Cashless payments even more accessible with BOV mobilepos

BOV Introduces innovative SoftPOS solution

In a bid to offer greater convenience and accessibility to both customers and merchants, while modernising the payments landscape, Bank of Valletta has just unveiled its latest innovation; the BOV mobilePOS solution. This new technology promises to revolutionise the way payments are made, replacing cumbersome cash, cheques and bulky terminals with seamless digital solutions using nothing more than an android smart phone.

Speaking about this new milestone for BOV, Chris Degabriele, who heads the Bank’s eBanking function explained that SoftPOS, short for Software Point of Sale, is cutting-edge mobile technology that transforms any NFC-enabled android smartphone or tablet into a fully functional payment terminal. “By introducing a more modern solution to the traditional point of sale terminal, we are now making cashless payments more accessible and providing merchants who are constantly on the go, such as delivery persons or street hawkers, a solution that securely accepts card payments from customers in seconds, with just a tap of a card to a smartphone phone. The BOV mobilePOS accepts major card brands including transactions carried out with Google Wallet and Apple Wallet.”

This technology spells significant benefits, with smartphones or tablets effectively doubling up as portable payment solutions. Safety and security both feature highly in this solution, which is built with state-of-the-art encryption protocols to safeguard against unauthorised access and providing peace of mind to both merchants and customers.

“With BOV mobilePOS, we are ushering in a new era of digital payments,” said Simon Azzopardi, Chief Personal and Wealth Management at Bank of Valletta. “We continue to be leaders and innovators, and our goal is to provide even more solutions that match today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. Our goal is to empower businesses by giving them the right tools that in the end make it easier for them to do business with their clients. I invite our customers to join us as we embrace the future of payments with our latest innovation.”

The BOV mobilePOS app can be downloaded seamlessly from one’s Google Play Store. One would simply need to complete this form and press ‘submit’. Our team will get in contact with the merchant and set up the system in a very short time. In case of inquiries, one may contact the Bank’s Customer Service Centre on 21312020 or submit a query from https://www.bov.com/help-support

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BNF Bank pushes literacy agenda for world book day

BNF Bank has continued to maintain its commitment to education and literacy by once again collaborating with two important educational institutions – the Malta Libraries and the National Literacy Agency.

The presentation of 150 Maltese books from the third series Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel to the state primary schools of Paola and Attard was organised to coincide with World Book Day, so as to generate maximum awareness about the importance of reading among children. Moreover, this initiative promotes the Maltese language as well as local cultural narratives of days gone by. The series is a collection of illustrated stories about childhood in the Maltese village of Żejtun in the 1950s penned by Charles Buttiġieġ, who inserts himself in the stories as Nannu Karm. Collaborating with the National Literacy Agency, BNF Bank is helping to distribute this publication across different schools and students of different ages.

BNF Bank also supported the Malta Libraries, through the sponsorship of libraries in Mosta and San Gwann. This initiative is aimed at enhancing access to literature and educational materials in Malta. The books target junior readers, and include books in braille, dyslexic friendly publications and large print and level reader books.

The Bank supported The Optimist Club of Malta with their Ikber Maghna project in Paola.  An affiliate of Optimist International, the Club aims to help children facing educational difficulties by offering help with homework, organising activities and character building. Ikber Magħnaencourages children to spend time with volunteers, learn and enjoy themselves. Educational games were also donated to the Club’s centre in Paola.

In another collaboration, the Bank presented a series of books titled ‘Mid-Dinja tal-Orsini’, by Ms Ruth Frendo to Mosta Primary school, Kinder 2 pupils. These books are aimed at children to promote literacy and inclusion from a very young age. These books provide an innovative approach that allow children to experience the stories visually.

Rueben Bezzina, Head of Retail Banking at BNF Bank explained how the Bank’s branch network serves as a point of contact between the organisation and the community, identifying projects where BNF can make a contribution and leave a positive impact in local areas where the Bank is present. “At BNF, we are not only strong in ESG but also in the quality relationships we foster with clients at our branches. Many times, these relationships create social synergies, beyond the financial services we offer. At a time where the glitz of social media trumps reading, the Bank believes it is more important than ever to instil and elicit the love of reading in young children and to foster a culture of learning and the widening of perspectives among adults, via literature.”

BOV employees On an Exchange Visit to MAPFRE offices in Madrid

In a bid to foster collaborative learning and enhance industry expertise, a group of dedicated employees from Bank of Valletta recently undertook a visit to the offices of MAPFRE in Majadahonda, Madrid.

Accompanied by Tonia Parascandalo, Alex Bezzina and Sarah Borg from the Bank’s Insurance Services and  Pensions arm, the team had the invaluable opportunity to engage in insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions with MAPFRE’s seasoned professionals. The group included the Bank’s representatives who distinguished themselves throughout the year for the high level of service given to customers when assisting them to navigate the world of investments and pensions.  The agenda included deep dives into various aspects of banking and insurance operations, customer service excellence, and the latest technological innovations shaping the landscape of insurance and pensions.  The group was hosted by Elvira López de Lara (MAPFRE Corporate Distribution Director) and Goyo Santos (MAPFRE’s EMEA Commercial Director.)

“This visit underscores our commitment to continuous learning and professional development,” explained Tonia Parascandalo. “By collaborating with industry leaders like MAPFRE, we aim to stay at the forefront of innovation and best practices, ultimately delivering greater value to our customers.”

The exchange also provided a platform for networking and relationship-building between the teams of Bank of Valletta and MSV Life, paving the way for future collaborations. The delegates  expressed their appreciation at the opportunity of visiting the MAPFRE headquarters. “It was a great opportunity to get to know our colleagues better and build a strong connection. The whole training program was very well organized – an experience that we shall definitely cherish,” was one of the comments received from the delegates attending.

Such initiatives reaffirm the Bank’s commitment to invest in its people, providing them with opportunities to continue growing themselves and drive positive change at every touchpoint.  BOV Group has been involved in the life assurance business since 1994, when the first local bancassurance venture had been set up, at the time, in partnership with Middlesea Insurance. This working relationship kept growing stronger over the years, and nowadays the Bank enjoys an excellent working relationship with Mapfre S.A, which is one of the largest insurance providers in Spain with business operations extending to Latin America and the Maghreb.

HSBC Malta Foundation collaborates with local schools and clients to support NGOs for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

In yet another remarkable community-driven initiative, HSBC Malta Foundation has facilitated a significant donation drive in collaboration with one of its major customers, the HSBC staff members and four local schools. The initiative brought together resources and goodwill to support 21 local NGOs with various donations, just in time for the Mother’s Day and the upcoming Father’s Day celebrations.

The schools participating in this commendable effort included St Benedict College – Helen Keller Resource Centre, Laura Vicuna School in Għasri, Gozo, St Francis School in Victoria Gozo, and De La Salle College. Each institution played a pivotal role in gathering essential items to aid the community efforts spearheaded by the NGOs.

The NGOs benefiting from this drive are leaders in social change and support across Malta. The NGO’s who benefitted this time round were; Life Network Foundation Malta, S.T.A.N.D., Building Bridges, LOOP, Dar Bjorn, St Jean Antide Foundation, Dar il-Kaptan, YMCA, Fondazzjoni Suriet il-Bniedem, MCAST Student Support Services, Smiling with Jerome, Malta Trust Foundation, Fondazzjoni Dar il-Hena, RISe Foundation, FIDEM, Fondazzjoni Sebħ, Dar Hosea, Inspire, Foodbank Lifeline Foundation, Richmond Foundation and the Soup Kitchen in Valletta.

Each organisation received items that will directly assist in its ongoing projects and community assistance programs.

Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability for HSBC Malta stated, “We are deeply honoured to facilitate this collaboration between our schools and partner NGOs. The generosity and spirit of community shown by our partners and participants are truly inspiring. It’s a privilege to support these organisations that do so much for our community, especially as we celebrate Mother’s Day and the upcoming Father’s Day.”

This event not only highlights the strong community ties in Malta but also underscores HSBC Malta Foundation’s commitment to fostering partnerships that create tangible benefits for society.

Atlas Insurance Presents Digital Marketing Innovation Award at JA Malta’s Finals and Awards Event

Atlas Insurance proudly sponsored and presented the Digital Marketing Innovation Award at this year’s JA Malta Finals and Awards Night, emphasizing the critical role of digital marketing in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Matthew von Brockdorff, Managing Director and CEO of Atlas Insurance, presented the award to the student-led company ReMind, for the outstanding strategy and deployment of digital marketing tools in the promotion of its product Tiftakards, a multigenerational eco-friendly, 3-in-1 card game celebrating Maltese heritage. ReMind was also the winner of the Company of the Year Award and will be representing Malta at the #Gen_E in Catania, the world’s largest entrepreneurship festival.

Addressing the event, Matthew von Brockdorff praised the inventive spirit and determination of the participating students, stating: “It is truly an honour for Atlas Insurance to support this award, and a rewarding experience for all the members of TeamAtlas to witness the creativity and strategic thinking that these students bring to the table, preparing them for real-life experiences in the world of entrepreneurship. The importance of digital marketing continues to grow, and it is imperative for businesses, especially start-ups, to champion this activity to succeed.”

Atlas Insurance has been a supporter of JA Malta for over 10 years, demonstrating a committed effort to nurture the next generation of business leaders by empowering them with essential skills and competencies to help build a positive tomorrow, together.

The Malta Chamber acknowledges Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne’s Resignation

Ethical Political Conduct should put the Nation’s Interest before Self

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry notes Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne’s decision to resign from office, showing ethical behaviour that should be followed by the entire political class.

In his resignation letter he highlighted the importance of political integrity, respect for democratic institutions and towards the solemn oath of office. He emphasized loyalty to the nation and its people above personal or party interests, asserting that the duty of a politician is to uphold the best interests of the country, its institutions and its people.

Politicians must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to ethical standards and accountability. We have become accustomed to seeing private persons resign from office following inquiries that implicate public authorities, while politicians carry on business-as-usual. Fearne’s resignation sets a high standard for political conduct.

The Malta Chamber stresses the importance of expediting court processes now that a good number of individuals face criminal procedures. Justice delayed is justice denied – it punishes the innocent and favours the guilty, and also creates unnecessary uneasiness in people’s well-being and peace of mind as well as unnecessary instability in the economical climate. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparent institutions are vital for Malta’s reputation, especially as an EU member state.

The Malta Chamber once again firmly re-iterates for a clear demarcation between the political decisions to be taken at ministerial level and the administrative/executive functions to implement the same.

BOV Volunteering in the service of local NGOs

Dedicated Day Off for Voluntary Service

Bank of Valletta has announced a new initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and social responsibility among its employees. All bank employees are being granted one additional day off every year, specifically designated for voluntary service in support of the green stakeholder or the social sphere. Since the initiative was launched, a number of bank employees have already given a much-needed helping hand to various NGOs focusing on the environment, animal welfare and children in need.

This initiative reflects Bank of Valletta’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates and recognises the importance of volunteering as a practical means of making a positive impact to society. Explaining this initiative, Charles Azzopardi who heads the Bank’s CSR team said, “The Bank has a far-reaching program through which we have been supporting local communities over the past decades. This program is strongly linked to the Bank’s commitment to be an active member of Maltese society. We are now taking this commitment a step further, by encouraging our people to experience voluntary work first-hand, whilst also supporting NGOs in their invaluable work and contribution towards the communities we live in.”

Over the past two months, Bank employees have participated in tree planting and clean-up events in Malta and in Gozo with Coast is Clear. Others have spent a day helping the animal sanctuary AAA (Association for Abandoned Animals), while other teams dedicated their day to helping Fondazzjoni Sebħ, which is focused on empowering women and children to reintegrate in the community. The different groups supported the residents from Dar Santa Tereza, Dar Fra Diego, and Dar San Nikola, that collectively home around 50 children in care.

Ray Debattista, Chief People & Culture at the Bank, explained how this initiative is also serving to boost employee well-being. “At Bank of Valletta, the well-being of our people is a priority, and we recognise the crucial role that voluntary work and the culture of giving back to society plays in the enrichment of individuals. By providing our employees with dedicated time to engage in voluntary service, we are not only aiming to make a positive difference in the communities we serve but also strengthen the bonds of teamwork and camaraderie. In the end we are fostering a sense of pride and fulfillment among our teams and cultivating a more compassionate workforce.”

BNF Bank employees come together to raise awareness for autism

In a heartfelt drive to generate more awareness around autism, the team at BNF Bank came together during April – designated as World Autism Month – and took part in several activities to increase consciousness about this complex developmental condition.

In a strong symbolic gesture, employees wore all shades of blue to the office, while also indulging in delectable treats procured in support of Inspire Malta. Furthermore, staff were encouraged to integrate the organisation into their salary donation scheme, amplifying the impact of their generosity.

In another display of support, BNF Bank made a contribution to the Malta Trust Foundation during its telethon, with staff eagerly manning the phones to facilitate donations. Meanwhile, the Bank’s youngest stakeholders, the children of its employees, were inspired to express their creativity by crafting drawings aligned with this year’s World Autism Awareness Day theme – “Colour not Invisible.” These poignant artworks now adorn the walls of the Bank’s Mosta Branch, serving as reminders of the importance of visibility and acceptance.

The bank extended its outreach to the Marquis Di Villa Bianca music and arts centre, presenting a generous donation of musical instruments. At the heart of the initiative is a profound belief of the transformative power of music, utilised as a therapeutic medium for children navigating the spectrum.

Through these multifaceted endeavors, BNF Bank not only raises awareness but also cultivates a culture of empathy and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual, regardless of neurodiversity, feels seen, heard, and valued.

Alison Grech, Head of the Bank’s HR Unit said “Understanding autism is crucial if we are to go beyond the common misconceptions and myths surrounding this developmental condition. If everybody is educated as to how it impacts such children, individuals and their families, we will be in a better position to relate and to lessen the stigma that surrounds it.”

Lorrieann Vella, Head of Unit for Marketing and Communication said “The Bank felt the need to raise awareness and to show support to our staff members who benefit from the services of the Malta Trust Foundation and Inspire. Coming together in such collaborative initiatives is how we strive to make a difference in the community.”

PwC Malta Announces Tech Week 2024: A Deep Dive into AI & Trust

Following on from last year’s success, PwC Malta is pleased to announce the second edition of its
annual Tech Week, taking place from 9 to 16 May 2024. This year’s event will focus on the
transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the critical role of trust in this rapidly evolving
landscape.

AI is not just a new set of tools, it’s the foundation of a new world, pushing industries to transform and
shape futures. As businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs worldwide strive for autonomous AI, new
business models are being introduced. However, this does not come without risks. From building
confidence in AI reporting through assurance, integrating cybersecurity, ensuring human control of
sensitive processes, adopting responsible AI that benefits society, to protecting privacy whilst keeping
algorithms bias-free, managing these risks is crucial.

PwC Malta’s Tech Week 2024 is dedicated to driving businesses towards the positive transformation of
re-imagining and re-thinking the possible. The event supports the shift towards the adoption of more
data-driven and customer-centric solutions, which are tech-powered and human-led. Themes such as
AI and its impact on modern business organisations and cloud transformation as a continued
resiliency safeguard partner will be presented through discussions, industry insights, technology
solution demos and strategic perspectives.

The week-long event will kick off with the Intelligent Digital Conference on 10 May. This full-day
conference is designed for C-suite executives and will bring together industry leaders to share insights
through riveting keynotes and engaging panel discussions. The conference will provide strategic
perspectives on AI’s transformative impact and influence on the future of modern organisations.

Other notable events for Tech Week include the launch of a Hackathon in collaboration with the Malta
College for Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), a session on ‘Navigating the Future – Trust in the Digital Age’ to be held at The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, as well as a
LinkedIn Live event on AI & Trust. The week will draw to a close with a PwC Alumni Event on 16 May.
For more information and to follow the latest from PwC Malta’s 2nd edition of Tech Week, visit here.