Italian lender Banca Popolare di Bari SCpA said its core capital ratio was approximately 7.22% at the end of July, up from 6.22% at June-end but still below the 9.45% minimum regulatory requirement, Reuters reported.

The bank said the core capital ratio rose by 100 basis points following two "capital relief" transactions with U.S. hedge fund manager Christofferson Robb & Co. LLC.