Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1516667
6 NEWS 29.2.2024 AS part of its efforts towards enhanc- ing access to finance in Malta, the MDB brought together key stakeholders from the commercial banking sector to fos- ter strategic dialogue and deliberate on the collaboration needed towards this objective. e meeting, held at the MDB's prem- ises in Floriana and led by its Chairman Leo Brincat and CEO Paul V. Azzo- pardi, underscored the significance of collective efforts in fostering a fairer transition towards green and digital in- itiatives. Acknowledging the pressing need for sustainable economic development in Malta, Brincat emphasised the crucial role of banks as financiers of the tran- sition to green and digital economies. "e Pandemic experience, when nine local banks joined forces with the MDB to implement the COVID-19 Guaran- tee Scheme, is a tangible example of the potential that such collaboration can reserve for the Maltese economy, where half a billion euro in liquidity was mo- bilised." Bank representatives acknowledged that the MDB played an enabling role to support businesses, working with com- mercial banks rather than competing with them. e discussions centred on stream- lining lending processes while ensuring prudence, offering tailored financial products, making optimal use of guar- antees and risk-sharing instruments, and leveraging partnerships to mitigate risks associated with sustainable invest- ments. Brincat reiterated MDB's unwavering commitment to serve as a catalyst and gateway for transformative change, em- phasising the Bank's role in providing accessible financing solutions to pro- mote inclusive growth and sustainabil- ity. He stressed the importance of en- suring that financial incentives are in tune with the national objectives, in order to support the country's com- petitiveness. Brincat also commended the proac- tive engagement of commercial banks in recognising the evolving landscape of sustainable finance, and their willing- ness to collaborate in advancing shared objectives. He emphasised the need for sustained dialogue and collective action to address the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the green and digital transition. Brincat reiterated that "as Malta con- tinues its journey towards a more sus- tainable and technology-driven future, the collaborative efforts between the MDB and commercial banks are poised to play a pivotal role in driving positive change and ensuring a fairer transition for all." MDB in bid to bolster dialogue and step up collaboration in commercial banking sector AS one of the largest employers in Mal- ta, Bank of Valletta is continuously on the lookout for talent. Attracting the best talent available on the island will enhance the Bank's efforts to offer the highest level of service to customers. e Bank offers careers in the areas of Banking and Finance, Anti-Financial Crime, Anti-Money Laundering, Cred- it Financing for Business and Retail, Human Resources, Data Analysis and Modelling, ESG, Project Management, Marketing, IT & Digital, Audit and Risk Management. In support of this recruitment drive, the Bank recently participated in the KSU Careers Expo at the University of Malta Campus, offering part-time job experiences to current full-time gradu- ate students. Working up to a 30-hour week during the scholastic year, students can change to a full-time basis during the summer break, enabling them to make the most of any time off from their studies. is will give students the opportuni- ty to apply their studies, gain implicit knowledge through on-the-job experi- ence and upskill themselves with new talents and abilities. is will in turn strengthen their potential to hit off their employment journey successfully once their studies are completed. Speaking about BOV's participation in the KSU Careers Expo, BOV Chief Peo- ple and Culture Officer, Ray Debattista highlighted the various benefits that the Bank offers to its employees. "Working at Bank of Valletta is more than just a job. BOV is an Equal Oppor- tunities Employer, certified by the Na- tional Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), offering continu- ous learning opportunities to its people both through accredited courses of- fered by its in-house Learning and De- velopment Function and through exter- nal training institutes. Moreover, career development is incentivised through study grants, and study leave." Debattista reiterated that "We strive to promote a healthy work-life balance which comes in various forms such as additional vacation leave days, flexi- ble working hours, remote and hybrid working opportunities and fun activi- ties offered to staff members and their families. We also offer financial benefits such as attractive staff rates on home loans, other free banking services, em- ployee wellness allowances and free health insurance to our staff members. Recently, we have also introduced a Vol- untary Occupational Pension Scheme for our people where the Bank match- es the employees' contribution towards their savings for retirement up to a maximum of €2,400 annually." During the Expo, Bank of Valletta had the opportunity to meet up with inter- ested candidates by conducting on-the- spot interviews. Applications for the Part-Time Grad- uate Programme at BOV are still open and interested students have until the 4th of March to apply. ese career op- portunities and others offered on a full- time basis can be found at www.bov. com/careers. BOV on the lookout for new talent with graduate programme still accepting applications Working up to a 30-hour week during the scholastic year, students can change to a full- time basis during the summer break, enabling them to make the most of any time off from their studies