Month: November 2023

HSBC Bank Malta plc has been named as the overall Market Leader and Best Service for Non-Financial Institutions in the prestigious Euromoney Cash Management Survey 2023. These accolades underscore HSBC Malta’s strong commitment to excellence in treasury management of payments, receivables, and cash as well as its overall leadership in the sector.

The Euromoney Cash Management Survey, which is run annually, gauges the quality of cash management services globally, drawing on the insights of 30,000 corporate respondents and 800 Financial Institutions.

In addition to the local awards, the HSBC Group has also achieved significant global success. The Group has been named the Global Market Leader for Non-Financial Institutions, with first-place regional rankings in Asia Pacific and the Middle East and has claimed market leader status in 19 markets. Furthermore, the Group has been recognised as the Global Market Leader for Financial Institutions, with top regional rankings in the Middle East and Western Europe.

These global and local achievements highlight HSBC’s comprehensive international capabilities and its extensive network, which plays a pivotal role in delivering superior cash management services to customers around the world. The bank’s strategic initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing its operations and deepening customer relationships, as evidenced by the positive outcomes of these efforts.

HSBC Malta extends its sincere thanks to its customers for their trust and custom.  The bank reiterates its unwavering commitment to its customers, ensuring that their needs continue to be the driving force behind the bank’s business strategy.

Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Malta, said: “We are honoured by these awards, which reflect our strategic focus on delivering service excellence and our commitment to our customers. This is a proud moment for HSBC Malta and a clear indication of the strength of our teams.”

Monique Gilmour, Head of Global Payments Solutions in Malta, commented: “It’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated team who collectively come together each day to deliver award-winning level of cash management services to our customers. These awards from Euromoney validate our customer-centric approach and are testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.”

Bank of Valletta has issued a warning urging customers to be wary of a series of new scams that are currently in circulation. Some of these new scams are in the form of SMS messages that include links to fake sites, claiming that customers’ debit or credit cards are blocked, or that their password has been locked, and asking potential victims to click on the link to release their cards or passwords.

Other scams are in the form of alerts about transaction authorisations, asking customers to insert their card data to cancel transactions if these are not authorised. Other SMSs warn customers that their mobile signature is restricted and ask them to log onto a site guising as a BOV internet or mobile login to release the signature.

It is important to point out that some SMSs are being received in the same thread of SMSs that legitimately originate from BOV, deceiving customers into believing that BOV is sending this message. Fraudsters are also using emails to dupe potential victims.

These latest scams are all designed to trick potential victims into taking ‘urgent action’ and giving out sensitive financial information such as bank account numbers, passwords, card details, or authorising financial transactions. It is important to keep in mind that Bank of Valletta does not send SMSs containing links to websites. Customers should never click on links that appear in SMS messages, even if these appear in bank SMS threads, and should never give out sensitive information.

The Bank will not ask for ask for account or card numbers in full, card CVV details (the 3 digits at the back of the card), card PINS, internet or mobile banking passwords, codes, signatures, one-time passwords, or multi-factor authentication. Bank employees will never ask customers for information that leads them to carry out financial transactions over the phone.

The Bank urges the public to be vigilant and cautious at all times. When in doubt customers are urged to contact the Bank immediately. Calling the number 2131 2020 will direct them to the legitimate BOV Customer Service Centre, where they can verify any calls or SMSs that they have received.

Bank of Valletta (BOV) staff recently joined forces with the charitable organization Caritas for an olive picking event aimed at supporting community welfare. The event, held in a scenic olive grove on the ground of San Blas in Zebbug, served a dual purpose: to assist Caritas in their philanthropic endeavours and to foster a unique engagement between the bank’s employees and individuals undergoing rehabilitation within the drug rehab system.

The olive picking event was a symbol of collective goodwill, where volunteers from both Caritas and BOV came together to harvest olives. The occasion not only contributed to the noble cause of aiding Caritas’s initiatives but also provided a moment for team-building among the participants. What made this event even more special was the interaction between the BOV staff and the inmates participating in Caritas’s rehabilitation program. Amidst the tranquillity of the olive grove, these two groups engaged in discussions, sharing their experiences, perspectives, and insights. The exchange of views allowed for a deeper understanding of each other’s lives and situations, fostering empathy and understanding.

This interaction was a valuable opportunity for both the BOV employees and the inmates. For the bank staff, it offered a chance to gain new perspectives, challenge biases, and participate in a meaningful social cause, promoting a sense of social responsibility. On the other hand, for the inmates, it was an occasion to feel a sense of inclusion, to be seen beyond their past, and to engage positively with members of the community. The event not only highlighted the importance of community involvement and social solidarity but also demonstrated the transformative power of such interactions. It emphasized that meaningful conversations and shared experiences have the potential to break down barriers, promote understanding, and contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into society.

In summary, the olive picking event organized by Caritas, in collaboration with BOV, not only brought people together for a benevolent cause but also exemplified the positive outcomes of social engagement and mutual understanding between individuals from different walks of life. Such initiatives stand as a testament to the potential for change and unity within communities.

BNF Bank, a leading financial institution with a strong commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Aspire Systems and Temenos, a renowned global technology services firm. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in BNF Bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance its banking infrastructure and deliver even more streamlined, efficient, and customer-focused services.

Aspire Systems is a trusted implementor of cutting-edge technology solutions with a proven track record worldwide. The partnership with Aspire Systems and Temenos demonstrates BNF Bank’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the banking industry by embracing state-of-the-art technology solutions to meet evolving customer demands. Aspire Systems also brings its expertise in ensuring the highest levels of security and compliance within the financial industry, helping BNF Bank maintain the trust and confidence of its customers.

Commenting on this exciting partnership, David Power, CEO of BNF Bank, stated: “The implementation of new digital channels will empower BNF Bank to provide our customers with an enhanced and seamless banking experience, through more user-friendly digital banking platforms.”

Mr Power added: “Our collaboration with Aspire Systems is a testament to our dedication to providing our customers with the best banking experience, and our commitment to continuous innovation. This strategic move will equip us with the tools and technologies necessary to adapt to the ever-evolving financial landscape, ensuring we are future-ready, and we are eager to see the positive impact it will have on our customers.”

Gowri Subramanian CEO of Aspire Systems added: “We are thrilled to partner with BNF Bank, a forward-thinking institution dedicated to the well-being of its customers. Our digital channels’ solutions will help BNF Bank remain agile and responsive in a rapidly changing industry, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.”

‘It is vital to our own business on how we deliver our services to our esteemed customers and help them sustain their businesses for the future while sustaining ours.’ This was stated by Dr Gordon Cordina, Chairman of Bank of Valletta during the 3^rd Conference on Ethics in Business organised by the Gozo Business Chamber.

In line with the conference’s theme, ‘Putting Corporate Social Responsibility into Practice’, the BOV Chairman emphasized that while all those who run a business have a duty to all their stakeholders to make a profit, they must also think of long-term survival by making a fair profit. A company must have solid values and a profit is made while remaining true to their values and respecting their employees, their customers, their shareholders, the environment and the community in which they operate.

‘An organization is responsible for any product or service that it puts out on the market, and all the repercussions of producing that product or delivering that service,’ continued the BOV Chairman. ‘Focus must be on a good return on capital but always keeping Environments, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations at the forefront.’

‘At Bank of Valletta we genuinely care of what happens to our employees, our customers and our society. We believe in constantly sharing information with our employees to make them share the values of the organization and feeling a sense of belonging into an organization that is doing good,’ emphasized Dr Cordina. ‘We accept the fact that we might need to grow at a lower rate while investing more in technology and building socially responsible business models for the satisfaction of our employees and customers.’

Bank of Valletta’s collaboration with the Gozo Business Chamber stems from the Bank’s commitment towards alliances with organisations that share the same values and work positively with motives to do genuine good and change people’s hearts in the process.

Due to overwhelming interest, the submission deadline for the Malta National Transport Awards has been extended to November 13th, 2023. This extension allows more individuals and organisations to participate and be recognised for their outstanding contributions.

Transport is the lifeblood of any nation, connecting communities, driving economies, and fostering progress. In Malta, where transport plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of its residents, recognising and celebrating the tireless efforts and innovations within the industry is essential.

These awards are being organised by the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects together with Transport Malta.

Mr. Jonathan Borg, the CEO of Transport Malta, emphasised, “Transport is more than just the movement of people and goods; it is the cornerstone of progress. These awards stand as a beacon of appreciation for the remarkable contributions made by individuals, voluntary organisations, public entities and private companies, and inspire further innovation.”

Nominations are open for the following categories:

1. Innovation: Recognising projects that have broken new ground, employed innovative technologies, or approached transport challenges in a unique way.

2. Sustainability: Projects that have reduced the environmental impact of transport, such as the use of alternative fuels or freight practices that have lowered emissions, are acknowledged in this category.

3. Modal Shift: Modal shift involves changing the way people travel, such as shifting towards cycling or alternative modes of transportation.

4. Infrastructure: Recognising designs that demonstrate innovation, flexibility, and sustainability, which adds value to the transport sector.

5. Safety: This category encompasses all aspects of road safety, traffic management, and enforcement, with a focus on results such as casualty reductions and improved journey reliability.

Transport Malta would like to reiterate that these awards, open to all and, hold several key objectives at their core:

1. Recognising and Honoring Excellence: The awards aim to shine a spotlight on outstanding individuals and organisations whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the transport industry.

2. Showcasing Best Practices and Innovation: In an ever-evolving landscape, the transport sector benefits greatly from innovative solutions and best practices. The awards seek to showcase projects that have pushed the boundaries and set new standards.

3. Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration is the cornerstone of progress. These awards provide a platform for transport professionals and stakeholders to come together, share ideas, and collectively drive the industry forward.

4. Promoting Sustainable Transport: As the world grapples with environmental challenges, sustainable and efficient transport systems are more critical than ever. The awards also aim to raise awareness about the importance of eco-friendly transport solutions.

For more information about the Malta National Transport Awards and to submit your nominations, visit https://www.transport.gov.mt/nationaltransportawards.