Author: Mel Chamber

Bank of Valletta recently hosted its much-anticipated Staff Summer Event at the stunning Chateau Buskett, transforming the venue into a vibrant Neon Jungle for an unforgettable night of fun, connection, and celebration.

The event brought together employees from across the Bank’s units and retail network, providing the perfect setting to unwind, network, and strengthen the sense of community that underpins the Bank’s vision to be the Bank of Choice for both customers and employees.

Guests were welcomed with a refreshing glass of prosecco before stepping into a world of colour, music, and entertainment. The stage came alive with dynamic performances by JD, Neo X, Glenn Vella, Janvil, Destiny, Miriana Conte, and collaborative sets featuring saxophone and bongos with Neo X.

The Neon Jungle theme extended beyond the stage, with roaming animators in full costume, foam sticks lighting up the night, and a 360° photobooth capturing vibrant memories. The garden area buzzed with friendly competition at Beer Pong, Air Hockey, and Table Soccer stations, while the food offering catered to every craving,  from pass-around gourmet bites and themed stations to a roaming cannoli cart, candy floss machine, ice-cream bar, and donut station. Cocktail bars served both alcoholic and non-alcoholic creations to keep the atmosphere lively and inclusive.

Speaking about the occasion, Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer, highlighted that, “Our Summer Event is more than just a night out. It is about creating a space where our people can connect beyond their day-to-day roles. It reflects our commitment to employee well-being and to building the sense of belonging that makes BOV a great place to work.”

Bank CEO Kenneth Farrugia added, “At BOV, we believe that a strong team culture is built on shared experiences. This celebration was a thank-you to our people for their dedication, and a reminder that being the Bank of Choice starts with taking care of those who make it possible, our employees.”

Through initiatives like the Staff Summer Event, Bank of Valletta continues to champion employee well-being, foster stronger connections, and celebrate the people who drive the Bank’s success.

The Vilhena High Yield Fund has continued to attract investor interest, reporting an annualised income yield of 6.25% as of 30^th June 2025. Launched in 2006, the Fund now holds over €100 million in assets, with growth exceeding €25 million in the past five years.

The Fund is designed to provide investors with a diversified and carefully selected portfolio, consisting mainly of sub-investment grade and unrated corporate bonds. Available in Euro and US dollar share classes, it is aimed at investors prepared to accept a higher level of risk in exchange for the potential of higher returns, both through income and capital appreciation.

The Fund deals daily and distributes income quarterly (30 April, 31 July, 31 October, and 31 January). The minimum initial investment is €2,000 or US$2,000, with a monthly investment plan starting at €50 or US$50, and an initial charge of up to 3.5%.

As part of the ongoing High Yield Fund campaign, running until 30 September 2025, Uli Gerhard, Senior Portfolio Manager at Insight Investments Management (Global) Limited, the sub-investment management company of the Fund, delivered an expert session on the European corporate credit market to BOV employees working within the front-line. He noted that credit fundamentals remain solid, default rates are low, and around 65% of the high yield market is rated BB. Gerhard emphasised that performance in high yield is primarily driven by detailed bottom-up credit selection, with the Fund’s portfolio built around approximately 100 carefully chosen companies.

Uli Gerhard explained, “The high yield market remains well-balanced, with attractive opportunities for income and potential capital gains. The focus remains on companies with stable cash flow and predictable business models, ensuring a disciplined approach to risk.”

Peter Paul Cilia, Head of BOV Asset Management Limited, the investment manager of the Fund, added: “The Fund continues to provide an alternative to traditional deposits for investors seeking long-term financial growth. Its diversified portfolio and active management approach are key to its steady performance.”

Further information, including the Prospectus, Fund’s Offering Supplements, and Key Information Document, can be obtained from BOV Asset Management Limited, BOV branches and Investment Centres, or licensed financial intermediaries. Details are also available here.

The HSBC Malta Foundation has extended its support to the St Jeanne Antide Foundation (SJAF) for the launch of iCare4Utoo, a new pilot initiative that aims to improve the emotional well-being of family caregivers who provide ongoing care and support to loved ones living with mental health challenges, through community dance therapy sessions.

Launched in June 2025, the iCare4Utoo programme is offering free, guided dance therapy sessions to caregivers, particularly those aged 50 and over who support relatives with mental health challenges. The initiative will run for two months and is expected to reach up to 15 participants during its pilot phase.

Melanie Piscopo from the St Jeanne Antide Foundation said: “Many caregivers neglect their own mental and emotional health in order to look after loved ones. Through iCare4Utoo, we hope to offer them a safe, inclusive space to unwind, reconnect with themselves, and experience the proven therapeutic benefits of movement and self-expression. We are grateful to the HSBC Malta Foundation for recognising the value of this initiative and supporting us in getting it off the ground.”

Facilitated by a professionally trained dance therapist, the programme is designed to reduce stress, enhance self-esteem, and strengthen social connections among caregivers. The initiative also includes a pre- and post-programme evaluation to measure its impact and inform future expansion.

Glenn Bugeja at the HSBC Malta Foundation said: “We believe that those who dedicate their lives to caring for others deserve care themselves. Supporting iCare4Utoo reflects our commitment to mental health and community well-being. We are pleased to back this innovative approach to caregiver support and look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make in the lives of participants.”

The pilot project is expected to generate valuable data and insight to support long-term sustainability and potential expansion of the programme.

Bank of Valletta has upped its investment in its scan and digitisation project by investing in a newly relocated Digital Operations Unit. The Bank is gaining momentum in its project to scan and digitise documentation, with the main aim of improving data security while supporting the Bank’s efforts in its transition to a more environmentally friendly bank. Since November 2022, the Digital Operations Unit has scanned over 46 million pages of documents that were located in the Bank’s archives.

Bank of Valletta Chairperson Dr Gordon Cordina, CEO Kenneth Farrugia and Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius recently paid an official visit to the newly relocated Digital Operations Unit responsible for the digitisation project. During this visit, the Executive Team had the opportunity to experience the Bank’s digitising process first-hand and meet the staff responsible for this transformation.

Noel Vassallo, Head of Digital Operations Unit, stated that “the electronic filing system not only facilitates the quick retrieval of documents; it also ensures full compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, where we only retain physical copies of documentation that the Bank is legally required to keep.”

BOV’s Chief Operations Officer, Ernest Agius, explained that this system is improving the Bank’s operational processes, reducing the need for physical storage and enhancing the retrieval and management of documents. He added that “BOV is working tirelessly to make its entire documentation digital so that we can do away with paper. It is another step in the right direction in support of sustainability, having already introduced digital signatures on bank applications and agreements.  In the first six months of 2025, the Bank has saved over 44,600 sheets of paper. More benefits are expected to be reaped as the initiative continues to gather speed.

Bank of Valletta is positioning sustainability at the forefront of its business investment, with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices at the heart of the Bank’s operations. The Bank’s ESG strategy is based on striving towards a net-zero impact and climate resilience in internal activities, manifested in initiatives such as the digitisation of documentation. Other initiatives include eco-efficient projects aimed at reducing both direct and indirect emissions, generally referred to as Scope 1, 2 and 3.

As part of the Bank’s commitment to contribute to the reduction of the country’s carbon footprint, it also introduced the walk-to-print concept, eliminating printing devices in each office at BOV Centre. This has decreased printing considerably, saving €53,000 in paper and €20,000 in printing costs. This equates to a reduction of at least 6.7 million sheets of paper or 31 tonnes of CO² less.

PwC Malta is proud to announce its support for Din l-Art Ħelwa, the National Trust of Malta, to support its mission to safeguard Malta’s historic, artistic and natural heritage.

Din l-Art Ħelwa, founded in 1965, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit, voluntary organisation dedicated to the preservation and protection of Malta’s cultural and natural heritage. Over the years, Din l-Art Ħelwa has restored and managed numerous cultural sites of immense historic and environmental importance. The organisation’s efforts include the restoration of towers, chapels, cemeteries, fortifications and other significant sites, totalling almost 20 locations.

PwC Malta’s support includes an annual donation of €20,000 for a period of five years, which will aid the organisation in its series of events and administrative work. In addition to the financial support, PwC Malta will also provide its professional services where needed to ensure the continued success of Din l-Art Ħelwa’s heritage-linked work.

“We are honoured to support Din l-Art Ħelwa in their invaluable work to protect and preserve Malta’s heritage,” said David Valenzia, PwC Malta’s Territory Senior Partner. “We encourage other businesses to also support this organisation to ensure that Malta’s historic sites continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”

Din l-Art Ħelwa also advocates for the enforcement of existing laws and the enactment of new ones to protect Malta’s natural and built heritage.

“We are profoundly grateful to PwC Malta for this vital five-year partnership. Their generous financial contribution and the invaluable offer of professional expertise provide crucial and sustained support for our mission. This commitment empowers Din l-Art Ħelwa to continue restoring, protecting and advocating for Malta’s irreplaceable historic, artistic and natural heritage, ensuring these treasures endure for future generations. We commend PwC Malta’s leadership and echo their call for other businesses to join us in protecting Malta’s shared patrimony,” remarked Patrick Calleja, Executive President of Din l-Art Ħelwa.

PwC Malta is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community and is proud to support Din l-Art Ħelwa in their mission to safeguard Malta’s cultural and natural treasures.

Bank of Valletta employees are continuing to make a real difference in the community, with 352 employees participating in over 30 volunteering initiatives between January and June in 2025. These efforts supported 12 NGOs working in the social and environmental sectors.

Earlier this year the Bank issued a call to NGOs, offering the support of volunteers under the BOV Corporate and Social Responsibility program. The response was extremely positive, with various organisations welcoming hands-on help for the daily activities they carry out in the fulfilment of their mission.

Among the NGOs supported over the past six months were Grow 10 Trees, AAA, Horse Lagoon Foundation, ACT Malta, Soup Kitchen, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust, Caritas, BirdLife Malta, Żibel, the St Jeanne Antide Foundation, and Coast is Clear.

One of the standout moments was the participation of the Bank’s Executive Team at the Soup Kitchen. The team worked alongside other colleagues in the service of vulnerable members of society. “We’re proud of how our people continue to make a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of the Bank. “Volunteering is a reflection of the Bank’s values, and when we roll up our sleeves and work together, we not only support those in need but also strengthen our own culture of unity and purpose.”

The Banks’ volunteering program was introduced as one of the benefits employees have to promote social responsibility and well-being through hands-on community involvement. It also contributes to team building, with employees from different functions and backgrounds coming together to support noble causes.

“Giving our people the space to contribute in a meaningful way through volunteering is part of our broader approach to a purpose-driven culture,” said Ray Debattista, Chief People & Culture Officer. “Volunteering fosters empathy, personal growth, and stronger team spirit. It is a win-win, for our people and for the community.”

Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at the Bank added, “Volunteering brings people closer; it helps increase connection, collaboration, and the kind of shared purpose that drives change inside and outside the organisation. As we look ahead to the second half of 2025, more volunteering activities are being planned in response to the ongoing needs of local NGOs and communities.”

A business delegation made up of Malta-based private enterprises and government entities—primarily from the training and education sector—joined a high-profile business mission to Osaka, Japan, from the 14th to the 22nd of July led by TradeMalta. The mission took place in conjunction with Malta’s official participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

The initiative aimed to strengthen commercial ties between Malta, Japan and the rest of the world, serve an opportunity to promote bilateral cooperation, and explore new business opportunities with a particular focus in the field of training and education.

This trade mission coincided with Education Week at Expo 2025, themed “Learning and Playing”, which explored future-focused trends in education such as play-based learning, technology, inclusion, and cross-cultural exchange.

The business mission also took place during the celebration of Malta Day, at the Expo on 17th July.

Throughout the week, the Maltese delegation participated in several business fora, B2B meetings, and networking events hosted by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of Malta in Japan.

A highlight of the programme was the Japan–Malta Business Forum, which took place on Friday, 18th July, where Hon. Dr Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister of Malta, delivered an official address.

The delegates also took part in a series of events at Malta’s Pavilion during Expo 2025, where they engaged with Japanese and other international stakeholders to promote Malta’s international profile in education, innovation, and enterprise.

The programme included one-on-one business meetings and follow-up engagements designed to lay the groundwork for future collaboration and market entry into Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

TradeMalta encourages Malta-based companies interested in international expansion to get in touch with their ideas and plans. We look forward to offering guidance and resources to help turn their internationalization plans into successful endeavours.

The HSBC Malta Foundation has made a donation to the RISe Foundation to support Malta’s first rehabilitation and reintegration programme designed for female offenders. The donation funded the purchase of a vehicle that will play a key role in facilitating the programme’s daily operations and outreach efforts.

The van will provide residents with access to essential services such as education sessions, healthcare and therapeutic appointments, and community-based activities all of which are integral to their rehabilitation and reintegration journey.

Dr Paula Mamo, Deputy Chairperson for the HSBC Malta Foundation commented:
“Rehabilitation is not just about reform – it’s about restoring dignity, unlocking potential, and creating safer communities. Through this donation, we are proud to support RISe Foundation’s pioneering work and the women who are determined to rebuild their lives with courage and purpose.”

Matthew Degiorgio, Education Coordinator at the RISe Foundation, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support:”Your support not only helps us meet practical needs but also reinforces our belief in second chances. It empowers us to continue our mission of walking alongside individuals with complex, often traumatic pasts, and guiding them in reshaping their futures in ways that benefit both themselves and the wider community.”

Charlie Mifsud, Chairperson at the RISe Foundation highlights that “the female programme offers a structured and supportive environment for women nearing the end of their prison sentence, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration to reduce the risk of reoffending. Without adequate support, those leaving prison face a much higher likelihood of returning to criminal behaviour, which can lead to further harm and pose risks to public safety.”

This initiative forms part of the HSBC Malta Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and fostering social inclusion across the country.