A.P. Giannini

Agence Rol. Agence photographique / Public domain

A.P. Giannini

founder of Bank of America

  • Founded the Bank of Italy, which grew to become Bank of America, the largest bank in the United States.
  • Played a significant role in financing the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Revolutionized banking by creating the first Italian-American bank and later establishing branches that served ordinary people.

Amadeo Pietro Giannini, also known as A.P. Giannini, was an American banker who founded the Bank of Italy, which eventually became Bank of America. He was instrumental in financing the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Milestones

  • The $35 Million Gamble
    Depression-Era Construction Political & Funding
    The $35 Million Gamble

    In the teeth of the Great Depression, voters in six counties approved a massive bond measure to build a bridge many engineers said was impossible.

    1930
  • The Banker Who Believed
    Depression-Era Construction Political & Funding
    The Banker Who Believed

    When no financier in America would touch the bridge bonds during the Depression, A.P. Giannini's Bank of America bought the entire issue and saved the project.

    1932