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 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.
At the Malta Stock Exchange Awards Dinner on Friday 15th November, Bank of Valletta was given the prestigious award of Company of the Year for 2024. This coveted award recognises the BOV Group’s exceptional achievements in financial performance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, as well as wider stakeholder engagement.
This milestone sets a new benchmark for Bank of Valletta, a testament to the Bank’s ongoing commitment to excellence and leadership across its key areas of operations. The award reaffirms the Bank’s position as a leader in the financial services sector and an advocate for sustainability, integrity, and customer-centric values.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Gordon Cordina, Chairman of Bank of Valletta, expressed pride in accepting the award on behalf of the BOV Board, recognising the commitment shown by all employees in this achievement, as well as the close collaboration between the Bank and its various stakeholders. “Part of the Bank’s transformation journey has been towards restoring profitability and making the BOV Group safe and secure both for the present and the future. This approach mirrors developments in the local economy, given the direct link between the two. The next part of the Bank’s journey is to focus on digitalisation and sustainability, and a commitment to leadership excellence in all aspects of the Bank’s operations. We want to be leaders in encouraging sustainable business practices, leaders in nurturing the economy during challenging times, and upholding strong compliance practices. Above all, we aim to demonstrate leadership through a servant approach, by putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.”
CEO Kenneth Farrugia highlighted the Bank’s achievements, crediting a clear strategic direction, a people-first approach, and a steadfast commitment to creating value for both customers and stakeholders. “This recognition aligns with the Bank’s 50th anniversary, making this award even more significant for us. Our success is due to initiatives on governance which have strengthened the Bank’s reputation, business operations, as well as integrating ESG principles and at the same time aiding our customers, both personal and business, in transitioning to a greener economy. The Malta Stock Exchange Company of the Year 2024 award showcases the dedication and professionalism of our employees, who consistently contribute to the Bank’s mission of being the preferred choice for our customers”.
The award was presented to Dr Cordina and Mr Farrugia by Simon Zammit, CEO of the Malta Stock Exchange, during an event held at the Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta.
Bank of Valletta, in collaboration with the European Investment Fund (EIF), has just launched two new attractive lending products aimed at local SMEs. The schemes are open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises based in Malta and benefit from risk-sharing mechanisms guaranteed by the EIF. The new financing schemes BOV SME Grow and BOV SME Grow Green follow the successful take-up of similar schemes offered by BOV and EIF in the past, such as the JEREMIE and JAIME Financing Packages.
The innovative aspect of one of the loans, the BOV SME Grow Green, is to offer a more advantageous interest rate aimed at incentivising commercial clients to seamlessly transition to ‘green’. Businesses willing to invest in renewable energy or energy-efficient solutions such as PV Panels, heating and cooling systems, charging stations, insulation, electric vehicles, and other means of low-carbon emission measures, can all benefit from the BOV SME Grow Green lending product.
Both products offer a loan of up to €750,000 payable over a maximum period of 10 years. The BOV SME Grow is offered at a total variable interest rate of 3.8% and the BOV SME Grow Green at a total variable interest rate of 2.8%. Additional benefits include reduced collateral requirements and upfront contributions.
Speaking about the two new financing products announced by BOV and EIF, Bank of Valletta’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Simon Grech said: “By working closely with the European Investment Fund, we are well-placed to offer our business customers two very attractive financing schemes with low collateral requirements and low upfront contribution. The packages are available to a major part of Maltese economic sectors so that most SMEs in Malta can continue to grow and develop. Thanks to the Green alternative of this product, we continue to incentivise sustainable investment by incorporating a better price mechanism for investment costs that contribute towards a reduction in CO2 emissions.”
The BOV SME Grow and the BOV SME Grow Green are funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund with the financial backing of the Republic of Malta under the InvestEU Member State Compartment for Malta. All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. Business customers willing to benefit from the BOV SME Grow or the BOV SME Grow Green are invited to get in touch with the BOV Business Development & Customer Value Unit by calling 2275 1122 or by emailing businessdevelopment@bov.com. Further information can be obtained through the Bank’s website at https://www.bov.com/bov-sme-grow and https://www.bov.com/bov-sme-grow-green.
The HSBC Malta Foundation marked International Men’s Day with an initiative dedicated to supporting vulnerable men across Malta and Gozo, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to social responsibility and community well-being.
This year, the initiative saw the HSBC Malta Foundation collaborating with nine local schools and HSBC Malta employees to collect essential care items, including unutilised toiletries and hygiene products, which were distributed to nine NGOs that work directly with men facing hardship. The nine local schools are – St Augustine College, Stella Maris College, De La Salle College and Chaplaincy, St Monica School Birkirkara, Kirkop Middle School, St Paul’s Missionary College, the Wardija Resource Centre, St Francis School (Gozo) and St Joseph Mater Boni Consilii School.
The collection drive culminated in a special ceremony at HSBC Malta’s headquarters, where representatives from the participating NGOs gathered to celebrate the spirit of the occasion. The event highlighted the importance of addressing specific challenges faced by men in the community and underscored HSBC Malta Foundation’s dedication to meaningful social impact.
Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Malta, commented on the initiative: “Supporting our communities, especially vulnerable groups, is a core part of HSBC Malta Foundation’s mission. By engaging with local schools and NGOs, we aim to foster a sense of shared responsibility and care for those who need it most. International Men’s Day is a time to reflect on the challenges faced by men, and we’re proud to play a part in helping address these issues.”
This initiative aligns with HSBC Malta Foundation’s ongoing commitment to community support, emphasising that corporate responsibility extends beyond business goals, encompassing broader efforts to uplift and empower the communities it serves. Through these projects, the HSBC Malta Foundation continues to demonstrate leadership in corporate social responsibility, inspiring others to take action toward positive change in society.
The NGO’s who benefitted this time round where:- YMCA, Building Bridges, The Richmond Foundation, Sedqa Centru St Maria, the Migrants Commission, Dar Papa Frangsiku, St Jean Antide Foundation, ALS Malta and the Soup Kitchen in Valletta.
Anthony Camilleri on behalf of YMCA said: “We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation to you for helping YMCA Malta’s cause. Your support will increase our capacity to give hope and assistance to service users who benefit from the services delivered by YMCA Malta. Your continuous support, together with that of organisations, individuals, and companies, will determine the success of our programmes and services, which are provided to individuals and families whom we encounter on a daily basis. YMCA Malta is an NGO and voluntary organization that relies on fundraising, charity, and donations in order to continue giving its service to persons and families, including children who experience homelessness and youths from different walks of life. Your donation motivates and encourages us to strive for a more just society. Your support is invaluable and helps us further develop the services required by vulnerable communities.’
Bank of Valletta’s BOV Club left a strong impression during this year’s Freshers’ Week, with a campaign that combined excitement, education, and purpose. This year, BOV focused on promoting financial literacy and well-being among students through engaging activities and competitions, attracting record participation and enthusiasm across campuses around Malta and Gozo.
BOV Club Bike Challenge – Pedal for a Good Cause
One of the highlights was the BOV Club Bike Challenge, held at University of Malta, MCAST, and Higher Secondary. Students cycled a total of 632km, meeting the campaign’s set target and leading to the donation of three bikes to St. Patrick’s School. Nearly 1,051 students took part in this challenge, reinforcing the spirit of giving back while staying fit.
“This initiative encourages students to challenge themselves physically, while also supporting a philanthropic cause,” said Daniel Magrin, Head of Marketing and Product Lifecycle Management at Bank of Valletta. Addressing the Challenge winners, he added, “Congratulations on your achievements. I urge you to stay physically, mentally, and financially healthy, and we look forward to supporting you in reaching your financial goals.”
BOV positions itself as Bank Of Choice for Youths
This year’s Freshers’ Week also saw a record number of students choosing BOV for their first bank account, also as a result of the simplified onboarding process introduced for students, thereby improving their customer experience. This reaffirms BOV’s role as the Bank of Choice among young adults in Malta. Almost 2,000 students engaged in the “Boss Up Your Financial Knowledge” financial literacy quiz, with 16 winners awarded a €100 Eurosport voucher each for achieving over 80% accuracy.
People & Culture Team Inspires Future Talent
BOV’s People & Culture team actively connected with students, promoting the Bank’s Student Programs that provide flexible and paid career experiences at MCAST, Junior College, Higher Secondary, and the University of Malta. These initiatives have become a cornerstone of BOV’s strategy to build a strong talent pipeline, with many students transitioning from part-time roles to full-time positions upon graduation. “At BOV students have a wealth of career opportunities across various functions. “We’re always on the lookout for top talent and eager students ready to make their mark and grow with us,” noted Ray Debattista, Chief People and Culture at the Bank.
Bank of Valletta remains dedicated to supporting young people on their academic and financial journeys, reinforcing the message that financial well-being starts early—and BOV is there to help every step of the way.
The collaboration between the Malta Business Registry (MBR) and The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has resulted in improved communication and initiatives aimed at enhancing MBR’s services to the local business community.
MBR in collaboration with The Malta Chamber held a conference as part of SME Week 2024 under the auspices of the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects entitled Business Empowerment.
MBR’s CEO and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas explained that the, ‘Desk Officers are now more specialized which consequently led to streamlining guidelines, regulations, and requirements. The IT infrastructure has been strongly upgraded, leading to shifting services online as well as paving way for seamless integration between government agencies for the provision of standard documents and information within the limits allowed by the GDPR.” Dr Spiteri Lucas added that, “crucially, the effectiveness of communication is clearly demonstrated by allowing sufficient lead time before the implementation of new regulations. By conducting training seminars, we ensure that CSPs and practitioners are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools for a swift adaptation to these changes.”
The President of The Malta Chamber Chris Vassallo Cesareo said that the integration of systems between government agencies to facilitate the provision of standard documents and information is a critical step toward eliminating repetitive, time-consuming tasks that drain resources and frustrate users. He insisted that, ‘’businesses need a cohesive ecosystem where data flows securely and efficiently across entities, minimising redundancy and creating value for all.”
During a fireside chat, moderated by Head of Media and Communication Strategist Rachel Bondi Attard, both MBR CEO Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas and The Malta Chamber CEO Dr Marthese Portelli emphasised that digitalisation doesn’t only contribute to better governance, transparency and accountability, but it also contributes to cleaner and more efficient processes. Dr Spiteri Lucas delved into MBR’s recent initiatives which strongly boosted digitalisation. The launch of the new online platform BAROS, Business Automation Registry Online System, introduced digital methods aimed at enhancing efficiency, such as the online submission of all types of company incorporations and other forms. Additionally, a call for tenders has been issued for the development of the Central Data Repository, an initiative intended to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. These initiatives align with MBR’s goal of promoting an entrepreneurial mindset, as seen in the recent launch of the self-assessment tool, which provides businesses with a free service to analyze their financial capability and seek help if necessary.
Dr Portelli emphasized that ongoing dialogue with the MBR is essential. “Maintaining open communication benefits not only the business community but also the country as a whole. At The Malta Chamber, we remain committed to providing input and support whenever needed. While we appreciate the MBR’s receptiveness to our feedback, we now look forward to seeing tangible implementation of the proposed measures,” said Dr Portelli.
Minister for the Economy , Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri said that during this month dedicated to businesses will serve as a forum for discussion so that as a Government we can pave and implement Malta Vision 2050.
’Vision Malta 2050 is not only about economic growth, but a plan to provide a better quality of life for everyone. The process has begun to establish strategic goals until 2035 that will lead Malta to a better future with clear goals and a long-term plan. This must be a vision of a country that looks at the needs of the people, quality jobs, sustainable growth, and national unity. Together we can build a stronger and more inclusive Malta. Above all, a strong country that, as announced in the budget, gives a better quality of life and creates that balance from which we really reap the fruits of the unprecedented economic growth that our country is experiencing. Vision Malta 2050 is our roadmap for the next 25 years, with key goals to be achieved in the next 10 years to ensure we stay on the right track’’ said Minister Schembri. Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri stated that this month dedicated to businesses will serve as a discussion forum for implementing Malta Vision 2050. This vision aims for economic growth and improving quality of life. Strategic goals until 2035 aim to ensure sustainable growth, quality jobs, and national unity. As outlined in the budget, the vision seeks to enhance life quality, balancing economic growth with real benefits for all. This roadmap sets key goals for the next decade to keep Malta on track.
At the conference, a panel discussion led by MBR’s COO and Deputy Registrar, Ms Annalise Zammit, focused on the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Panelists Mr Norbert Vella from PWC, Mr Mark Micallef from BNF Bank, and Dr Damian Paul Cassar from MBR discussed the implications of the directive in helping companies implement sustainability reporting.
The panel noted that while CSRD presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for enhancing sustainability practices and stakeholder engagement. By approaching compliance strategically and collaboratively, organizations can lead in sustainability within their industries.
The conference also commemorated the 60th Anniversary of Malta’s Companies Act, which has evolved with EU directives and digitalization over time. This milestone was celebrated with a documentary featuring past registrars, academics, and MBR employees who have contributed to its development.
TradeMalta is proud to announce its successful coordination of the Malta Pavilion at Libya Build Benghazi 2024
This event marks the return of Maltese companies to Libya Build for the second edition this year, held from the 4th to 7th November 2024, at the Sidi Faraj Exhibition Centre, Benghazi.
Libya Build has established itself as the premier event for the building, design, and construction sectors in Western Libya. The exhibition hosted over 200 companies, serving as the foremost destination for industry professionals, experts, buyers, distributors, and key decision-makers from the public and private sectors.
Five Maltese companies exhibited, seizing the opportunity to forge new connections and explore potential partnerships. They showcased their expertise with a diverse array of offerings, including the manufacturing of high-grade materials, manufacturing, and assembly of electrical, plumbing and drainage systems, manufacturers of low voltage electrical cables, manufacturing of plastic components and door designs,
Anton Buttigieg, CEO of TradeMalta, commented, “Libya Build Benghazi 2024 has been a remarkable platform for Maltese companies to showcase their innovation and expertise. Our participation highlights the strength and versatility of Maltese businesses in the international arena. We are committed to fostering these opportunities and driving economic growth through strategic international engagements.” – Anton Buttigieg, CEO of TradeMalta
HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to announce its support for Djamanto’, an engaging and thought-provoking play that will be performed in middle schools across Malta in October and November. This initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to environmental education and its aim to inspire a greater sense of responsibility and awareness among younger generations.
‘Djamanto’ tells the story of one individual’s journey towards an awakening, highlighting the deep connection between humanity and the natural world. The narrative focuses on how our actions, both big and small, impact the environment and emphasises the importance of reflection, awareness, and hope through being creative to get better results. Through its powerful message, the play invites audiences to envision a healthier and more beautiful future where sustainability is at the forefront of human decisions.
The play will be staged at various educational institutions, including St Margaret College Cospicua Middle School, St Nicholas College Rabat Middle School, and St Thomas More College Tarxien Middle School, among others. The HSBC Malta Foundation aims to reach hundreds of students across the island, encouraging them to engage with themes of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility through the art of storytelling.
“At HSBC Malta Foundation, we believe that engaging young minds through creative and educational projects like Djamanto’ is crucial to fostering a culture of sustainability from an early age,” said Geoffrey Fichte CEO at HSBC Bank Malta. “We are committed to supporting initiatives that not only educate but also inspire future generations to take action and be proactive in caring for our planet.”
The support for Djamanto’ is part of HSBC Malta Foundation’s broader efforts to champion initiatives that contribute to community development, financial literacy, and environmental sustainability. By backing projects like this, the Foundation hopes to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of Maltese youth and to promote the importance of environmental consciousness as a core value in schools across the nation.
