Starting today, HSBC Bank Malta is fully prepared to receive SEPA instant payments, thanks to significant upgrades to its systems. SEPA Instant Payments allow euro transactions to be completed within just 10 seconds, regardless of the time or day, including weekends and public holidays.
HSBC Malta has met the compliance requirements for SEPA Instant Payments ahead of the EU regulatory deadlines set for 2025. These enhancements ensure payments received during weekends and public holidays will be immediately posted and value-dated, offering seamless and uninterrupted service to clients.
“SEPA Instant Payments mark a significant step forward in creating a more efficient and equitable payment system across the EU. At HSBC Malta, we are proud to be leading this transition. By completing our system upgrades early and finalising internal testing, we can provide our customers with a reliable and modern banking experience that meets their evolving needs,” Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Bank Malta, said of the milestone.
The regulation, which comes into effect in two stages – 8 January 2025 for receiving and 8 October 2025 for sending SEPA instant payments – also mandates equal charges for instant payments and standard SEPA transfers.
HSBC Malta remains committed to delivering innovative solutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, helping its customers benefit from the advantages of faster and more transparent payments.
Rating raised from BBB-/A-3 to ‘BBB/A-2, with stable outlook
In December 2024, S&P Global Ratings raised its long- and short-term issuer credit ratings on Bank of Valletta to BBB/A-2 from BBB-/A-3. S&P Global Ratings also raised the long-term resolution counterparty rating (RCR) to BBB+ from BBB and affirmed an A-2 short-term RCR. The stable outlook reflects S&P’s view that BOV will maintain an additional loss-absorbing capacity (ALAC) ratio well above 4% of S&P Global Ratings risk-weighted assets (RWAs) metrics over the next two years, while preserving the Bank’s dominant market position in Malta and its strong capitalization.
BOV Chairman Dr Gordon Cordina and CEO Kenneth Farrugia expressed their extreme satisfaction on this announcement. Dr Cordina stated, “This upgrade by S&P Global Ratings is yet another testament to the sustained progress that the Bank has been making. A significant part of our efforts has been directed towards restoring sustained profitability and making the BOV Group secure, for the benefit of our stakeholders, shareholders, and the wider community. This upgrade is recognition of this effort, and a reaffirmation that we are on the right trajectory, giving us the confidence to continue along this transformation journey”.
CEO Kenneth Farrugia echoed Dr Cordina’s comments, crediting this positive announcement to the Bank’s clear strategic direction, its transformation program, commitment to excellence and leadership across its operations. In addition, the drive to ensuring that the Bank maintains a strong capital base has been critical in this positive rating. “This upgrade reflects Bank of Valletta’s strong financial position and validates our strategic vision and ongoing efforts to strengthen the Bank’s capital, which will in turn support the growth of our business in the years ahead of us. The very recent successful closure of the €100 million 5% unsecured subordinated bonds (2029-2034), which was fully subscribed within 2 days of its launch to the market, reflects the public’s overwhelming trust in the Bank. This announcement by S&P Global Ratings closely follows the achievement of Company of the Year 2024 awarded by the Malta Stock Exchange in November, which reaffirms the Bank’s position as a leader in the financial services sector and an advocate for sustainability, integrity, and customer-centric values.”
In the update published by S&P Global Ratings, S&P expect the Bank’s dominant market position and strong capitalization to likely continue supporting business stability in Malta over the next few years. Bank of Valletta, it stated, remains the largest bank in Malta with a very strong market share of around 50% in both commercial loans and customer deposits at end-September 2024. It is also expected that the Bank will continue benefiting from supportive economic conditions, marked by solid economic growth.
Bank of Valletta continued its cherished festive tradition by hosting the annual Children’s event for employees’ children on Sunday, 15th December, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC). This much-anticipated event brought together approximately 700 children, aged 3 to 12, for a morning filled with laughter, entertainment, and festive joy.
The event, meticulously organized by the Bank’s CSR & Events team, featured a variety of activities tailored to three distinct age groups. Professional animators created a vibrant atmosphere, keeping the children engaged with games, performances, and interactive activities in dedicated zones. Every child also received a thoughtfully selected gift, ensuring a memorable takeaway from the day.
Charles Azzopardi, Head of CSR & Events at Bank of Valletta, remarked: “The annual Children’s Event is a hallmark of our commitment to our people. By creating joyful moments for our employees’ children, we celebrate the spirit of the season while reinforcing the values of family, tradition, and belonging that define our culture at BOV. This event is a highlight of our calendar and a testament to the efforts of our CSR & Events team, who work tirelessly to ensure its success.”
In addition to the engaging activities, seamless logistics, including a shuttle service from Floriana to MCC, ensured that the experience was enjoyable for all.
This decades-old tradition is a cornerstone of BOV’s focus on employee well-being and engagement, demonstrating the Bank’s dedication to fostering a family-oriented workplace and celebrating the people who drive its success. By investing in moments that matter, BOV strengthens its reputation as a supportive and community-focused employer.
Bank of Valletta reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation by presenting a remarkable €310,000 during this year’s L-Istrina live broadcast. This substantial contribution reflects the Bank’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need, especially during the festive season.
This year, BOV’s contribution to L-Istrina comprised of three separate donations. The first was a sum of €60,100 collected through the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign. Thousands of children across primary and secondary schools in Malta and Gozo participated by donating through specially designed piggy banks, emphasising the importance of cultivating generosity and solidarity from a young age. The Bank also presented its annual donation of €200,000, a significant contribution that has become a cornerstone of its support for the Malta Community Chest Fund. In celebration of the Bank’s 50th Anniversary, BOV made an additional donation of €50,000, underscoring its ongoing commitment to the community.
During the live broadcast, BOV CEO Kenneth Farrugia, accompanied by Head of CSR & Events Charles Azzopardi, presented the donations. Speaking on behalf of the Bank, Mr. Farrugia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to this year’s campaign. “We are deeply grateful to the children, parents, and school staff who participated in the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign. Their small acts of kindness have collectively created a significant impact, not just through the funds raised but also by fostering a sense of community and altruism in our younger generation. We are proud to demonstrate our enduring commitment to supporting initiatives that bring hope and relief to those who need it most.”
Now in its 21st year, the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign has become a staple of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, contributing over €3 million to the Malta Community Chest Fund. The Bank’s contribution this year reaffirms its role not only as a leader in the financial sector, but also as a supporter of worthy community initiatives. The initiative also reflects the Bank’s dedication to environmental sustainability, with the piggy banks crafted from recycled materials. As the Bank marks its golden anniversary, it remains committed to driving positive change and making a tangible difference in the lives of the Maltese and Gozitan communities.
This Christmas, HSBC Malta is bringing holiday cheer to employees and their families through a series of festive initiatives designed to create magical moments and celebrate the season together. Organised by the HSBC Sports and Social Committee (SSAC), the events combined fun, entertainment, and seasonal spirit, making the holidays truly unforgettable for all who participated.
Among the highlights was a Christmas cinema experience, where children enjoyed a screening of a popular family film in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The event featured popcorn, refreshments, and a special visit from Father Christmas, who delighted the young attendees with gifts and festive cheer. Several youths from the NGO S.T.A.N.D. (Striving Towards Ability Not Disability) were also invited to join this year’s kids party. The group S.T.A.N.D. works to facilitate the integration of young people with disabilities from different parts of Malta by organising cultural and entertaining outings, religious activities, drama, crafts, games, parties, and more. Additionally, they provide support for the parents of these young people.
Children and their families in Gozo were also treated to a fun-filled gathering at a local entertainment venue, offering activities like bowling, festive meals, and an interactive bouncy castle. The event provided an opportunity for laughter and togetherness in a lively and engaging setting.
Capping off the festive celebrations, HSBC hosted a Christmas Cocktail Party for employees at the iconic Casino Maltese in Valletta. The evening featured live music from renowned local artist Kurt Calleja, who set the tone for a joyous and vibrant celebration. Attendees enjoyed festive beats, great vibes, and the chance to come together in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere, making the event a highlight of the holiday season.
“At HSBC Malta, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that values connection and community. These events reflect our commitment to supporting employees and their families, bringing them together to celebrate the festive season with joy and togetherness,” said Glenn Bugeja on behalf of the Sports and Social Committee.
Through these thoughtful initiatives, HSBC Malta continues to demonstrate its focus on nurturing an inclusive and family-friendly environment, ensuring the holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories for all.
The 2024 edition of the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign, officially launched in late October by H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, and Bank of Valletta CEO Kenneth Farrugia, has now entered its final stage. To mark this stage, the President of Malta visited the volunteers who are meticulously counting the generous contributions collected from children across Malta and Gozo. The President was welcomed at BOV Centre on Monday afternoon by the Bank’s Chairman Dr Gordon Cordina, CEO Kenneth Farrugia and Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius.
This year’s campaign introduced a significant step towards sustainability by using reusable piggy banks, ensuring a reduction in waste and promoting environmental awareness. This initiative aligns with Bank of Valletta’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
CEO Kenneth Farrugia highlighted the campaign’s legacy, stating: “For 21 consecutive years, Bank of Valletta and the Malta Community Chest Fund have joined forces for the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign. Over this time, funds raised by schoolchildren, along with the Bank’s contributions, have surpassed €3 million. This campaign reflects our commitment not only to financially support the Foundation but also to fostering values of altruism, solidarity and care among the younger generation. These funds play a pivotal role in helping the MCCF improve the lives of those in need.”
Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer (COO) remarked on the campaign’s logistical and environmental improvements. “This year, the introduction of reusable piggy banks exemplifies our ongoing efforts to merge community support with sustainability. By involving students from all primary and secondary schools, we’re embedding environmental responsibility while sustaining the core mission of solidarity and giving,” he said.
During her visit to the BOV Centre on 17th December to meet the volunteers, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono emphasised the campaign’s broader impact, noting, “Beyond raising essential funds, this initiative nurtures generosity and altruism in children. It is a testament to how a simple act of giving can build stronger communities and instil lifelong values.”
As the campaign continues to evolve under the tenure of successive Presidents, it remains steadfast in its purpose to engage young minds in creating a better sense of community and well-being.
The funds collected through the campaign, along with a significant donation from Bank of Valletta, will be presented during the live broadcast of L-Istrina on 26th December 2024, contributing to the Malta Community Chest Fund’s mission of providing quality care for those in need.
On the 15th of November, 2024, the Insolvency and Receivership Service within the Malta Business Registry (the “MBR”) launched a new online portal with an innovative tool designed to help companies in self-assessing their financial position and determining whether they can continue with their business operations.
The tool is part of a broader legislative framework and associated key reforms, launched in terms of suite of pre-insolvency legislation initially enacted in December 2022, primarily the Pre-Insolvency Act (Chapter 631 of the laws of Malta) and the Insolvency Practitioners Act (Chapter 632 of the laws of Malta), as well as the overhaul of the bankruptcy regime in the Commercial Code (Chapter 13 of the laws of Maltese) which entered into force in March 2023. These pieces of legislation were enacted in order to transpose the provisions of Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on preventive restructuring frameworks, on discharge of debt and disqualifications, and on measures to increase the efficiency of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132 (Directive on restructuring and insolvency), and introduced significant changes, including the introduction of accredited insolvency practitioners in Malta. A full list of accredited Insolvency Practitioners can be found here.
The Self-Assessment Insolvency Tool
The insolvency tool is the means by which the Insolvency and Receivership Service shall provide companies access to early warning mechanisms, one feature of the new pre-insolvency legislative framework. The early warning notifications are actioned when a debtor falls behind on certain obligations, including a failure to file its annual returns and financial statements with the Malta Business Registry, as well as a failure to make certain payments, such as taxes or social security contributions.
The purpose of the insolvency tool is to help businesses monitor and self-assess their operations, with the aim of hopefully avoiding insolvency and resulting in a better chance of companies in financial difficulty recovering or restructuring their debts. To maximise the effectiveness of this early warning tool, companies should implement certain mechanisms that alert directors as early as possible to a potential risk that the company may face financial distress, including:
Keeping accurate and up-to-date accounting records including management accounts;
Creating budget and cash flow projections to ensure debts can be paid;
Monitoring debt collection and the payment of suppliers;
Creating an adequate system to ensure that tax obligations are met.
The self-assessment tool asks a series of questions that serve as indicators of the company’s financial feasibility. With the input of key financial data such as debt amounts, cash flow, and liabilities, the tool generates an assessment of the company’s insolvency risk. Having access to these indicators will help directors of the entity assess the company’s situation and prevent potential breaches of their duties if financial difficulties do arise. However, the results of this self-assessment tool are based solely on the data provided by the company. Therefore, such results are to be considered merely indicative and by no means definitive evidence of the company’s viability.
In circumstances where the self-assessment tool indicates a potential risk for insolvency or if the directors think that a company is, or is likely to be, unable to pay its debts, the directors should consider seeking appropriate advice.
Should you have any queries on the self-assessment tool or the Maltese insolvency and pre-insolvency regimes, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Bank of Valletta celebrated the achievements of over 120 employees at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, 22nd November at the Phoenicia Hotel. The event highlighted the Bank’s commitment to its people, showcasing its role as an employer of choice through cutting-edge learning programs and a culture driven by innovation and excellence.
People First: Investing in Careers
The evening was a celebration of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to empower its employees. The Bank offers professional training courses across a broad spectrum of subjects. Testament of the high standard of its courses is the recognition received from the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) through its accreditation of several courses offered by the Bank. In fact, BOV is licensed as a Higher Education Institution (License Number: 2018-003).
Innovative programs launched this year include the Leadership Programme for the Bank’s Executive Team and Heads, and Unleash, aimed at developing future leaders capable of navigating the complexities of today’s financial industry. Initiatives such as the ESG e-learning program further underscore the Bank’s commitment to integrate sustainability into its operations and workforce training.
“We are proud to see 120 plus of our colleagues take significant steps forward in their careers through the BOV Academy,” said Kenneth Farrugia, the Bank’s CEO. “Our focus on excellence and innovation ensures that we equip our people with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a fast-changing financial landscape. Together, we’re building a workforce that sets new standards for success.”
Transforming Learning: Numbers That Speak
In 2024, the Bank delivered more than 112,000 training hours, through classroom, e-learning as well as external training, covering a diverse range of topics including leadership development, digital transformation, banking expertise, and team collaboration. Programs were tailored to align with the Bank’s strategic goals, ensuring employees are prepared to meet business challenges head-on.
“Bank of Valletta is leading the way in redefining workplace learning,” noted Ray Debattista, Chief People and Culture Officer. “By investing in our people, we’re creating a dynamic and innovative environment where talent thrives. Our vision is to remain the employer of choice for those who want to grow, succeed, and make an impact.”
A Future of Excellence
Looking ahead, the Bank plans to expand its learning portfolio with initiatives like Career Paths, specialised training in data-driven banking, business transformation, and advanced customer excellence programs. The upcoming third edition of the STAR Programme will continue to nurture emerging talent.
“Learning and Development at BOV is about more than just skills,” said Dr Robert Suban, BOV Director. “It’s about shaping a future-ready workforce that aligns with the Bank’s vision and values. Programs like these ensure our people remain our greatest strength.”
The latest PwC CEO Confidence Tracker which was carried out following the announcement of the 2025 Budget, captures the sentiment of Malta’s top business leaders in the last quarter of year and the reaction to the measures announced in the same Budget. Amongst its outcomes it revealed that the majority of participating CEOs felt that the 2025 Budget measures announced by the Government will not have any significant effect on their business.
Over 50 CEOs leading Malta’s largest business organisations across various industries in Malta participated in this barometer.
A generally consistent business performance and outlook
The results suggest a generally consistent and resilient business outlook and a marginal improvement in the level of business reported in the previous quarter, when compared to the results of an equivalent barometer carried out earlier this year in April. However, this reflects a lesser level of business when compared to the levels reported in the same barometer during 2022 and 2023.
This business sentiment can be understood in the context of a macro-economic landscape which continues to be exposed to heightened geopolitical pressures, an inflationary environment which remains elevated and the prospect of global trade tensions. The local economic business sentiment as interpreted by the Central Bank of Malta in its ‘Business Conditions Index’ reports that in September 2024, annual growth in business activity was lower than that in August and stood slightly below its historical average estimated since January 2000. The European Commission confidence surveys also show that sentiment in Malta decreased in September, and remained below its long-term average, estimated since November 2002.
CEOs generally unenthusiastic about the 2025 budget measures
The majority (64%) of CEOs who participated in the latest barometer feel that the measures announced by Government in the 2025 Budget will not have any significant effect on their respective business, a result which draws parallels to the latest trends emanating from the CEO confidence tracker which indicate that the majority of CEOs do not envisage any significant pick up in the level of business activity in the next six months.
Moreover, such feedback also suggests that the Budget measures have been interpreted as being generally more geared to the demand-side rather than the supply-side of the economy and addressed to specific strata of the society. This interpretation is consistent with the reaction of the major constituted bodies which represent the private business community in Malta.
The full results of the Q4 CEO Confidence Tracker can be found here.
