Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533584
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 MARCH 2025 9 COMMERCIAL Homes of Quality wins branch of the year 2024 AS a testament to delivering ex- cellence in the luxury real estate sector, Homes of Quality, the distinguished luxury division of the Frank Salt Real Estate Group, has been honoured with the prestigious 'Branch of the Year 2024' award. This accolade, announced during the compa- ny's recent annual general con- ference held at the Hilton in St Julian's, underscores the team's unwavering dedication to de- livering exceptional service and achieving outstanding results. The annual general confer- ence, a highlight in the compa- ny's calendar, serves as a plat- form to reflect on achievements for 2024 and outline future as- pirations. This year's event was particularly noteworthy, with Frank Salt Real Estate report- ing substantial revenue growth across all divisions, an expanded market share and an increase in the popularity of its sole agency packages. The 'Branch of the Year' award is a coveted accolade within the company, recognising the branch that has demonstrated exceptional performance across various metrics, including client feedback, transaction volume, revenue generation and over- all contribution to the compa- ny's success. Upon winning the award, Branch Manager Alex Papagiorcopulo said: "Homes of Quality's achievement is a testament to our team's relent- less pursuit of excellence and commitment to upholding the highest standards in the luxury property market." Homes of Quality offers a curated selection of high-end properties, catering to discern- ing clients and Director Gra- hame Salt added that: "The team's in-depth market knowl- edge, personalised approach and attention to detail have been in- strumental in building lasting relationships with clients and achieving remarkable sales mile- stones in the past year." The recognition of Homes of Quality as the group's 'Branch of the Year 2024' not only high- lights the team's individual ac- complishments but also reflects the overarching success of Frank Salt Real Estate. The company's strategic initiatives have played a pivotal role in driving growth and enhancing client satisfac- tion. Jean Chapelle Paleologo, the group managing director stated that: "…we are the only company that provides a holis- tic, full-circle range of services that elevate the client experi- ence to unparalleled levels in this country. Homes of Quality is a reflection of how to do this successfully. Well done!" BOV strengthens its merchant services as digital payments continue to grow BANK of Valletta is reinforcing its commitment to digital banking inno- vation and merchant services, ensur- ing both personal customers and busi- nesses have access to seamless, secure and innovative payment solutions. During a recent visit to the eBanking teams, BOV CEO Kenneth Farru- gia, together with Simon Azzopardi, Chief Personal & Wealth Officer, and Chris Degabriele, Head of eBanking, discussed the Bank's ongoing digital transformation and the customer ben- efits of enhanced payment solutions. The CEO also personally thanked the teams for their efforts in driving the Bank's digital transformation. As consumer behaviour shifts to- wards digital-first payments, business- es need efficient, reliable, and secure solutions to meet customer expecta- tions. BOV is enhancing its merchant services by offering more advanced payment acceptance options, improv- ing transaction security, and ensuring businesses can process payments ef- fortlessly – whether through contact- less, mobile, or online channels. Kenneth Farrugia praised the eBank- ing teams for their dedication in deliv- ering top-tier merchant services. "Our merchants are at the heart of the econ- omy, and our role is to ensure they have the right payment tools to grow and succeed. The way customers pay is changing, and BOV is committed to providing businesses with smarter, faster, and more secure solutions," he said. Chris Degabriele outlined how the Bank is scaling its teams to provide dedicated support to merchants. "We are scaling up to meet the increased demand for digital payment solutions. More businesses are embracing con- tactless and mobile transactions, and we are here to make that transition seamless for them," he explained. With digital transactions continuing to grow, BOV continues to invest in its merchant services to ensure business- es can operate smoothly and thrive. By strengthening its Card Acceptance business, expanding its digital capabil- ities, and growing its expert teams, the Bank is setting the stage for a future of smarter, more efficient payment expe- riences. APS Bank launches Kapital Plus 20 APS Bank has launched a new capi- tal-guaranteed, structured deposit prod- uct, the APS Kapital Plus 20. With a min- imum deposit of €5,000 fixed for three years, this limited-time offer presents a secure investment opportunity at a com- petitive fixed interest rate of 2% gross p.a. (per annum), paid annually for the first two years, with no initial or annual charg- es. There is also the possibility of earning a bonus in the third year, tied to the per- formance of the underlying index that is actively managed by ReAPS Asset Man- agement Limited. Josef Portelli, Managing Director at ReAPS Asset Management and Head of Investment Management at APS Bank commented, "APS Kapital Plus 20 is an attractive opportunity for those who val- ue capital protection and steady returns. With a guaranteed fixed interest rate over the first two years and the potential for a performance-based bonus in the third, it combines the security of a traditional de- posit with the added benefit of an invest- ment product managed professionally." Please visit apsbank.com.mt/kapi- tal-plus-20 for more information. Approved and issued by APS Bank plc, APS Centre, Tower Street, Birkirkara BKR 4012. APS Bank plc is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Credit Institution under the Banking Act 1994 and to carry out Investment Services activities under the Investment Services Act 1994. APS Bank plc is also registered as a Tied Insurance Intermediary un- der the Insurance Distribution Act 2018. Terms and conditions apply and are avail- able on apsbank.com.mt/kapital-plus-20.