Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537666
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 JULY 2025 COMMERCIAL BIRKIRKARA, Malta – Rein- forcing its commitment to in- novation and customer-focused banking, FCM Bank is proud to launch TOP Saver PRO, a new savings account designed to meet the needs of today's smart savers. Effective from 1 July 2025, this ac- count brings together guaranteed returns, full flexibility, and in- dustry-leading service—all under one product. In a dynamic financial environ- ment, customers are looking for solutions that are not only re- warding but also accessible and transparent. TOP Saver PRO de- livers on all fronts, offering a guar- anteed gross interest rate of up to 2.48% per annum until 31 De- cember 2025, while allowing cus- tomers to withdraw their funds at any time—without penalties or restrictions. A smarter way to save Whether you're planning for the future, saving for a life goal, or simply want to make your money work harder, TOP Saver PRO is the ideal solution. With a minimum opening balance of just €2,000, the account is availa- ble to a wide range of individuals seeking better value from their savings. The account features a tiered interest structure, with compet- itive average rates across various deposit levels, making it attractive for both smaller and larger sav- ers. Interest is calculated monthly and added directly to your bal- ance—maximising your earnings through the power of compound- ing. Trusted Banking with Real Ben- efits TOP Saver PRO is more than just a product—it's a reflection of FCM Bank's strategic focus on simple, secure, and transparent banking. "TOP Saver PRO represents our ongoing commitment to deliv- ering financial products that are built around our clients—their flexibility, their goals, and their trust in us," said Miroslav Halic- ka, CEO of FCM Bank. "Whether you're saving for something spe- cial or simply looking to grow your funds, this is the smart choice." All deposits are protected up to €100,000 under Malta's statutory Deposit Guarantee Scheme, of- fering customers peace of mind while they earn. Banking Made Personal and Digital TOP Saver PRO is easy to open, either in person at FCM Bank's branch in Tower Business Cen- tre, Birkirkara, call 2248 8001 for an appointment or go online through the Bank's secure digital platform at www.fcmbank.com. mt. Backed by exceptional cus- tomer service, the bank is com- mitted to making the onboarding experience smooth, fast, and per- sonal. Supporting businesses too In addition to retail banking, FCM Bank continues to serve Malta's business community by providing tailored project financ- ing solutions for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Clients are encouraged to contact the bank to discuss cus- tomised funding options that can help bring their business ideas to life. Depositors are encouraged to read our terms and conditions by visiting https://www.fcmbank. com.mt/terms-conditions/. Discover a smarter, more flexi- ble way to save—only with FCM Bank FCM Bank Ltd is regulated by the MFSA and is licensed to car- ry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta) Introducing TOP Saver PRO – FCM Bank's most innovative savings account yet BOV enhances security measures for customer authentication TO protect customers from fraud and financial crime, Bank of Valletta has introduced new initiatives aimed at enhancing security when customers call the Customer Service Centre or con- duct transactions in person at its Branches. The latest initiatives include a more secure customer authentication process when calls are made to the Bank's Custom- er Service Centre, along with an SMS notification sent directly to accountholders when they with- draw cash in person at a BOV Branch. Customers who call the Cus- tomer Service Centre are used to replying to security questions before receiving assistance from one of the Bank's Call Centre Agents. With the recent changes, customers who are registered for BOV Electronic Banking services can log onto their BOV Internet and Mobile Banking once they initiate the call, triggering a legiti- mate automated process rendered more secure by a customer's unique login password or biom- etrics. Customers then identify themselves by stating their name and surname, date of birth and ID number. This combines multiple verification methods in a simpler and faster manner, saving around five minutes of authentication along the way, thereby increasing both efficiency and security simul- taneously. Another recent introduction is the SMS notification being sent out when a transaction occurs over the counter at one of the Bank's branches. As a result of this new notification service, all cash withdrawal transactions ef- fected will trigger a notification to alert customers and enhance peace of mind and security. This is also very useful in specific in- stances where a third party can legitimately transact on behalf of the account holder. By means of an SMS on their registered mobile number, customers are being in- formed of the transaction that has just occurred. Citing the latest operational im- provements, BOV Chief Opera- tions Officer, Ernest Agius, praised the teams involved in improving the Bank's processes while at the same time enhancing the experi- ence of its customers. "At Bank of Valletta, change is constant. We strive to improve our internal pro- cesses, as they, in turn, lead us to better serve our customers. Every process improvement requires time, dedication and commitment from various units across the Bank, and the latest enhancement was a collaborative effort that had one single objective - that of im- proving customer security. While it is important that customers provide us with the latest updated personal information, and in the case of account notifications, the correct mobile number, we invite our customers who as at today are not registered for BOV Electron- ic services to call at our Branches or contact our Customer Service Centre to facilitate the registra- tion." The Head of BOV Personal Banking Channels, Geoffrey Ghi- go welcomed the new initiatives and promised that the Bank will keep on prioritising customer se- curity. "Our 24/7 platforms offer convenience and easy access to fi- nances and also provide real-time account activity. I encourage cus- tomers to log in often and check balances and transactions. Au- thenticating customers when call- ing our Customer Service Centre is essential. We understand that it may have been lengthy at times, but it remains important nonethe- less. The new process is now fast- er and even more secure. When it comes to over-the-counter trans- actions, the new SMS notification will offer our customers further peace of mind, offering additional layers of security." The Bank reminds its customers that these notifications never ask customers to click on links or vis- it specific websites. This is in line with the Bank's continuous efforts to protect customers and encour- age them to remain vigilant in the wake of increased fraudulent ac- tivity and threats from scammers and fraudsters. If at any time customers become suspicious of any transaction, they are asked to immediately inform the Bank.