Author: Mel Chamber

As Bank of Valletta concludes a year of celebrations marking its 50th anniversary, it is reinforcing its commitment to the community with the launch of Inħawlu Tbissima, an initiative focused on mental health awareness and environmental sustainability, thanks to the collaboration with Richmond Foundation and ACT Malta.

Supporting Mental Health Awareness

Recognising the importance of mental well-being, BOV is strengthening its collaboration with Richmond Foundation to provide valuable resources and raise awareness about mental health. Through this initiative, the Bank aims to encourage open conversations and ensure that those in need know where to seek help. Just as a strong root system supports a flourishing plant, mental resilience is essential for a healthy, thriving individual and community.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability

In partnership with ACT Malta, BOV is also advocating for environmental sustainability by educating the public on the significance of planting and preserving endemic species. As part of the initiative, BOV volunteers visited various locations across Malta and Gozo, distributing seed pouches of the Sicilian Silver Ragwort (Kromb il-Baħar) – a resilient native plant that symbolises endurance, renewal, and growth. Just like this plant thrives in local conditions, Inħawlu Tbissima encourages individuals to nurture both their well-being and their surroundings, creating a healthier, more sustainable future.

Ernest Agius, COO at BOV, commented “BOV is committed to making a positive impact beyond banking. Inħawlu Tbissima embodies the values of care and growth – supporting mental well-being while encouraging environmental responsibility. The Sicilian Silver Ragwort, with its resilience and beauty, reflects the essence of this campaign, reminding us all that small actions can lead to lasting positive change. As the Bank concludes its milestone 50th-anniversary celebrations, it remains dedicated to initiatives that strengthen both the community and a more sustainable future.”

Charles Azzopardi, Head CSR at Bank of Valletta added, “This initiative is a call to action for everyone to play a part in building a healthier, greener future. Whether it’s taking a moment to priortise mental well-being or planting a seed for a better environment, Inħawlu Tbissima is about collective effort and positive impact. The Sicilian Silver Ragwort is the perfect symbol for this campaign – just like it adapts and flourishes, so too can our community when we nurture it with care and commitment.”

BOV invites the public to engage with this campaign by spreading awareness and taking small steps toward a healthier mind and environment. For updates and further information, one may follow Bank of Valletta’s social media channels.

On International Women’s Day, HSBC Malta Foundation marked its ongoing commitment to helping women in need by contributing through its annual donation drive. This initiative, which has become a cornerstone of the bank’s social impact efforts, provides essential items to women affected by domestic violence, mental health challenges, homelessness, and other adversities.

This year, HSBC Malta, in collaboration with a local school and the generous support of suppliers, has once again brought the community together to gather vital supplies for 23 NGOs working to assist vulnerable women. Donations include essential toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, and deodorants, along with much-needed items like blankets and food supplies. These contributions will help ease the burden on women facing hardship and ensure they have access to basic necessities.

Students participating in this initiative demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and community spirit. Many were involved in collecting and organising the donations, highlighting the importance of instilling values of compassion and solidarity in younger generations.

The donations were presented at a special event at HSBC’s Head Office in Valletta, where, for a day, the boardroom was transformed into a space of generosity and goodwill. This mirrored the success of previous donation drives and reinforced the bank’s dedication to social responsibility.

Melanie Piscopo speaking on behalf of St Jean Antide Foundation emphasised the impact of such initiatives: “Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound effect. This initiative is a testament to the strength of community and the power of collective action to bring positive change to those who need it most. It is heartening to see so many people come together with a shared purpose – to support and uplift women facing hardship.”

Glenn Bugeja at HSBC Malta, reflected on the bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting the community: “At HSBC Malta, we believe in creating meaningful change, and this donation drive is just one of the ways we give back. Supporting women in need is not just about providing essential items; it’s about sending a message of solidarity, respect, and hope. Seeing students, schools, and suppliers unite for this cause is incredibly inspiring, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed.”

The HSBC Malta Foundation remains committed to empowering individuals and fostering a more inclusive society. By working closely with local organisations and the wider community, the foundation continues to champion initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives. Through efforts like this annual donation drive, HSBC Malta strengthens its role as a force for positive change, ensuring that those in need receive both material support and the reassurance that they are not alone.

On World Down Syndrome Day, Bank of Valletta is proud to highlight the achievements of four employees with Down Syndrome who make valuable contributions to the Bank every day and have now become an integral part of the BOV family. Their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm exemplify the Bank’s strong commitment to promoting inclusion at the workplace.

Today, we celebrate Christian Zammit, Maria Pia Saliba, Charline Magro, and Alec Falzon.

Christian Zammit was the first employee with Down Syndrome to join the bank—23 years ago. As a member of the Learning and Development Section, he provides support to his colleagues with a variety of tasks. “I manage the rooms (of the Learning & Development Centre), handle photocopying, binding, and more. I’ve built strong friendships here and love to share a laugh with my coworkers,” Christian shared.  In his colleagues’ words, Christian has made significant contributions to the Bank and to their personal growth, more than they have given him in return.

Maria Pia Saliba has been a valuable member of the Bank for seven years, contributing to the Customer Onboarding Unit. She asserts, “I am very pleased to work here. I love all the staff, and I am treated with respect by everyone. I enjoy working with them; I have found my second family here.”

Charline Magro works in the E-Banking section, where she assists her colleagues with tasks such as shredding documents, and she often delights them with sweet treats. “They all look forward to the biscuits,” she remarked. In addition to her work at BOV, Charline is actively involved in sports and has a passion for modelling. Proudly displaying her trophies, she shared that her most recent award was presented by the Fgura Local Council in recognition of her voluntary contributions to the community.

Alec Falzon joined the Personal Banking Channels Department two years ago. His colleagues describe him as energetic and hardworking, noting that he makes a positive difference in the workplace. He is an example of how his abilities and love for sports encourage others to improve their lives. Alec is also an athlete and was recently honoured with the Special Olympics Male Award during the 65th edition of the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali, which took place earlier this month.

Ray Debattista, responsible for the Bank’s People and Culture function at Bank of Valletta, noted that “Bank of Valletta is one of the most welcoming companies for individuals with diverse needs. We focus on the person, rather than just their specific issues, because we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel included in society.” He urged other companies to follow the Bank’s example, highlighting that the contributions of people like Christian, Maria Pia, Charline, and Alec are more significant than they may realise.

On this occasion, employees at Bank of Valletta were invited to wear odd socks and take team photos.  

World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on 21 March, to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. Officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012, this day encourages understanding and support for individuals with Down Syndrome. The date symbolises the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down Syndrome.

HSBC Malta Foundation has partnered with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee (KNM) to support pollinatives for School Gardens, an initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity and educating students on the importance of indigenous flora and pollinators. The event, held at Sacred Heart College (Saint Julians) and St Michael’s School (Pembroke), saw the planting of native and melliferous plants that provide essential resources for pollinators, including Malta’s National Insect, the Maltese Honey Bee.

Through this initiative, students were actively involved in selecting and planting indigenous shrubs such as Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Maltese Stocks (Matthiola incana melitensis), and Mediterranean Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus). This hands-on approach not only enriched the students’ knowledge of local plant species but also emphasised the importance of preserving Malta’s natural ecosystem. The plants, sponsored by HSBC Malta Foundation, were placed directly into the ground to promote sustainability and reduce maintenance requirements.

The activity was organised with the guidance of Johann Gatt, National Coordinator of the LEAF (Learning about Ecosystems and Forests) international programme, managed locally by Nature Trust FEE Malta. His role in educating students on habitat selection and planting methods helped foster a deeper understanding of Malta’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

A group of Slovenian beekeepers also participated in the event, sharing their expertise on the conservation of native bee species. They highlighted the threats posed by hybridisation with imported bee strains and reinforced the significance of protecting Malta’s endemic Apis mellifera ruttneri.

Speaking on behalf of HSBC Malta Foundation, Glenn Bugeja stated: “Educating young minds about biodiversity and sustainability is an investment in the future. By engaging students in conservation efforts, we inspire a generation that values environmental responsibility and preservation.”

Abner Joe Buttigieg, Administrator of KNM, added: “Beyond protecting the Maltese Honey Bee, we must also safeguard its habitat. By enhancing school gardens with indigenous plants, we create vital spaces for pollinators to thrive, even in urban environments.”

To commemorate their participation, all students received limited-edition postcards, designed by HSBC Malta Foundation and KNM Foundation, featuring the Maltese Honey Bee on local flora. This symbolic gesture further reinforces the significance of native species and the role they play in maintaining ecological balance.

Through this initiative, HSBC Malta Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and education, fostering a greener and more informed future for Malta.

Bank of Valletta is reinforcing its commitment to digital banking innovation and merchant services, ensuring both personal customers and businesses have access to seamless, secure and innovative payment solutions.  During a recent visit to the eBanking teams, BOV CEO Kenneth Farrugia, together with Simon Azzopardi, Chief Personal & Wealth Officer, and Chris Degabriele, Head of eBanking, discussed the Bank’s ongoing digital transformation and the customer benefits of enhanced payment solutions. The CEO also personally thanked the teams for their efforts in driving the Bank’s digital transformation.

As consumer behaviour shifts towards digital-first payments, businesses need efficient, reliable, and secure solutions to meet customer expectations. BOV is enhancing its merchant services by offering more advanced payment acceptance options, improving transaction security, and ensuring businesses can process payments effortlessly – whether through contactless, mobile, or online channels.

Kenneth Farrugia praised the eBanking teams for their dedication in delivering top-tier merchant services. “Our merchants are at the heart of the economy, and our role is to ensure they have the right payment tools to grow and succeed. The way customers pay is changing, and BOV is committed to providing businesses with smarter, faster, and more secure solutions,” he said.

Chris Degabriele outlined how the Bank is scaling its teams to provide dedicated support to merchants. “We are scaling up to meet the increased demand for digital payment solutions. More businesses are embracing contactless and mobile transactions, and we are here to make that transition seamless for them,” he explained.

Simon Azzopardi reinforced the Bank’s vision for a stronger card acceptance business in today’s market. “Businesses require more than just a payment terminal – they need a partner who understands their needs and helps them adapt to changing customer trends. We are continuously refining our services and evolving to ensure businesses can offer faster, more secure, and more versatile payment options,” he noted.

With digital transactions continuing to grow, BOV continues to invest in its merchant services to ensure businesses can operate smoothly and thrive. By strengthening its Card Acceptance business, expanding its digital capabilities, and growing its expert teams, the Bank is setting the stage for a future of smarter, more efficient payment experiences.