banca Sella, a company issuing widespread securities, have also been approved, which closed with a net profit of 41.4 million euros, up 51.2% compared to the 27.4 million euros of last year.