Author: Mel Chamber

Bank of Valletta brought together hundreds of colleagues for the BOV People Awards, its annual celebration recognising employees and teams whose dedication, professionalism and ideas continue to drive the Bank forward.

The ceremony recognised outstanding achievements across several award categories, while also celebrating the collective effort behind the Bank’s continued transformation and growth, from customer-facing teams to colleagues in operations, technology, risk and governance.

Addressing attendees, Bank of Valletta CEO Kenneth Farrugia said the Bank’s greatest strength has always been its people. “Every milestone we achieve as a Bank is built on the commitment, talent and determination of our colleagues. Whether they are supporting customers, driving innovation, managing risk, delivering projects or enabling our operations, they make a meaningful difference every day. The BOV People Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate that contribution and thank the people who help make Bank of Valletta the trusted institution it is today.”

“As we look to the future, our success will increasingly depend on our ability to work as one Bank. Greater collaboration, faster decision-making and a willingness to embrace new ways of working will be essential if we are to deliver on our strategic ambitions. By leveraging the collective strength of our people and teams, we can achieve far more together than any one function can achieve alone.”

Mr Farrugia added that the awards also reflect the strong culture across the organisation. “What makes me proud is not only what our colleagues achieve, but how they achieve it. The stories behind these awards speak of teamwork, integrity, professionalism, innovation and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing. These are the qualities that define our culture and position us strongly for the future.”

Chief People and Culture Officer Ray Debattista described the awards as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising and investing in people. “At Bank of Valletta, success starts with our people. Creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to grow is fundamental to our long-term success. The People Awards celebrate excellence, but they also celebrate the culture we are building together, one where contribution is recognised and people are encouraged to reach their full potential.”

“Year after year, the talent across the organisation stands out. The dedication, quality of work and passion our people bring to their roles reinforce why Bank of Valletta continues to be recognised as one of Malta’s leading employers,” he concluded.

This year’s event also placed colleagues at the heart of the celebration through the People’s Choice Awards, giving employees the opportunity to recognise peers who made a meaningful impact through their work, attitude and dedication.

The BOV People Awards form part of the Bank’s wider commitment to employee engagement, professional development and well-being, supporting a workplace where people can build rewarding careers while contributing to the Bank’s long-term success.

As a new scholastic year approaches, bringing with it a new chapter of the Klabb 3 – 16 service, the HSBC Malta Foundation is once again sponsoring the initiative Enhancing Children’s Well-being through After-School Programmes, delivered by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES). Building on the achievements of the previous scholastic year, the Foundation’s continued support will further enrich the experiences and wellbeing of children attending Klabb 3 – 16.

With preparations underway for the 2026/2027 scholastic year, this renewed sponsorship also provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact made possible through HSBC Malta Foundation’s support during the 2025/2026 scholastic year.

The initiative offers educational experiences supporting children beyond the classroom and which extend beyond the academic curriculum. Delivered across Klabb 3 – 16 centres in Malta’s southern and central regions, the sessions focused on fostering self-expression, creativity, mindfulness, and healthy living among children aged seven and above.

The programmes included:

• Mindfulness for Children, helping participants strengthen emotional regulation, concentration, and mental wellbeing;
• Creative Movement and Dance, encouraging self-expression, confidence, and physical health through artistic movement.

Each programme ran over two academic terms and was delivered by warranted practitioners in a safe, inclusive environment. The sessions were offered free of charge to ensure equal access for all children, irrespective of socio-economic background.

Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Malta said: “This is such a meaningful initiative because it supports children’s well-being in a holistic way, nurturing both their personal and creative development. It’s wonderful to see the Foundation for Educational Services continuing to deliver these impactful programmes, and we are proud to stand behind their work for another year.”

Therese Ellul, representing the Foundation for Educational Services, expressed her appreciation, saying “HSBC Malta Foundation’s continued support has enabled us to expand the reach of our after-school well-being initiatives, ensuring that more children have access to creative, educational, and emotionally enriching experiences. This collaboration allows us to invest in Malta’s future by helping children develop skills that last a lifetime.”

The Foundation for Educational Services operates a range of community-based initiatives that promote learning, inclusion, and social development. Through this renewed partnership, the HSBC Malta Foundation continues its long-standing commitment to supporting education, sustainability, and community wellbeing across Malta.

The BOV Foundation has supported the restoration of the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary at Maria Reġina Parish Church in Marsa, helping to preserve this 18th-century oil painting on canvas.  Attributed to the school of Francesco Zahra, one of Malta’s leading painters of religious works, the painting reflects the rich character of the Maltese Late Baroque tradition.

The composition shows the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child and surrounded by angels, as she presents the Rosary to St Dominic, kneeling on the left in the distinctive black-and-white habit of the Dominican Order. A dog, one of his traditional symbols, appears at his feet. On the right, St Catherine of Siena is depicted in the Dominican habit, alongside symbols of prayer and contemplation, including a skull, an open book and lilies.

The conservation project was entrusted to PrevArti’s team, whose careful intervention has given the painting renewed clarity and presence. Pierre Bugeja, Founder and Senior Conservator at PrevArti, said the work had been urgently required following several earlier interventions over the years and was obscured by layers of overpainting.

Mr Bugeja explained that the process involved removing accumulated dust and dirt, the deteriorated varnish, and any previously applied retouching; consolidating areas where the paint layer had become detached; and strengthening the canvas support to strengthen the fibres. It also addressed deformations in the canvas support, while areas of loss were filled and levelled using restoration gesso. Mr Bugeja noted that the conservators used ethical and fully reversible techniques to minimise the visual impact of these losses on the artwork’s overall aesthetic. The project was thoroughly documented, with detailed records produced before and after the conservation process. It was completed with the construction of a new decorative gilt frame, produced using traditional methods and designed to complement the historic character of the restored painting.

The restored painting has now returned to Maria Reġina Parish Church, where it has been placed more prominently for parishioners and visitors to appreciate.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ernest Agius, Deputy Chairperson of the BOV Foundation and Chief Operations Officer at the Bank, thanked Pierre Bugeja and his team for their outstanding work. “The Bank and the BOV Foundation are proud to help yet another community preserve a work of art that reflects Malta’s rich cultural heritage and the devotion of its people,” he said. “Our support is a testament to our commitment to being a trusted partner to the communities we serve.”

Mr Agius also underlined the Bank’s wider role in safeguarding Malta and Gozo’s artistic patrimony, noting that culture and heritage form one of the five pillars guiding the purpose of the BOV Foundation. Through its work, the Foundation also supports initiatives in social inclusion, ethical conduct, education, and environmental sustainability. He added that these efforts are complemented by distinctive initiatives such as volunteering leave for staff members, recognising that giving back benefits both the communities supported by the Bank and the employees who dedicate their time to them.

HSBC Bank Malta today announced it has entered into a partnership agreement with FinanceMalta in support of the flagship London reception organised by the Malta Financial Services Advisory Council (MFSAC) and FinanceMalta, to be held on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at the Great Hall of the Guildhall.

The reception, which is being hosted for the fourth time, brings together senior stakeholders to promote Malta’s financial services sector internationally and to strengthen engagement with the UK market. The initiative also supports the wider momentum behind the sector’s national strategy, led through joint efforts by regulators and industry.

Geoffrey Fichte, HSBC Malta’s CEO said, “our bank has a long-standing commitment to supporting the island’s growth and its international connectivity. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to present Malta’s financial services offering with clarity and confidence on a global stage, and London remains an important place to do that.”

Mr Fichte added, “Events like the London reception help open doors for dialogue, investment interest and collaboration. They also give international audiences a practical sense of Malta’s capabilities, professionalism and long-term direction.”

Joseph Zammit Tabona, Chairman of the MFSAC commented, “We are grateful for HSBC’s continued support of this important initiative. The London reception is an invaluable opportunity to further promote Malta’s financial services overseas and to demonstrate the progress being made through the country’s focused Financial Services sector strategy as well as through the close cooperation between the public and private sectors driving implementation.”

George Vella, Chairman of FinanceMalta, said, “This partnership strengthens the platform we’ve built in London to connect Malta’s financial services sector with key international decision-makers. Showcasing our capabilities and the progress of our national strategy helps reinforce confidence in Malta as a forward-looking, well-regulated and collaborative jurisdiction.”

With a significant proportion of the original initiatives in the sector’s long-term strategy already delivered, the MFSAC is now working on an updated strategy for 2027 to 2032. Continued collaboration across the sector and key stakeholders will be important to sustain this momentum.

The partnership agreement was signed at HSBC Hub in Qormi, with HSBC Bank Malta, FinanceMalta and MFSAC now working closely together on the final event logistics arrangements ahead of the London reception in November.

Bank of Valletta has celebrated colleagues who are making a meaningful difference in customers’ lives through its CX Stars recognition programme, an initiative that places the customer’s voice at the heart of employee recognition and reinforces the Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

The programme forms part of the Bank’s ongoing Voice of the Customer (VoC) initiative, through which customers share feedback about their experiences across the Bank’s channels. This feedback helps BOV understand what matters most to customers, shape service improvements, and recognise colleagues who are making a real difference.

Through CX Stars, frontline employees who receive multiple positive mentions from customers are celebrated, giving customers a direct voice in recognising exceptional service.

Employees across the Bank were also encouraged to nominate colleagues in support and brand protection roles whose work strengthens the overall customer experience. This reflects the fact that great service is not created only at the frontline, but through the combined efforts of teams who simplify processes, remove friction, strengthen controls, and help customers bank with confidence.

Addressing the nominees, Bank of Valletta CEO Kenneth Farrugia explained, “At BOV, customer experience is everyone’s responsibility. What makes the CX Stars programme particularly meaningful is that it combines the voice of our customers with the appreciation of our colleagues. Customers help us identify those who have made a genuine difference to their experience, while employees can recognise peers whose work supports and enables that experience behind the scenes. Together, these recognitions reinforce our commitment to putting customers at the centre of everything we do.”

The recognition programme is part of BOV’s broader customer experience journey, which continues to strengthen the way the Bank listens, learns and acts on customer feedback. It also reinforces a culture where feedback is not simply measured but used to drive meaningful improvement.

CX Stars is also a reminder that every role contributes to the customer experience — from colleagues serving customers directly, to those supporting teams, improving processes, developing solutions, and strengthening the Bank’s operational and governance frameworks.

By linking customer feedback with employee recognition, Bank of Valletta continues to turn insight into action while celebrating the people who bring its customer-first values to life every day.

Bank of Valletta is strengthening its commitment to financial education through its participation in the 2026 SkolaSajf programme, which is expected to reach around 700 children aged between eight and twelve at 30 centres across Malta. This marks the Bank’s third year of participation in this summer-school programme.

The initiative introduces children to essential financial concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Sessions address understanding money and the difference between needs and wants, saving and goal setting, smart spending and simple budgeting. They also promote confidence with money, responsible behaviour and awareness of digital money and safety.

At the heart of the programme is AstroSaver, the Bank’s Young Savers mascot, together with a mix of games, clips, and hands-on activities. A key feature of this year’s programme is Astro Money Mission, an interactive board game developed specifically for the sessions. It gives children an opportunity to apply what they have learned while working together, solving problems and making decisions.

The 2026 programme also broadens the conversation from managing money to protecting it. Community Police Officers are participating in selected sessions, where they provide children with simple and practical guidance on scams and online safety. The sessions explain what a scam is, discuss how children can stay safe when gaming or interacting online, and reinforce three clear steps: “Stop, Think, Ask.”

Children are also introduced to common warning signs, including offers or prizes that appear too good to be true, messages that create urgency or pressure, requests for passwords or personal information, and links from unknown or untrusted sources.

The participation of Community Police Officers builds on the collaboration agreement between the Bank and the Malta Police Force. The agreement supports joint initiatives intended to strengthen national resilience against financial crime, promote public education and awareness, reduce victimisation and enhance customer protection. The wider partnership has also been publicly positioned as a means of helping society respond to the evolving tactics of fraudsters and scammers.

By bringing financial literacy and scam awareness together, the programme encourages children to make considered choices both with money and the online world. The same habit of pausing before spending, distinguishing between needs and wants, and thinking about longer-term goals can also help children recognise pressure, question suspicious requests and seek advice from a trusted adult.

“Every conversation we have with a child about saving, planning and making smart choices helps build confidence that can last a lifetime. Through SkolaSajf, we are not just teaching financial concepts. We are helping young people develop skills that will support them in the years ahead,” explained Vanessa Borg, Lead Marketing and Product Lifecycle Management at the Bank.

Financial literacy is an important life skill, and early, practical conversations can help children develop healthy habits and a positive relationship with money. Through SkolaSajf, Bank of Valletta is taking these conversations directly into communities and presenting them in a way that is relevant, memorable and enjoyable for young learners. This approach complements the Bank’s wider educational outreach, which promotes smarter financial choices, safer digital habits and stronger financial confidence among young people.

The Malta Bankers’ Association (MBA), in collaboration with EY, hosted banking professionals and industry stakeholders at BOV Centre for a focused discussion on Frontier AI, cybersecurity and the resilience of Malta’s financial services sector.

Opening the event, MBA Chair Kenneth Farrugia said the fast pace of artificial intelligence requires banks to think beyond individual institutions and respond with a shared sense of responsibility. “The challenges facing our industry, particularly those arising from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, cannot be addressed effectively by institutions working in isolation,” said Mr Farrugia. “They require shared expertise, open dialogue and a clear commitment to protecting the resilience of our sector and the trust of the communities we serve.”

The session brought together expertise from EY cybersecurity specialists Curt Gauci, Partner in Technology Consulting at EY Malta; Christos Yiacoumis, Partner in Technology Consulting Cybersecurity at EY Cyprus; and Panagiotis Papagiannakopoulos, EY Europe Central Financial Services Cybersecurity Leader and EMEIA Microsoft Cloud Security Centre of Excellence Leader.

The EY speakers noted that Frontier AI is moving quickly from productivity support to an operational capability that can reason, analyse complex information and execute multi-step workflows. For banks, this opens the door to greater efficiency and innovation, but also raises the urgency of managing cyber threats that are becoming faster and more sophisticated.

A central message from the discussion was that banks need to be both AI-enabled and AI-resilient. This means embracing the opportunities of AI while ensuring that governance, cybersecurity and operational resilience frameworks remain strong enough to keep pace with change.

Drawing on EY’s Global Cybersecurity Leadership Insights Study, the presenters highlighted the importance of visibility across increasingly complex technology environments. EY’s research indicates that 36% of organisational assets globally fall within the “vulnerability zone”, while 80% of cybersecurity leaders believe their most significant risks sit in blind spots.

Mr Farrugia said the discussion reinforced the MBA’s role as a forum where member banks can examine common risks, exchange experience and strengthen collective preparedness. “The pace of technological change means that resilience cannot be treated as a one-off exercise. It calls for continuous investment, sound governance and close cooperation across the industry,” he said. “Through the MBA, member banks can build a stronger understanding of emerging risks and contribute to a banking sector that is more resilient, informed and future-ready.”

Mr Farrugia also thanked EY for bringing international expertise and research into the local industry conversation. “Partnerships of this nature help ensure that Malta’s banking community remains informed, prepared and responsive as the technology and risk landscape continues to evolve,” he added.

The discussion also addressed continuous asset and identity visibility, stronger third-party risk management, faster vulnerability remediation and the responsible use of AI-assisted cyber defence. Participants were encouraged to view Frontier AI not only as a technology matter, but as a strategic resilience priority for boards, senior management and leaders across technology, risk, operations, data and business functions. “By combining knowledge, experience and a shared sense of responsibility, we will be better placed to harness the benefits of innovation, respond to emerging threats and protect the trust on which banking is built,” Mr Farrugia concluded.

The event underscored the need for continued dialogue and cooperation as banks seek to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding resilience, security and trust.

Bank of Valletta recently welcomed more than 1,000 employees to its annual Staff Summer Event at the stunning Verdala Palace Gardens, bringing colleagues together for an evening that celebrated the people, energy and shared values that make BOV one of Malta’s leading employers.

With live music, delicious food, interactive photo booths and a spectacular drone light show, the evening gave teams from across the Bank the chance to relax, reconnect and enjoy time together away from the workplace.

Beyond the celebration itself, the event underlined the Bank’s continued focus on employee engagement and employer branding. Creating moments where people feel valued, included and connected is an important part of building a strong workplace culture and supporting the teams who serve BOV’s customers every day.

Commenting on the event, Kenneth Farrugia, the Bank’s CEO, said, “At Bank of Valletta, our greatest strength has always been our people. The BOV Staff Summer Event was a moment to celebrate their commitment, energy and contribution to the Bank’s success. Strong organisations are built on strong cultures, and we will continue investing in initiatives that help our people feel connected, proud and inspired to give their best.”

Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius added, “A positive employee experience is key to delivering excellent customer experiences. Events like this bring people together, strengthen relationships and remind us that, while our roles may be different, we are united by a shared purpose. They also reflect who we are as an employer and why BOV continues to be a place where people can build meaningful careers.”

The evening featured performances by Brass House Unit, Matt Blxck and DJ Ziggy, with the drone light show providing a memorable finale above Verdala Palace Gardens. As BOV continues to grow and evolve, the Bank remains committed to nurturing a workplace where people feel supported, engaged and proud to contribute to its future.

Bank of Valletta is continuing to strengthen its investment services proposition, with a clear focus on helping customers make sense of market developments and take financial decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

This approach was at the centre of a recent BOV Asset Management seminar, which brought together teams from across the Bank to discuss market opportunities, investment solutions and the role advisers play in supporting customers. Addressing the seminar, Kenneth Farrugia, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, said that BOV’s priority is to remain close to customers through experienced people, personalised service and convenient access across the Bank’s network. He noted that ongoing investment in people, technology and service delivery is helping the Bank respond more effectively to customers’ needs at every stage of their financial journey.

The Bank is also making better use of technology, client insights and relationship management tools to deliver advice that is more timely and relevant. Customers can draw on this support through relationship managers, the Investment Centre, Wealth Management advisers, branches and other service channels.

During the seminar, the BOV Asset Management Portfolio Management Team shared its outlook for the second half of 2026, outlining the market themes likely to influence investor decisions in the months ahead. These included artificial intelligence, geopolitical fragmentation, resilient corporate earnings, fiscal policy developments and opportunities in fixed income. The outlook for Malta was also described as positive, supported by strong economic growth and constructive local sentiment.

The seminar also looked beyond market performance and product solutions to the customer experience itself. Clear communication, consistency and empathy were highlighted as essential to building stronger relationships and helping customers feel properly supported in the decisions they take.

Peter Paul Cilia, Head at BOV Asset Management, provided an update on the product range and business performance, noting encouraging growth in Monthly Investment Plans and the continued development of investment solutions that respond to customers’ evolving needs.

Closing the seminar, Simon Azzopardi, Chief Personal and Wealth Officer, said the Bank will continue to strengthen its investment services by combining technical expertise with close customer relationships.

“As Malta’s financial services sector continues to evolve, our focus remains firmly on helping customers make informed decisions and plan with greater confidence,” Mr Azzopardi said. “Customers are looking for guidance they can trust, delivered by people who understand their goals and circumstances. Through our Wealth Management, Asset Management and Investment Centre teams, we are making it easier for customers to access experienced professionals who can support them in building long-term financial plans.”

By bringing together its Asset Management, Wealth Management, Retail and Investment Centre teams, BOV is giving customers easier access to the expertise they need to understand their options, plan ahead and invest with greater trust.