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Author: Mel Chamber

HSBC Malta Foundation Champions Sustainability During European Week for Waste Reduction

Posted on by Mel Chamber

As part of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), HSBC Malta Foundation has undertaken five impactful initiatives to promote environmental responsibility and support the community. The week-long activities highlight the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of sustainability.

  1. Bring Your Own Container Initiative

HSBC Malta Foundation collaborated with the Malta Circular Economy Unit to host an information session promoting the Bring Your Own Container Initiative. Held online, the session was attended by approximately 130 HSBC employees. The initiative encourages individuals to use reusable containers when purchasing products, reducing reliance on single-use packaging, promoting responsible consumption, and fostering environmental awareness.

  1. Beach Clean-Up

Eight HSBC employees from the Back Office Distribution Support team, including one who travelled from Gozo, used their voluntary leave day to participate in a beach clean-up. The team collected 12 bags of trash, contributing to a cleaner shoreline and protecting marine life. This initiative not only addressed littering but also raised awareness about the importance of waste reduction and prevention.

  1. Clothing Donation Drive for Soup Kitchen

HSBC employees continue to support the Soup Kitchen in Valletta with a monthly clothing donation drive, which provides clothing items to those in need. To mark EWWR, an additional distribution of clothing was organised on 22nd November. This initiative has become a cornerstone of community support, with HSBC staff actively involved in sorting and distributing donated items. The Soup Kitchen remains a vital resource, offering meals and clothing to vulnerable members of the community.

  1. Supporting Sacred Heart Junior School’s Eko-Skola Project

HSBC Malta Foundation provided financial support to Sacred Heart Junior School’s Eko-Skola students, who focused on food waste reduction during EWWR. The students encouraged their school community to develop recipes using leftover food and compiled these into a recipe book, with proceeds going to Hospice Malta. The project, endorsed by Masterchef Malta’s Chef Joe Vella, combines sustainability with educational and social impact, fostering creativity and community engagement.

  1. Team Volunteering at the Soup Kitchen

Members of HSBC Malta’s South Wealth Team spent their voluntary leave day at the Soup Kitchen in Valletta, preparing meals for disadvantaged individuals. The team gained firsthand experience of the challenges faced by those in need while contributing to waste reduction efforts by repurposing surplus food into meals. This activity underscores the importance of sustainable food practices and community solidarity.

HSBC Malta Foundation’s initiatives during EWWR reflect the bank’s dedication to embedding sustainability into daily practices, both within the organisation and across the broader community. Through these activities, HSBC aims to inspire others to adopt practical steps towards waste reduction and responsible consumption.

Speaking about the initiatives, CEO of HSBC Malta Geoffrey Fichte said: “The European Week for Waste Reduction provides an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of the impact of small, conscious choices. Whether it’s reducing food waste, cleaning up our beaches, or helping those in need, these initiatives demonstrate how sustainability and community care go hand-in-hand. HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support these meaningful actions and to empower our employees to make a difference.”

BOV advises customers to stay alert this holiday season

Posted on by Mel Chamber

With the shopping season reaching its peak as Christmas approaches, Bank of Valletta continues to advise customers to be aware of the increasing attempts by scammers to obtain sensitive and personal information illicitly and maliciously. This is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to increase customer education on the different scams in circulation.

The Bank’s Spot the Scam campaign which has been running since March last year has attracted significant engagement from the Bank’s social media followers. The campaign features on BOV’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, providing engaging content such as quizzes, polls and informational and educational posts to help customers remain alert and identify genuine Bank communications from unsolicited requests and malicious intent.

In recent weeks various phishing attempts have been noted, urging customers to act immediately due to alleged suspension of their BOV Card or 3D Secure app. In these instances, the scam takes the form of an email or SMS appearing to be sent by the Bank asking customers to click on the link provided. Once the link is accessed through the SMS, scammers ask their victims to unenroll their cards from the 3D Secure app by providing them with step-by-step instructions, and the user is then taken to a spoofed site where they are asked to enter their card number, expiry date and CVV code. Other scams are in the form of telephone calls that appear to be from a Bank number, with the caller often speaking in Maltese and asking for sensitive information over the phone.

As part of this ongoing awareness program, customers who visit any BOV Branch in Malta and Gozo until the end of December are encouraged to test their knowledge by taking an interactive Financial Scams Quiz. Three customers who complete the quiz will be randomly drawn each month and are eligible to win a prize.

The Bank has also recently introduced a new AI-powered Transaction Monitoring tool that enables the Bank to identify any suspicious activity before any transaction is affected. Whilst this continues to protect customers, with technology playing an important role in helping fraudsters up their game, vigilance and proactiveness from customers remain the key factor in the fight against financial crime.

Bank of Valletta remains committed to protect its customers from fraudsters and scammers. The Bank would like to remind the public that it never sends any links to customers via SMS, and neither will it ask for personal or bank details over the phone, by email or SMS. With Christmas shopping in full swing and online purchases becoming even more popular, Bank of Valletta urges customers to monitor their account balances closely and frequently and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 2131 2020. Victims of financial scams are also encouraged to file a police report within 24 hours at their nearest police station.

The Winners of the Malta International Business Awards 2024 Announced

Posted on by Mel Chamber

The highly anticipated Malta International Business Awards 2024 culminated in a prestigious gala dinner on 29 November at the Radisson BLU, Golden Sands, where Malta’s top business leaders gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Malta-based businesses thriving on the international stage.

Organised by TradeMalta, the third edition of the MIBA awards attracted an impressive array of entries from Maltese exporters, highlighting the vibrant and diverse nature of Malta-based businesses that trade internationally. 

The event featured thirteen outstanding finalists competing across four key categories: Best SME Exporter, Best Large Exporter, Best High Potential Exporter, and Best Emerging Markets Exporter.

The finalists represented a diverse range of industries, showcasing the robust capabilities of Malta’s exporters in sectors such as manufacturing, research and development, training, software and AI technology, maritime, 3D printing, and web design.

The evening culminated in the announcement of the winners across the four categories, along with the overall winner, as follows:

  • Best SME Exporter: IoT Solutions
  • Best Large Exporter: Magro Brothers
  • Best High Potential Exporter: EBO
  • Best Emerging Markets Exporter: Salvo Grima
  • Overall Winner: Magro Brothers

Distinguished speakers, including the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ian Borg, David Matrenza, Chairman of TradeMalta, and Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., commended the resilience and innovation of Maltese enterprises in the global marketplace.

Dr. Colm Reilly, an international business strategy advisor, delivered an inspiring keynote speech on the unique challenges of island economies emphasizing the importance of competitiveness and resilience for smaller economies.

Anton Buttigieg, CEO TradeMalta added, “These awards reflect the remarkable spirit and determination of Malta based businesses.  Each finalist and winner demonstrate the resilience and creativity required to succeed in today’s competitive global markets. These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate Malta’s entrepreneurial excellence in international business.”

HSBC CEO Geoffrey Fichte commented, “At HSBC, we are committed to supporting businesses that put Malta on the global map. Tonight’s winners and finalists demonstrate the power of vision, adaptability, and hard work in achieving international success. We are proud to support TradeMalta with this initiative to celebrate the remarkable capabilities of Maltese businesses “

The Malta International Business Awards are organised by TradeMalta and endorsed by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and The Malta Chamber. The awards are supported by TradeMalta’s strategic partner HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. as well as Grant Thornton and Emirates as supporting partners together with Times of Malta as the exclusive Media Partner

The awards night was an evening of celebration, recognition and networking which provided an opportunity for businesses to showcase their achievements, highlighting the robust capabilities of Malta’s exporters, share best practices with their peers, and inspire other entrepreneurs to embark on similar journeys in pursuing international success.

BOV selects Profile Software’s advanced platform to enhance investment services

Posted on by Mel Chamber

Bank of Valletta (BOV) announced the selection of Profile’s Axia Suite to enhance its portfolio management and investment services, aiming to improve efficiency and provide enriched services to its customers. With a 50-year legacy of serving the Maltese community, BOV is committed to continuing investing in technology, supporting its reputation for reliable, customer-focused service. The integration of Axia Suite will enhance BOV’s operational efficiency across key investment areas, including BOV Asset Management, Private Banking, and Prestige Client Network, enabling the Bank to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Axia Suite provides a centralised platform for managing portfolios, providing investment advisory and brokerage services, allowing BOV to gain deeper insights into its clients’ investment goals. With tools for portfolio management, performance calculation and transaction processing, the new system enables BOV to optimise investments and manage risks. The platform’s advanced reporting capabilities enable the provision of up-to-date investment information to clients. The support for Straight-Through Processing (STP) also streamlines operations and minimises operational risks.

BOV’s Vision for Superior Client Service

Simon Azzopardi, Chief Personal & Wealth Officer at Bank of Valletta  highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “We are excited to partner with Profile, a company committed to addressing the evolving needs of financial institutions. Axia Suite will allow BOV to deepen our understanding of clients’ investment needs and deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations. This platform marks a significant advancement in our Investment Services and will provide our clients with a unique and enhanced experience.”

Profile’s Group Solutions Director, Mr Aris Iliopoulos, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “We are honoured that Bank of Valletta p.l.c. has selected our internationally awarded investment management platform in the effort to achieve its goals. We are confident that Axia Suite, characterised by its powerful functionality and flexibility, coupled with the fact that it is based on international standards of quality and excellence, will make a significant contribution to BOV’s future success.”

Strengthening BOV’s Commitment to Innovation and Excellence

The selection of the Axia Suite marks a significant step in BOV’s journey to innovate and strengthen its services, as it continues to uphold its commitment to the local market, delivering excellence in every interaction, aligning with its promise to put clients at the heart of its decision-making.

The Malta Chamber and BMIT Renew Bronze Sponsorship Agreement

Posted on by Mel Chamber

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and BMIT Technologies plc. have announced the renewal of their Bronze Collaboration Agreement, marking a continued partnership aimed at fostering greater awareness and education within the local business community on vital technology-related topics.

Under this renewed agreement, BMIT will continue to collaborate closely with The Malta Chamber’s Digital Transformation Committee to drive initiatives that address key areas such as the tech economy, data management, and cybersecurity. This partnership underscores both organisations’ commitment to equipping Maltese enterprises with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.



“With digitalisation being one of the five pillars of The Malta Chamber, renewing this agreement with BMIT is a testament to the importance we place on advancing digital transformation within our business community,” said Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber President. “By leveraging BMIT’s expertise, we aim to provide our members with insights and resources that will enable them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.”

“We are pleased to renew our sponsorship partnership with The Malta Chamber, underscoring our commitment to empowering businesses nationwide. At BMIT, our expertise in digital infrastructure, hybrid IT solutions, and cyber resilience helps organisations succeed in a constantly evolving digital landscape. Through this collaboration, we aim to continue supporting businesses in enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and ensuring robust digital security,” added Ing Christian Sammut, CEO of BMIT.

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 Christian Sammut, CEO of BMIT Technologies plc.

TradeMalta successfully led a Business Mission to Japan

Posted on by Mel Chamber

Strengthening Commercial and Cultural Ties with Japan

TradeMalta recently led a successful business mission to Japan, aimed at strengthening commercial and cultural ties between the two nations. The mission, organized between the 10th and 16th November 2024, included meetings and events for 20 delegates in Tokyo and Osaka – the latter hosting EXPO 2025 next year.

Led by H.E. Ambassador Andre Spiteri, the delegation participated in a series of business fora, networking events, and cultural visits designed to bolster relationships between Malta and Japan.

In Tokyo, the delegation attended a Business Forum titled “Linking Japan and Malta through Commercial and Cultural Ties” at the International House of Japan. The event featured opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Andre Spiteri, promotional videos about Malta, and a networking session.

During the same week, the delegation engaged in two networking events in Osaka, hosted by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as QuintBridge business community.   The delegates had the opportunity to visit Kindai University and discuss potential areas of cooperation with the different departments.

During this visit the Maltese delegation promoted its participation in the upcoming EXPO2025 in Osaka, showcasing the nation’s innovations and cultural heritage on a global stage.

Anton Buttigieg, CEO of TradeMalta, commented, “The delegation’s visit underscores Malta’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including business, education, and culture. The events provided a platform for Maltese and Japanese entities to connect, share insights, and explore potential collaborations.”

TradeMalta encourages Malta-based businesses interested in expanding internationally to reach out with their ideas and plans. We look forward to offering guidance and resources to help turn their internationalization plans into successful endeavours.

Mario Xuereb appointed as the new CEO of the Malta Business Bureau

Posted on by Mel Chamber

MBB thanks outgoing CEO Joe Tanti for 15 years of sterling service

Mario Xuereb has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Business Bureau. Founded in 1996, the MBB is the EU business advisory organisation of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

Mr. Xuereb is a respected professional in journalism, media, and broadcasting circles. Until recently, he held the position of Assistant Editor at the Times of Malta. Before this role, he spent 12 years with Public Broadcasting Services, serving as Senior Manager, where he successfully oversaw several documentary and audio-visual projects broadcast on TVM. Earlier in his career, Mr Xuereb served as Head of News at Media.Link Communications until 2009.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr Xuereb is a visiting lecturer at the Department of Policy, Politics & Governance within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) and at the Institute of Maltese Studies at the University of Malta.

Currently, he is pursuing original research for his doctoral studies. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a European Master’s degree in Mediterranean Historical Studies.

Mr Xuereb’s expertise extends beyond Malta, having collaborated on audio-visual productions with Radio Rai, the Comunità Radiotelevisiva Italiana, and TRT.

On his appointment Mr. Xuereb commented about his eagerness to lead a multi-talented team of professionals and executives in advocating for and lobbying on behalf of Malta’s business community.

“I am thrilled to begin this role as CEO of the MBB, at the helm of an organisation composed of a small yet highly capable group of professionals and executives who have dedicated years of work to supporting Malta’s business sector.

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to observe and report on the evolution of various EU directives, regulations, and laws, and their impact on Maltese businesses and enterprises. Now, I have the chance to contribute directly, ensuring that Malta’s unique circumstances receive greater recognition in the shaping of European legislation, particularly within the context of today’s global challenges.

“At the same time, I will ensure that the MBB enhances its communication with businesses in Malta, offering them innovative solutions to adapt to ever-changing realities.

“To achieve this, I will build on the strong foundation laid by Joe Tanti, whose long and dedicated service leaves a lasting legacy.”

The MBB President and Board of Directors thanked outgoing CEO Joe Tanti for his loyalty and long years of service during which the organisation grew in its outreach and services offered to the Maltese business community.

During his tenure Mr Tanti played a pivotal role in MBB’s growth and development.  He spearheaded efforts to strengthen the capacity of MBB’s Brussels operations, established the organisation’s EU funding arm, and broadened its business services through the MBB’s partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network.  These initiatives firmly positioned MBB as a leading voice for Maltese businesses within the EU.

Reflecting on the organisation’s achievements, Mr Tanti remarked: “It has been a privilege to work closely with and support local entrepreneurs and business leaders over the years, helping to address challenges such as competitiveness, securing access to finance, adopting sustainable business models, driving digital transformation, and more.

“Throughout my time with MBB, I have had the honour of working under the guidance of various Presidents and Directors on the MBB Board, as well as collaborating with the CEOs of The Malta Chamber and MHRA. I was also fortunate to work alongside many talented young professionals whose passion and dedication to the organisation have been a constant source of inspiration. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and with that sense of pride, I am pleased to hand over the reins to Mario Xuereb. I am confident that he will lead MBB to even greater success. There are significant opportunities to expand MBB’s network and communications, and Mr. Xuereb is exceptionally well-prepared to seize them.”

BNF collaborates with University on Business & Enterprise Management

Posted on by Mel Chamber

As part of BNF’s strategy to foster collaborative synergies with industry stakeholders, the Bank is partnering with the Department of Business & Enterprise Management, within the Faculty of Economics, Accountancy and Management (FEMA).

The Bank’s sponsorship will be channelled into the Department’s efforts to maximise the potential of collaborative research and drive innovation. The projects differ in nature, but they all have one common goal – to ultimately foster meaningful opportunities for growth and learning.

The Department is one of FEMA’s founders and has established itself as a key player in the business community through direct engagement, applied research and contribution to policy. This, besides playing a pivotal role in equipping students and future leaders for professional life.

Daniel Cutajar, BNF’s Chief Technology and Operations Officer shared the Bank’s belief that a strong, dynamic and agile business and enterprise eco-system is the backbone of the country’s economy. “In the context of volatile realities, rapid tech advancements and increased regulation, our role is to join institutions like FEMA so that, together, we can share trends, experience, insights and best practices and work towards strengthening skills, talent and human capital, and offer industry exposure to students.”

Professor Vincent Cassar, Head of Department – Business & Enterprise Management within FEMA thanked BNF Bank for its sponsorship, saying the Bank’s support will contribute to the Department’s resourcefulness. “We look forward to working closely with BNF to leverage its business acumen, its ability to develop its people and its vast expertise in the use of cutting-edge technology, and plug it into our projects, for the benefit of students and the sector at large.”

The Malta Chamber Signs Bronze Collaboration Agreement with Camilleri Preziosi Advocates

Posted on by Mel Chamber

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry is pleased to announce the signing of a Bronze Collaboration Agreement with Camilleri Preziosi Advocates. This strategic partnership aims to address key areas related to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), enhancing the business community’s adherence to best practices in these critical fields.


Both parties will work closely together to develop and promote core principles and strategic initiatives surrounding GRC. This collaboration will allow The Malta Chamber to support its members by providing guidance on regulatory compliance, risk management, and governance frameworks, all of which are essential to the long-term sustainability and resilience of businesses in today’s dynamic environment.

“Governance, Risk, and Compliance are cornerstones of responsible business management, and this collaboration with Camilleri Preziosi marks an important step in equipping Malta’s business leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly regulated and risk-sensitive world,” said Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber President. “We are confident that this partnership will help strengthen the standards of corporate governance and compliance in Malta, ensuring a more robust and competitive market,” he noted.


“GRC efforts can make or break an entity. Prioritising GRC has become crucial, and we view the Chamber as the ideal forum to propel awareness, endorsement and proper application of GRC principles among the local business community. We have come on board to provide the necessary guidance to The Malta Chamber in its mission to lessen the burden on its members whilst ensuring full visibility of the requirements entailed in implementing an effective GRC programme tailored to a particular business’s traits,” highlighted Louis de Gabriele, Managing Partner at Camilleri Preziosi Advocates. “This partnership further consolidates our position as the go-to law firm for the business community and underscores our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive legal support to businesses of all sizes, aligning with our strategy to be the law firm that consistently meets the evolving needs of the business community across the board. We look forward to working closely with The Malta Chamber and its members to foster excellence and innovation in GRC, and beyond,” he continued.


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 Louis de Gabriele, Malcolm Falzon and Kristina Rapa Manche’, Managing Partner and Partners at Camilleri Preziosi Advocates.