The origins of Banca Popolare dell'Emilia Romagna lie in Banca Popolare di Modena, founded in 1867 by Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso.
 
Starting from 1973, Banca Popolare di Modena aggregated various cooperative banks in the Modena and Parma areas.

At the start of 1984, Banca Popolare di Modena merged with Banca Cooperativa di Bologna, setting up Banca Popolare dell’Emilia, with headquarters in Modena. In 1987, Banca Popolare di Cavezzo was also incorporated. In 1992 Banca Popolare dell’Emilia incorporated Banca Popolare di Cesena and changed its company name to Banca Popolare dell’Emilia Romagna.