The Financialisation of Actors, Practices and Instruments. Insights from Milano’s Urban Market

Abstract

Financialisation has become increasingly relevant in urban studies, highlighting the growing role of financial actors, practices and instruments which are shaping cities. Milano has a unique position as a middle-size and gateway city located between Continental and Mediterranean Europe and these circumstances made it a magnet for institutional investment. This research investigates such financial mechanisms in Milano, considering the global and European influence pressuring Milano’s urban development, planning, and governance. Drawing on empirical studies and existing research, it analyses investment patterns, actor strategies, and regulatory frameworks. This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach to reveal the complex ties between finance and urban transformations, aiming to support equitable, sustainable development and contribute to both academic and policy debates.