Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1449831
3 NEWS 10.2.2022 MALTA-BASED tech start-up TrustStamp is the first Maltese com- pany to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli announced. TrustStamp provides biomet- rics-based security systems across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Afri- ca. NASDAQ is the largest electronic stock exchange globally, allowing in- vestors to invest in more than 3,500 of the world's largest companies. To be accepted on the NASDAQ stock exchange, a company must have a capital of more than $2 mil- lion, with more than 100,000 shares held by the public with an asset value of more than $4 million. e product offered by TrustStamp uses technology and artificial intel- ligence to enable banks and other institutions to verify customer cre- dentials. "e history of TrustStamp is also an example of our commitment to creating and developing new eco- nomic niches in modern sectors so that our economy can continue to diversify and strengthen. Sectors that find a place to roam in Malta and have a success story, thus contin- uing to create and provide more new opportunities for our young people and workers," Dalli said, when she met TrustStamp's Chief Executive and co-founder, Gareth Genner, on Wednesday. She said that despite the small size of Malta, the country has the poten- tial to attract investment in the de- velopment of startups such as Trust- Stamp. In the next three years, TrustStamp will be investing another €6 million while increasing its presence in Mal- ta as it will be employing another 50 people at its offices. "e move to get TrustStamp to NASDAQ is also a result of the eco- system in Malta and the economic and political climate of our country, which offers stability and peace of mind to foreign investors," Dalli said. Genner thanked the Maltese Gov- ernment and Malta Enterprise for the support provided after the com- pany decided to set up its European offices in Malta. "Your trust and investment in our vision helped make our success pos- sible, and we look forward to contin- uing to work in Malta as we continue to grow TrustStamp and invest in the Maltese economy," he said. Maltese company listed on NASDAQ stock exchange Bank's attempts to apologise fail to satisfy customers TrustStamp has plans to increase its presence in Malta FROM PAGE 1 But as late as Wednesday evening, custom- ers were still complaining about not being able to access ATMs or make card transac- tions, a cursory look at a number of Face- book groups revealed. "Received sms reminder highlighting lim- ited service from 5-7 February," a customer named Steve wrote in one comment thread. "Today 9th February. Cannot use HSBC Debit and Credit Cards. Cannot transfer money to my Revolut account from the Rev- olut app, cannot use cards for online trans- actions. If this is a limited service... I wonder what is NO service." He was not the only one, as many others vented their anger online after finding them- selves unable to pay for services or goods. Service meltdown Many HSBC customers complained they had been embarrassed at checkout when trying to pay for goods using their bank credits, having been told the service would only be down until Monday. Others posted requests for assistance and demanded an explanation from the bank. A user named Miriam asked when the cards could be used again. "e service has been down since last Fri- day 4/2/2022 for upgrade. It was supposed to be running by Monday 7/2/2022 after 8pm, today is Wednesday 9th February 2022 and still the Service is Down. Please amend the situation ASAP!!!!!! It's causing me GREAT inconvenience!!!!!!" Another customer, Charlene, said custom- ers deserved some compensation for the in- convenience. "Disgrace! It has been a few extra days now without use of atms... utterly disgusted with your service and above all its the client who is paying for everything, as you never give anything in return!" she wrote online. "is problem should have been resolved till Monday evening! I think customers de- serve some kind of compensation, NO???? How long does this reboot of the systems take?" In some instances, HSBC tried to justify the delay and placate the customers' ire. "Whilst most of our card related services have now resumed, your card may still oc- casionally be declined. We want to reassure you that we are working hard to solve this issue as soon as possible and will keep you updated on progress," the bank posted late on Tuesday. "We're really sorry that we are not provid- ing our best service right now and under- stand that this is frustrating. ank you for your understanding." But not many customers welcomed the apology. "An absolutely disgraceful treatment of customers and it is not the first time. Look- ing forward to closing my account as soon as possible. Shame and disgrace," Milos wrote. Another customer agreed. "is is joke not a bank, circus on wheels. If I don't have loan with you, i cancel all of my accounts long time ago, 3 years after all the other banks, you decide to bring touchles payments... Congratulations being the worst bank in Malta..." Ironically, more than two months ago HSBC sent new contactless cards to its cus- tomers, advising them they would be able to use them come February. When contacted on Wednesday, an HSBC Bank Malta spokesperson told BusinessTo- day the bank acknowledged that during the implementation process of the new system, customers experienced a number of service issues affecting the use of cards and that it was aware that this had created disruption and inconvenience to customers. "e Bank has successfully addressed a number of these issues, service is improving rapidly, and teams are working hard, in close liaison with the Bank's card partners at VISA and MasterCard, to deliver the remaining services to customers as quickly as possible," the spokesperson said. e bank confirmed that its ATM network was operational and customers could with- draw money using their HSBC cards. Online and Point of Sale transactions were opera- tional on VISA, debit and credit cards. "e Bank sincerely regrets any inconven- ience caused and will continue to update its customers through its social media channels and through direct communication," the spokesperson said.