In 2006, the European Central Bank classified CDP as a "financial and monetary institution", along with the French CDC-Caisse de Dépôts et Consignations (founded in 1816) and of the German KFW-Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (founded in 1949). During the 2008-2009 crisis, Cassa took on an important anti-cyclical role of supporting and stimulating investment.
Its operations were widened to include promoting SME access to credit and export support; cooperation with developing countries; developing public real estate and social housing.
Photograph: Friuli Stadium, Udine - Cassa Depositi e Prestiti financed the CCTV surveillance system and security management centre in 2008.