assegnio

**Assegno**

Assegno is a financial instrument historically used in various countries to represent a prepaid or deferred payment, often issued as a check or a paper voucher. The term derives from the Italian *assegnare*, meaning "to assign" or "to entrust," reflecting its role in transferring funds or rights to a recipient. In many contexts, assegno was a common form of payment before the widespread adoption of electronic banking and credit cards.

In Italy, the assegno was traditionally used for personal and commercial transactions, allowing individuals or businesses to transfer funds from one account to another. It was particularly popular in the 20th century, especially in rural areas where direct bank deposits were less common. Assegni often carried a specific denomination and were endorsed by the issuer, who signed the back to authorize payment. Unlike checks, assegni were sometimes issued with a fixed maturity date, meaning they could only be cashed after a set period, often to prevent fraud.

Over time, the use of assegni declined as banking systems evolved, and modern payment methods such as direct debit, electronic transfers, and mobile payments became more prevalent. However, in some regions, especially in Italy, assegni remain a legal and occasionally practical alternative for certain transactions, particularly in informal or cash-based economies. Today, they are less common but still recognized as valid instruments under financial regulations.