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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 JANUARY 2024 8 COMMERCIAL BNF Bank looks back at a year's commitment to social impact AS the BNF team launches it- self with renewed energy into this new year's commitments, it takes a retrospective glance at the many community projects and initiatives that left a signif- icant imprint on several groups and organisations. Under the umbrella of Environmental and Social Governance and with a combination of centrally or- ganised events and voluntary work on the part of employees and their families, the team proudly looks back at some of the highlights and the support it has given local organisations, promoting compassion, inclu- sion and engagement. Staff members gave their time, energy and resources during an event at RMJ's Horse Rescue's sanctuary in Siggiewi - a local organisation devoted to provid- ing a second chance at life for horses rescued from neglect or those with special needs, by re- habilitating them and eventual- ly rehoming them. BNF staff to- gether with their children spent a delightful day and supported the team of RMJ by interact- ing with the horses and feeding them. Other staff members gener- ously donated their pre-loved items for Inspire's thrift shop, further contributing to the or- ganisation's mission of empow- erment and self-sustainability. With the aim of fostering a culture of environmental re- sponsibility, BNF supported Maltese NGO ACT to increase awareness about the impor- tance of indigenous flora. This collaboration aligns with BNF's broader dedication to sustain- ability initiatives. The part- nership featured a successful hands-on educational work- shop held with the Bank's cor- porate team. The opportunity was then extended to all staff members who showed interest to volunteer. Across the Bank's employee base, regular monthly staple initiatives see the team pitch in funds for various causes, in- cluding Hospice and the Malta Community Chest Fund Foun- dation via a monthly automatic payroll donation. Every month, this initiative is topped up via the #YourCause initiative where employees recommend groups and causes for a month- ly fund collection supported by Management. Karl Dingli, Head of Human Resources, Property and Ad- ministration at BNF Bank said: "These events demonstrate our core values of compassion, teamwork and involvement in the community. We take much pride in supporting local organ- isations that promote welfare, inclusion and social impact. And our employees regularly take on the Bank's social com- mitments with energy and ded- ication, spurring us further to continue to seek opportunities to serve and support the local community. We are now al- ready busy brainstorming and pooling ideas, so that we can take our drive and energy for- ward, to continue making pos- itive change happen." BDO Malta appoints new Associate Director of Tax BDO Malta has appointed Milena Palikarova as its new Associate Director of Tax, with effect from January 2024. Over the past seven years at BDO, Ms Palikarova has held various key positions within the firm's Tax Team. "Milena's promotion to As- sociate Director of Tax recog- nises her dedication, expertise and valuable contributions to the firm," says BDO Malta CEO Mark Attard. "Her appointment will play a pivotal role in elevat- ing the firm's capabilities and providing clients with solutions to meet their tax-related chal- lenges." Ms Palikarova brings to her latest role at BDO Malta a wealth of expertise and experi- ence across the tax landscape, enabling her to guide clients at every stage of their taxation needs. Before starting her career in Malta's financial services indus- try, she majored in Economy of Commerce at the University of National and World Econom- ics, Bulgaria, earnt a master's degree in business administra- tion and also holds a diploma in taxation from the Malta In- stitute of Taxation (MIT). Ms Palikarova has since focused on several specialisations across the industry, including the pro- visions of the Income Tax Act, general tax issues, transfer pric- ing and advising on tax-related matters. With more than 45 years of practice in Malta, BDO Malta forms part of the global BDO network, providing end-to-end corporate and business advisory services while guiding compa- nies towards sustainable busi- ness growth. The Malta firm continues the highly respected brand's inter- national success, shaped around its commitment to delivering the highest quality service to clients. More information about BDO Malta is available at www.bdo. com.mt.