HSBC Malta Foundation celebrates 10 years of empowering young people through the King’s Trust International Achieve Programme

The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the King’s Trust International Achieve Programme in Malta, an initiative that has transformed the lives of countless young people by equipping them with vital skills for a brighter future. The milestone was recently marked with a special celebration that highlighted the programme’s lasting impact over the past decade.

Since its inception, the Achieve Programme has offered an innovative, alternative approach to learning, providing students with opportunities to gain recognised qualifications in personal development and employability skills. Supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, the programme has helped young people transition seamlessly into further education, training, and the workforce.

The programme has seen remarkable growth and success since its launch in Malta over the years:

  • 61 schools have delivered the Achieve Programme, up from 7 in 2015/2016.
  • Over 300 educators have been trained and involved, compared to just 7 at the start.
  • More than 3,200 students have registered for the programme, from just 90 in the first year.
  • 2,054 students have gained qualifications at MQF Level 2 or 3, with a total of 554 MQF Level 3 qualifications awarded.

The HSBC Malta Foundation was instrumental in bringing the programme to Malta, working with the then Prince’s Trust around 10 or 11 years ago to explore the idea of introducing this initiative in a country outside the UK for the first time. Over the years, the Foundation has invested around €1 million to support the introduction and delivery of the programme, including funding for numerous student-led projects. With this initiative, the Foundation has been assisting young people in Malta who are at risk of underachieving or dropping out of formal education.

Speaking at the event, Geoffrey Fichte, CEO at HSBC Bank Malta said: “For a decade, the King’s Trust International Achieve Programme has been a cornerstone of our commitment to youth empowerment. It is helping young people gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to succeed in education and employment. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing this important work.”

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima added: “This programme is a shining example of how partnerships between the public and private sectors can make a real difference in the lives of our young people. By providing an alternative path to education, it has empowered students to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. We are proud to have been part of this journey from the very beginning.”

In 2023 alone, King’s Trust International reported that over 22,800 young people globally benefited from their programmes, with over 70% moving into work, training, or further education after completing their employability courses. The Malta Achieve Programme continues to play a crucial role in this global impact, helping young people build confidence, learn essential skills, and showcase their talents.

As the programme enters its second decade, the HSBC Malta Foundation remains committed to empowering young people to achieve their dreams and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

MBB welcomes the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass, urges swift delivery on promises

The Malta Business Bureau welcomes the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass as a crucial initiative to tackle the EU’s long-term economic challenges.

MBB CEO Mario Xuereb emphasised that while the Competitiveness Compass rightly prioritises innovation, sustainability, and economic security, the EU must now fulfil its commitments to deliver tangible benefits for businesses and citizens.

“The Commission’s planned initiatives demonstrate a renewed focus on competitiveness and a welcome shift away from the regulatory burden of the previous mandate. By streamlining regulations, fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and strenghtening economic security, the EU can create an environment that enables business to flourish – helping start-ups scale up and allowing established companies to consolidate and expand their operations more effectively.”

However, action is now critical, Xuereb added.

“The productivity gap between Europe and its competitors is widening, and the time for action is now. To realise its ambitions, the EU must follow through on its commitments and ensure that both businesses and citizens reap the benefits of these reforms.”

Announced today, the Competitiveness Compass provides insights into a series of targeted policy strategies and legislative proposals expected in 2025 and 2026. It aims to address key challenges that the EU has faced in recent years, including the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and resulting economic shocks such as inflation and soaring energy prices.

While Europe has shown resilience, it must now confront deeper, long-term challenges as outlined by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi in their respective reports published last year on the current state of the European Single Market and European Competitiveness.

These challenges include a widening productivity gap with major global economies, increased reliance on imports of critical raw materials, and the vulnerability of supply chains.

Closer to home, MBB eagerly anticipates reviewing the Omnibus Simplification package, one of the first initiatives to be announced. Maltese enterprises are at risk of facing excessive administrative requirements in areas such as sustainable finance reporting and supply chain due diligence. This package aims to streamline the recently adopted regulations which are crucial for small businesses operating within broader supply chains.

MBB also looks forward to evaluating a proposal for a new enterprise category for small midcaps. This will offer tailored regulatory measures for businesses that exceed the SME criteria but remain far smaller than large multinational corporations, as is the case with several Maltese companies.

As the European Commission prepares to finalise and announce its targeted policies and legislative proposals in the 2025 Annual Work Programme this February, MBB urges European institutions to prioritise swift action to bridge the productivity gap, reduce bureaucratic burdens, and enhance Europe’s global competitiveness.

HSBC Malta Volunteer Leave Day sees 421 employees giving back to the community

Well over four hundred HSBC Bank Malta employees participated in last year’s Volunteer Leave Day initiative, dedicating a day of paid leave to supporting the local community through volunteering at a variety of organisations.

The initiative, a cornerstone of HSBC Malta’s corporate responsibility efforts, provides employees with the opportunity to contribute their time and skills to meaningful projects that make a tangible difference. From assisting vulnerable groups at social initiatives like Soup Kitchen Malta to helping preserve Malta’s cultural and natural heritage at locations such as the Notarial Archives, Argotti Gardens and Ħaġar Qim Temples, employees engaged in a wide range of activities aimed at supporting the community.

Participants described the experience as both enriching and humbling. Many noted how volunteering gave them new perspectives on the challenges faced by others and the importance of contributing to the well-being of society.

“The Volunteer Leave Day is more than just a day off work; it’s a chance for our colleagues to connect with the community and support the causes that matter most,” said Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Bank Malta. “At HSBC, we believe in being an active participant in the communities we serve, and it’s inspiring to see our team come together to create a positive impact.”

The Volunteer Leave Day initiative reflects HSBC Malta’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of care and collaboration. Through its community-focused programmes, the bank continues to promote values of inclusion, sustainability, and solidarity, ensuring that its impact goes beyond business and into the heart of the communities it serves.

The Malta Chamber joins CLECAT to strengthen representation in European Freight, Logistics and Shipping fora

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise, and Industry is pleased to announce that it has officially joined CLECAT as of January 2025.

CLECAT is a European policy lobbying body representing the interests of over 19,000 companies across Europe, employing more than 1,000,000 staff in logistics, freight forwarding and customs services, making it the most representative organisation of its kind.

By affiliating with CLECAT, The Malta Chamber will enhance its capabilities in three key areas, which are

•            Substantiate its expertise, by accessing and better grasping the collective sectorial insights across the EU.

•            Contribute to national interest representation, by improved alertness to policy matters impacting Malta, and contribution within its Working Groups reflecting positions in key areas, together with EU advisory arm Malta Business Bureau.

•            Expand influence beyond the Council and European Parliament to key European sectoral lobbying groups which are instrumental, particularly when lobbying with the European Commission.

The Malta Chamber is already an active participant within other European fora, like Eurochambers, Business Europe and Enterprise Europe Network. The Malta Chamber is also active within the Island Nations Advocacy Group (INAG), which brings together island states such as Malta, Ireland, and Cyprus to promote converged positions. Membership in CLECAT will further strengthen these efforts at the European level.

In light of Malta’s unique geographical position, the Malta Chamber has repeatedly reiterated its call for the introduction of a “Territorial Proofing” or “Insularity Test” as part of the EU’s Competitiveness Check within the impact assessment process. EU regulations should consider the specific challenges faced by peripheral island states. The Malta Chamber also stresses the importance of conducting timely impact assessments, to prevent unintended consequences by adopting measures that reflect the distinct needs of such, from the outset of the legislative process.

European freight forwarders and customs agents clear approximately 95% of all goods in Europe and handle a significant proportion of transport operations, including 65% of cargo by road, 95% by air, and 65% by sea. Their operations also encompass rail freight, inland waterways and intermodal transport, leveraging advanced IT systems, dedicated terminals and warehousing to meet customer demands effectively.

Alongside the Malta Chamber, two other organisations have joined CLECAT this year, which are, the Romanian Freight Forwarders Association (USER) and the Romanian Association of Customs Brokers (Roubroker). With these new members, CLECAT now comprises 28 national associations, reinforcing its role as the leading voice for European logistics and freight forwarding.

BNF’s year of purpose-driven corporate engagement

Driven by BNF’s strategy to align its business success with social good, the Bank’s management and team members came together in 2024 to deliver a year of impactful social initiatives, intended to empower communities and make meaningful change.

Focusing on purposeful projects that champion sustainability, inclusion and community well-being, a number of local organisations enjoyed the support of the Bank, as different teams came forward to take an active role and create value where it matters most.

From village gatherings like Festa Familja, Festa Gheneb and Ghodwa Agrarja, which saw regional branch teams reach out to the community and strengthen personal bonds, to events of national importance organised by Inspire, Hospice, Alive Foundation, Richmond Foundation, Europa Donna and the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, the Bank supported projects with long-term impact and benefits.

With environmental sustainability as a key focus, the Bank took on green initiatives, planting trees, joining clean ups and intensifying its efforts internally to reduce, re-use and recycle.

Through the staff payroll donation to charitable organisations and the monthly initiative #Yourcause, where employees pick local NGOs to support, the team, supported by BNF’s management took every opportunity to leave their mark on causes close to their heart. These causes varied from supporting disadvantaged members of the community, environmental issues, and animal NGOs.

“Our core values of empathy, responsibility and ambition are what inspire and motivate us to volunteer and support the many NGOs active in Malta,” said Karl Dingli, head of Human Resources, Properties & Administration Department. “We are grateful to our team members and partners for their efforts to make a positive difference in 2024. We remain committed to active corporate engagement with the ultimate aim to building a brighter future for our communities in 2025.”

BOV colour my run proceeds donated to Richmond Foundation

Bank of Valletta recently partnered with Colour My Run Malta, sponsoring the annual 5K Fun Run as part of the Bank’s well-being challenge promoting physical, mental and financial well-being. This was a first for the Bank, an initiative that saw part of the proceeds from each applicant going towards Richmond Foundation, coupled with a generous donation made by Bank of Valletta and other co-sponsors of the Fun Run.

Bank of Valletta CEO Kenneth Farrugia presented the donation to Ms Daniela Calleja Bitar, CEO of Richmond Foundation over the Christmas period. The presentation was held in the presence of Mr Nathan Farrugia from Colour My Run Malta and Mr Daniel Magrin, Head of Marketing and Product Lifecycle Management at Bank of Valletta.

BOV’s nationwide campaign incentivises the public to start planning for a sound financial future through a holistic approach involving the physical, mental and financial aspects of well-being. This initiative brought together local key players in the fields of physical, mental and financial wellness and promoted the importance of investing time in both physical activity and a healthy mindset.

Speaking during the presentation, the Bank’s CEO commended the invaluable efforts of the Richmond Foundation in fostering a healthy mindset within the community. “Our collaboration with Colour My Run Malta is an important aspect of our efforts in highlighting the importance of adopting a healthy, physical lifestyle. Being active and engaging in fun activities helps us steer away from the pitfalls of stress and routine. However, well-being also extends to our finances, and today more than ever, planning for our retirement at an early stage will have immense benefits in the future. As Malta’s largest Bank, with so many ties to local communities, we have a duty to instil awareness on financial well-being, and our partnership with Colour My Run was a great opportunity to raise awareness on financial stability in a fun and active manner.”

UN Limited founder (the Colour My Run organisers), Nathan Farrugia said that UN Limited is a fervent believer that exercise should be fun if we want to encourage non-athletes to stay active and lead healthy lifestyles. “This is why we are so thankful to BOV for their support in growing this event and getting more people out to run, walk or dance the Colour My Run route from Fort Manoel. We are thankful to MIDI for allowing us to use their amazing venue and to all the other sponsors who aligned with our values and beliefs on this project. We chose Richmond Foundation because we believe that physical and mental fitness MUST tie in together. They cannot be separated, and education around the importance of this fact is central to the mission of our chosen beneficiary.”

Richmond Foundation’s CEO, Daniela Calleja Bitar commented: “Richmond is proud to partner with UN limited to celebrate the powerful connection between exercise and mental well-being. A special thank you to BOV for bringing Colour My Run 2024 to life, reminding us all that movement, colour, and community can brighten both body and mind.”

BOV rings the bell at the Malta Stock Exchange

Occasion marks Listing of €100 Million 5% Unsecured Subordinated Bonds 2029-2034

On Tuesday, 21st January 2025, Bank of Valletta (BOV) marked a significant milestone with the listing of its €100 million 5% Unsecured Subordinated Bonds (2029-2034) on the Official List of the Malta Stock Exchange (MSE), that took place on the 11th November 2024. The occasion was celebrated with the traditional ‘Ringing of the Bell’ ceremony, hosted at the MSE in Valletta.

A Historic Partnership with the Malta Stock Exchange

In his welcome speech, Joseph Portelli, Chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange, highlighted BOV’s longstanding partnership with the Exchange, noting, “Bank of Valletta’s shares were the first security to be listed on the Official List in 1992. Over the years, the Bank has demonstrated its commitment to the local market and its large shareholder base.”

BOV’s Leadership in the Market

Kenneth Farrugia, Bank of Valletta CEO, expressed gratitude for the strong market response to the bond issue, stating, “This €100 million bond, the largest ever to be listed on the Official List of the Malta Stock Exchange, was oversubscribed within days of its launch. This success underscores the trust that both institutional and personal investors place in the Bank and validates our strategic vision to strengthen capital and deliver long-term value for all stakeholders.”

He further emphasised BOV’s role as a key player in Malta’s financial sector and the Bank’s history of pioneering initiatives, including being the first Maltese company to list bonds on the Irish Stock Exchange.

Acknowledging the Team and Stakeholders

Present at the event were also Kevin Cardona, the Bank’s Chief Finance Officer, and members of BOV’s Capital Funding and Issuance  and Capital Advisory teams, who played pivotal roles in the successful bond issue. Representatives from the main stakeholders were also in attendance, including Camilleri Preziosi Advocates as Legal Counsel, and Rizzo Farrugia & Co (Stockbrokers) Ltd, and Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd as joint sponsors. The event was attended by management and staff of the Malta Stock Exchange, who collaborated closely to bring this milestone to fruition.

Bank of Valletta’s €100 million bond issue further solidifies its position as a leader in Malta’s financial landscape, reflecting its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.

KYC Portal CLM and PwC United Kingdom (UK) and PwC Channel Islands (CI), “PwC”, announce Strategic Collaboration

KYC Portal CLM, the leading no-code client lifecycle management (‘CLM’) platform, is proud to announce its strategic collaboration with PwC. This collaboration combines PwC’s global expertise in financial crime prevention, process management, and regulatory landscapes with the cutting-edge capabilities of KYC Portal to drive unparalleled value for organisations worldwide.

PwC has chosen KYC Portal as one of its preferred CLM platforms following thorough evaluation of various tools on the market. Through this collaboration, PwC has equipped itself with in-depth knowledge of KYC Portal CLM’s transformative features empowering their team with the ability to enhance operational efficiencies and regulatory compliance. Leveraging PwC’s renowned proficiency in FinTech, RegTech, and strategic process analysis, organisations can access an integrated solution to address their compliance challenges and align with their broader strategic goals.

“KYC Portal CLM is revolutionising the way organisations manage compliance, risk, and client lifecycle processes,” said Kristoff Zammit Ciantar, Founder & CEO at KYC Portal. “Through this collaboration with PwC, we are empowering companies with an unparalleled combination of technical excellence and strategic insight. We are extremely proud to have been selected by PwC for such a collaboration and are very excited to start presenting our combined service playbook to both existing and new customers.”

PwC’s comprehensive expertise spans financial crime frameworks, risk management, and operational optimisation. Paired with KYC Portal’s no-code flexibility and automation, this collaboration provides an opportunity for businesses to mitigate compliance risks while enhancing productivity, backed by top expertise in the market.

“With KYC Portal CLM, we are well-positioned to help organisations navigate the complexities of compliance with confidence,” said Mark Loring, Partner, Financial Crime Managed Services Lead, London PwC UK. “Our collaboration allows us to offer a seamless blend of strategic consulting and technical capability to support organisations in achieving their compliance and operational goals.”

This collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to driving innovation and delivering exceptional client value in the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

About KYC Portal CLM

KYC Portal CLM is the market-leading no-code client lifecycle management platform, designed to empower organisations with unmatched control and automation over compliance and onboarding processes. Launched in February 2017, the platform offers highly customisable workflows, risk assessment tools, and real-time dashboards to simplify complex compliance challenges. The company behind KYC Portal CLM is Aqubix Ltd, head quartered in Malta and having a sister company Finopz Ltd in London (UK). The company is today part of Mizzi Organisation, one of Malta’s largest leading group of companies who acquired 50% at the beginning of 2016 as part of our growth strategy.

The Malta Chamber and AIS Environment Ltd Sign Silver Collaboration Agreement to Promote Environmental Sustainability

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise, and Industry has announced a new milestone in its commitment towards sustainability by signing a Silver Collaboration Agreement with AIS Environment Ltd. This partnership seeks to enhance awareness and positive action on environmental sustainability, a key priority for many businesses and policymakers alike.

The agreement reflects the shared dedication of both organisations to fostering a greener and more sustainable economic future for Malta. Through this collaboration agreement, The Malta Chamber and AIS Environment Ltd seek to raise a business culture that views sustainable development as way of safeguarding investments and future earnings.

Commenting on the partnership, Chris Vassallo Cesareo, President of The Malta Chamber, stated that “environmental sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity for the resilience of businesses and the economy. This agreement with AIS Environment Ltd strengthens our commitment to equipping our members with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive while safeguarding our environment.”

AIS Environment Ltd, a leading consultancy firm specialising in environmental management and sustainable practices, brings over 30 years of experience and technical expertise to the partnership. This includes providing businesses with practical strategies for reducing their environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, complying with environmental regulations and expanding their business.

Senior environmental consultant at AIS Environment Ltd, Yasmin Schembri, emphasises the importance of this agreement. “In 2024, global temperatures exceeded the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C benchmark, marking the hottest year on record. Concurrently, Malta dropped five places in the global climate change performance ranking. Such realities mandate urgent action across all economic actors. These challenges, along with the EU Green Deal’s ambitious targets, are leading to stricter regulations for the Malta Chamber and its members. The voice of the Malta Chamber is more important now than ever before.”
“AIS is proud to sponsor The Malta Chamber in its efforts to assist the Maltese enterprise and local industry overcome business threats brought about by environmental legislation and environmental degradation,” noted Mario Schembri, Managing Director at AIS Environment Ltd.

The agreement was signed by Chris Vassallo Cesareo, Nick Xuereb and Dr Marthese Portelli, President, Deputy President and CEO of The Malta Chamber respectively, and Mario Schembri, Managing Director at AIS Environment Ltd.