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5 NEWS 22.7.2021 THE 14th FinanceMalta Annual Con- ference entitled "Malta's Financial Ser- vices Industry: Emerging Stronger", which was spread over two days, has brought together over 50 speakers, con- tributors, experts, panellists and facil- itators in Malta and across the world both physically in the event's venue as well as virtually via video conferencing. e hybrid conference was being re- layed live through a cutting-edge web event platform that also ensured net- working and interaction for the over 300 registered participants. e event focussed on the need and eagerness of the Maltese financial services industry to come forth following the changes and developments that took place globally and locally over the past months. e line-up of contributors includes C-level executives from Malta and abroad, European Union policymakers, government representatives, officials of global standard-setting organisations, renowned academics as well as interna- tional researchers. e closing session of the second day of the conference featured recorded interviews with Prime Minister Robert Abela and the Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech on the 10-year vision for financial services in Malta: 2021-2031. e conference featured various inter- esting panel discussions. In his concluding address, Finance- Malta Chairman Rudolph Psaila fo- cussed on the importance of contin- uous interaction and communication between all stakeholders in the financial services sector: "We definitely feel the need of the industry to meet face-to- face again and are working on an ex- citing events programme that we look forward to roll out as soon as the situ- ation permits. In the meantime, we will continue with our virtual initiatives." Psaila added: "FinanceMalta will con- tinue bringing together the different voices of the financial services industry to reflect on what we are going through. Different perspectives are key to fuel- ling innovation, rethink capabilities and, ultimately, emerge stronger. One word which echoed continuously dur- ing the conference was 'Together' and I do think that it is crucial that we keep this word in mind because together we can overcome any challenges that we face. While focussing on our remit to promote Malta's financial services cen- tre, we remain committed to our corporate social respon- sibility which is ultimately the soul and true strength of any country." As part of its CSR in- itiatives, FinanceMalta be- lieves in assisting those people who have had their lives and circumstances negatively affected by the pandemic and social issues. In this regard, at the end of the conference, FinanceMalta presented a €5,000 donation from the proceeds of delegate fees to the YMCA, which is contributing significantly to Maltese society in providing shelter and support for the homeless. "Malta's Financial Services Industry: Emerging Stronger" was supported by Trust Stamp as Diamond sponsor, Mal- ta Stock Exchange, Fimbank and Sanne as Gold sponsors, as well as Vacancy- Centre, Ganado, Sheltons Group, and Camilleri Preziosi. 2021 FinanceMalta hybrid annual conference brings together over 50 speakers over two days Above: A number of panel discussions were held during the conference, Inset: European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness THE MFSA has announced the launch of a consumer education campaign, which is aimed at increasing awareness on the benefits of using digital banking as well as giving tips on how to have a safe online banking experience. Digital banking provides a convenient, easy, and secure way of accessing certain banking services from the comfort of one's home from a personal computer or laptop connected to the internet and an- ywhere else, by downloading the bank's mobile app on a smartphone or tablet or by accessing the internet banking portal offered by the relevant bank. e importance of online banking in- creased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as an alternative to accessing banking ser- vices without the need to go to the bank. A number of channels will be used throughout the campaign in order to tar- get audiences with different demograph- ics. ese include a series of educational videos as well as posters which will be distributed throughout bank branches. e purpose of these videos is to inform the general public of the banking servic- es which are available digitally when ac- cessing the Bank's App or internet bank- ing such as transfers to third parties and checking account balances. e videos also include tips related to simple meas- ures to be adopted by consumers from always updating the Bank's app as soon as it is available to never sharing the pass- words and log-in details with anyone. e campaign also aims to reach people queuing for services which are already available through digital banking, such as getting information on a personal ac- count balance, checking bank statements and account transactions, transferring funds to third parties, bill payments and mobile phone top-ups. MFSA's Head of Conduct Supervision, Emily Benson, stated that the MFSA is continuously working to create awareness and safeguard consumers in the financial services sector. "Following simple steps such as protecting your password and other confidential data and never sharing this information with anyone and check- ing carefully that the information in- putted is correct before proceeding with a transaction can help consumers keep their money safe," she said. To find out more about the benefits of digital banking and seek guidance on how to use it safely, visit www.mfsa.mt/digital- banking. MFSA launches educational campaign on online banking

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