Author: Mel Chamber

Bank of Valletta (BOV) and the University of Malta (UM) have entered into a strategic five-year agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration on joint research initiatives and providing new career opportunities for students. This partnership represents a significant investment in Malta’s future workforce, linking academic potential with real-world work experience in a fast-changing financial landscape.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Professor Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta, the Dean of FEMA, Prof. Emanuel Said, the Dean of the Faculty of ICT, Prof. Ing. Carl James Debono, and Ray Debattista, BOV’s Chief People and Culture Officer, in the presence of Antoine Aquilina, Chief Information Security Officer at the Bank.   

This agreement brings together Malta’s longest-standing academic institution and Malta’s leading financial services provider, creating new opportunities at the intersection of education and industry. The University of Malta, with over 400 years of academic excellence, continues to drive innovation through its forward-looking faculties. Bank of Valletta, on its part as Malta’s Bank of Choice is evolving in step with the financial world, offering a wide range of specialist areas of employment from risk management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation to sustainability finance, customer experience, and data science.

Speaking at the signing, Professor Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the UM, said, “This agreement strengthens our ties with one of Malta’s most prominent financial institutions. We believe in bringing together academic knowledge and real-world experience, and this partnership provides a platform for students to view firsthand the demands and opportunities of the evolving financial sector.”

Ray Debattista added, “We’re proud to collaborate with the University of Malta to attract and develop the next generation of talent. This agreement highlights BOV’s commitment to nurturing local talent and reflects our belief in long-term investment in people, adding value not only to the Bank but to the wider student community, cementing its role as a future-focused, inclusive employer of choice.”

The Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy and the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at UM will lead the academic engagement in collaboration with BOV’s Risk Management function.

HSBC Malta Foundation and Nature Trust announce the successfully conclusion of the first phase of the Freshwater Crab Conservation Project – a multi-year initiative aimed at protecting one of Malta’s most ecologically unique and vulnerable species.

Launched in 2019 with a €40,000 donation from the HSBC Malta Foundation, the project was structured in two distinct stages: species-specific research and habitat assessment.

Led by Mr Ray Caruana from Aquatic Resources Malta, the first stage focused on studying the freshwater crab (Potamon fluviatile) population in Baħrija. Juvenile crabs were raised in a controlled environment at the former Aquaculture Directorate Research Centre. Researchers monitored behaviour, climate adaptability, feeding patterns, and social interaction, while also collecting data on territory size, stress factors, and water quality.

The second stage, carried out by Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Limited and Dr Eman Calleja, evaluated the Baħrija valley ecosystem. Environmental consultant Mr Adrian Mallia explained that the assessment included detailed studies of water resources, ecosystem resilience, and human impact on the area. Stakeholder consultations informed a comprehensive action plan for habitat restoration and conservation.

Vincent Attard, President of Nature Trust – FEE Malta, said: “With a solid foundation of scientific data now in place, we are actively engaging with the Environment and Resources Authority and exploring partnerships to prepare a full EU funding proposal. The next phase will aim to implement practical conservation actions and long-term habitat protection measures in the face of climate change.”

Dr Paula Mamo, Deputy Chair of the HSBC Malta Foundation, added: “Thank you to everyone involved in bringing Phase One of this project to a successful close. This is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when dedicated people work together for nature. We’re proud to have kickstarted this initiative, which we hope will now move into an even more ambitious second phase.”

The next phase of the project will focus on implementing direct conservation interventions, restoring critical habitats, and developing long-term strategies to ensure the survival of Malta’s freshwater crab species.

The BOV Volleyball Marathon in aid of id‑Dar tal‑Providenza is back with 53 hours of non‑stop play in the Home’s Siġġiewi car park. The 15^th edition of the marathon will get under way by H.E. Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, on Friday 18^th July at 6.30pm and end at midnight of Sunday July 20^th 2025. Forty players, selected after six weeks of training, will form 5 teams and enter the challenge of fifty‑three hours of continuous volleyball not for any personal gain but to help others.

In a short address, Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza,

during the presentation of the players to the media said that this year we are celebrating the 15th edition of this marathon as well as the 60th anniversary of the Home. He spoke about the dire need of funds with which Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza can continue offering the residential services it offers to 115 persons. He revealed that the Home is in the process of opening more homes in the community. He urged one and all to attend this activity and support the players that enter this challenge with a lot of dedication and commitment.

In a comment to the media, Mr Ernest Agius, BOV’s Chief Operations Officer, said that this marathon is more than a game – it is a testament to the power of unity. When sport meets solidarity, we build a stronger, more compassionate Malta. At BOV, we are proud to stand beside those who never stop believing in a just and better society.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings between 9.00pm and midnight there will be live entertainment provided by local singers and bands on the main stage purposely built in the car park. On Friday Zone 5 will be performing, on Saturday it’s the turn of the Kantera folk band whilst on Sunday night the Spiteri Lucas Band will provide the entertainment.

The public may make a donation by calling on the following numbers, use the BOV Mobile Banking or PayPal or make a donation online through the Home’s bank accounts. For more information you may visit the site: www.sabihlitaghti.org

€15         5170 2012
€25         5180 2013
€50         5190 2070
€100       5130 2044
Pledge Line: 2146 3686
BOV Mobile  7932 4834

The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support Inter Insulas: Archives as Bridges Between Malta and Sicily, an upcoming symposium organised by the Notarial Archives Foundation which will bring together archival professionals from Malta and Sicily. Scheduled for 15 October 2025 at the University of Malta’s Valletta Campus, the full-day symposium represents the first formal collaboration of its kind between the Notarial Registers Archive in Valletta and the Archivio di Stato di Palermo.

Thanks to the Foundation’s sponsorship, a multi-disciplinary team from Palermo – including archivist Dr Francesca di Pasquale, communications specialist Dr Floriana Giallombardo, and conservator Dr Sophie Bonetti – will travel to Malta to share their knowledge and experience. They will join other professionals who, through their work or research, have explored connections between Malta and Sicily, offering a programme of talks and discussions on archival science, conservation, community engagement, and the cultural and historical ties between the two islands.

“The HSBC Malta Foundation has long supported the preservation and promotion of Malta’s documentary heritage,” said Geoffrey Fichte, Chairperson of the HSBC Malta Foundation. “We are delighted to once again support the Notarial Archives Foundation in its mission to safeguard and share the rich historical records in its care. This symposium marks an important step in building cross-border partnerships that can elevate archival standards on both sides of the channel.”

Dr Joan Abela, President of the Notarial Archives Foundation, expressed gratitude for the continued support. “This symposium would not be possible without the HSBC Malta Foundation, whose ongoing commitment and support has been instrumental in aiding our mission. We are thrilled to welcome our colleagues from Palermo, alongside other professionals with a shared interest in the heritage of Malta and Sicily, to provide a platform for learning and collaboration that is open to a wide audience in the heritage sector.”

The event is expected to welcome over 150 attendees and will be open to the public.

For more information and to book, visit this registration form.

Two iconic paintings by Maltese master Giuseppe Briffa have been beautifully restored and reinstated at San Ġwann Parish Church, thanks to the support of the BOV Foundation.

The artworks, The Immaculate Conception within the context of the fall of humanity and The Annunciation of the Virgin by the Archangel Gabriel, were unveiled during a visit by Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, representing the BOV Foundation. He was joined by Charles Azzopardi, Head CSR at the Bank, together with PrevArti founder and lead conservator Pierre Bugeja and Parish Priest Fr Bertrand Vella.

The restoration project was entrusted to PrevArti, which carried out a thorough conservation process to address flaking paint, surface grime, yellowed varnish, and structural weaknesses. The treatment included paint layer consolidation, delicate cleaning, removal of overpainting, and fine retouching, all of which helped revive the rich detail and luminosity of Briffa’s original compositions.

“These paintings are more than devotional pieces—they are cultural treasures,” said Ernest Agius. “The BOV Foundation is proud to contribute to projects that safeguard Malta’s heritage and ensure these artistic works continue to inspire future generations.”

Pierre Bugeja remarked on the value of preserving Briffa’s legacy, noting that “These are historically and artistically significant works. Our aim was to respect the artist’s original vision while ensuring the paintings are structurally and visually sound for years to come.”

The project is part of a wider commitment by the BOV Foundation to invest in the cultural fabric of Malta, recognising that the conservation of sacred art not only preserves the nation’s artistic heritage but also reinforces a shared sense of identity and community. By supporting such initiatives through its dedicated Foundation, the Bank helps bridge the past with the present – ensuring that historical narratives, spiritual symbolism, and artistic mastery remain accessible and appreciated by all.

Fr Bertrand extended his appreciation to all those involved in the initiative, noting the renewed beauty and reverence the paintings now bring to the sacred space of the church of Our Lady of Lourdes in San Ġwann.

Bank of Valletta, through its Foundation and CSR programmes, remains committed to supporting the arts, culture, and the preservation of Malta’s historical and artistic legacy.

Bank of Valletta has just opened a new branch in Mosta. Situated just a few meters away from its prior location, the new branch at 31-33 Constitution Street symbolises the Bank’s commitment to improving the customer experience and upgrading the service it offers throughout its branch network across Malta and Gozo. An inauguration ceremony was held to commemorate this occasion, presided over by BOV Chairperson, Dr Gordon Cordina, and the Bank’s CEO, Kenneth Farrugia.

The branch features full cash service facilities, a 24-hour lobby, and two ATMs, including a bulk-deposit ATM aimed at business clients. This five-storey branch includes soundproof meeting rooms to ensure client confidentiality, which remains one of BOV’s top priorities, as well as an archives and services area in the basement. It also incorporates sustainable features, such as the use of second-class water and intelligent lighting. Structural works, which took one year to complete, were carried out to enhance the building’s safety and accessibility.

The new branch is the tenth BOV branch to showcase the contemporary and modern aesthetic that defines the Bank’s Branch Renovation Programme. It has been designed with a strong emphasis on customer experience, carefully planned to foster a welcoming atmosphere, promoting both functionality and comfort.

During the inauguration, the Bank’s CEO, Kenneth Farrugia, stated that, “The new branch exemplifies our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, and at the same time provides an enhanced and more personalised service experience to our customers. With 32 branches and 94 ATMs across Malta and Gozo, BOV remains the most physically present bank in Malta, reflecting our promise to keep the customer at the centre of everything we do. In parallel, we are currently taking forward a project that will see the Bank launch a new internet and mobile banking channel by the end of this year, which will provide our customers with a significantly enhanced suite of functionalities.

Together with our commitment towards customers, we are equally committed to providing our staff with the best possible work environment. We are making a significant investment in our people, and our modernised premises reflect this commitment towards staff well-being, creating a space that our branch staff can take pride in.”

Dr Gordon Cordina, Chairperson of BOV, said, “The community remains an important stakeholder of the Bank. We have always been closely connected with the wider community, and since our founding, we have played a significant role in the lives of most people in Malta. As one of the main pillars of the economy and society at large, we work hard to make a difference by empowering personal and business customers and supporting their sustainable growth. This new branch in the heart of the community will serve as an important centre-point for this growth.”

Present at the inauguration were Chief Personal and Wealth Officer Simon Azzopardi, Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius and Branch Manager Claudia Chetcuti and her team.