Credeq Launches Italian Operations, Appoints Marcello de Cristofaro to Lead Strategic Expansion
MILAN / LONDON – February 2026 – International credit and surety specialist Credeq has formally launched operations in Italy, appointing Marcello de Cristofaro as Country Manager and member of the Italian Board of Directors.
The expansion establishes Italy as a central growth hub within Credeq’s broader European strategy and strengthens the firm’s ability to support cross-border credit and surety solutions across the region.
Italy represents one of Europe’s most active surety markets, driven by infrastructure investment and increasing international contracting activity. Credeq’s entry is designed to support Italian contractors operating globally while assisting foreign firms navigating the Italian regulatory and commercial landscape.
De Cristofaro brings extensive experience across the credit and surety sectors, alongside a strong track record of pioneering technology-led underwriting innovation.
“Italy is a pivotal market for sophisticated credit and surety solutions,” said de Cristofaro. “Our objective is to build a specialist European hub that combines deep local insight with international capacity — supporting domestic clients with international contracts while providing global firms with structured access to the Italian market.”
Credeq operates in strategic partnership with Nordic Guarantee, part of the Cert Group, providing access to international surety capacity across Europe, Australia and Africa. This partnership model enables Credeq to deliver global underwriting capability with a streamlined, relationship-led approach.
Donny Gouveia, Chairman of Credeq Italy, said the move signals a long-term commitment to the region.
“Italy is central to our European ambitions. Under Marcello’s leadership, we are building a platform that combines local expertise, international capacity and disciplined growth. Beyond organic expansion, we are actively evaluating opportunities to attract top-tier talent and pursue targeted acquisitions to strengthen our presence in this strategically important market.”
Over the next 12 months, Credeq will focus on building its specialist Italian team across Guarantees & Surety, Trade Credit and broader credit risk solutions, positioning Italy as a core node in its European platform.
About Credeq
Credeq is an international specialist in credit insurance, guarantees and surety bringing together over 35 years of industry experience. Headquartered in London with operations across Europe, South Africa and Australia, the firm combines global capacity with local underwriting expertise to deliver structured credit risk solutions across Guarantees & Surety, Trade Credit, Credit Risk Insurance and AI-enabled risk platforms.