Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534344
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 APRIL 2025 7 COMMERCIAL Launch of The Access Bank Malta Limited – a subsidiary of The Access Bank UK Limited THE Access Bank UK Limited proudly announces the official launch of its first fully owned subsidiary in Malta, The Access Bank Malta Limited. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in strengthening Europe-Africa trade flows. Malta, a globally rec- ognised financial hub and a key gateway between the two conti- nents, is uniquely positioned to foster economic partnerships and advance international commerce. By establishing operations in Malta, The Access Bank UK Lim- ited capitalises on growing trade opportunities between Europe and Africa. This move under- scores the Access Group's com- mitment to facilitating global trade, driving financial integra- tion, and supporting businesses across these regions. At the official opening ceremo- ny, Honourable Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, remarked: "I am delighted to celebrate the opening of The Access Bank Malta Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of The Access Bank UK Limited and part of the re- nowned Access Bank Group. This milestone strengthens trade relations between Europe and Africa, and we proudly welcome The Access Bank Malta Limited to Malta's financial community. Its presence aligns perfectly with our country's strategic role as a bridge for business between these two continents. This moment al- so reflects the aspirations of Mal- ta Vision 2050, which aims to po- sition Malta as a hub for financial services, digital innovation, and sustainable economic growth through global collaboration and forward-thinking investment." Jamie Simmonds, Founding Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Ac- cess Bank UK Limited, highlight- ed the importance of this expan- sion: "Europe and Africa are key trading partners, with Europe accounting for approximately 30% of Africa's total trade. As Eu- rope-Africa economic relations enter a new phase, The Access Bank Malta Limited is ideally po- sitioned to deepen trade ties and meet the financing and banking needs of businesses operating across these regions." Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, and CEO of the Banking Group fur- ther emphasised the Group's vi- sion: "Expanding our presence to Malta strengthens our position in a key financial hub that connects European and North African markets, bringing us closer to our vision of becoming Africa's Gate- way to the World. This strategic move enhances our ability to provide clients with innovative, tailored solutions that facilitate cross-border trade and invest- ment." Renald Theuma, Managing Di- rector and Chief Executive Of- ficer of The Access Bank Malta Limited, added: "The launch of The Access Bank Malta Limited is a crucial step in our Group's expansion strategy. Our goal is to facilitate seamless cross-border trade between Eu- rope and Africa, leveraging Mal- ta's unique position as a financial hub. We are committed to deliv- ering high-quality banking ser- vices that support businesses in these dynamic markets, helping them navigate the complexities of international trade." The Access Bank Malta Limited will focus on international trade finance, employing approximate- ly 30 people in its initial phase, with plans for controlled expan- sion over time. For more information: https:// www.theaccessbankukltd.co.uk/ Members of The Access Bank Malta Limited's local team pose for a photo, marking a memorable moment at the launch event at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar. Top: Roosevelt Ogbonna, Jamie Simmonds, and Renald Theuma (from left to right) stand together at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar during the launch of The Access Bank Malta Limited, celebrating a key moment in the bank's expansion.