Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539671
8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS FCM bank opens new premium branch FCM Bank celebrated the grand open- ing of its new premium branch on Wednesday, marking a milestone in the bank's recent period of rapid growth and transformation. Chairman John Soler addressed attend- ees at the ceremony, thanking customers and employees for their role in the bank's success. "Today marks not just the opening of these beautiful offices, but also the continuation of the Bank's commitment to innovation, sustainability, community enrichment, and our identity of providing high-quality per- sonalized service. These offices are more than a physical structure — they stand as a true reflection of our values and aspira- tions." Head of Deposits, Radka Chum, empha- sised the branch's focus on high-end ser- vice and exclusivity. "We are not only opening a new space – we are opening the door to a new way of ex- periencing banking. FCM Bank's Premium Banking is designed for clients who expect more: not only professional financial man- agement, but also exclusivity, comfort, and absolute discretion," said Radka Chum. The new branch has been designed to combine contemporary architecture, ef- ficient processes, and a highly personal approach. Each client is served by a ded- icated premium banker – a trusted part- ner who understands individual goals and helps guide them towards long-term prosperity. FCM Bank Premium Banking offers: • Tailor-made financial solutions with a focus on stable and secure returns. • A discreet and exclusive environ- ment, including private parking, premium coffee, and fresh fruit. • Immediate, seamless service with no waiting. • Exclusive cultural and business events created to connect and in- spire clients. "Our philosophy is simple: trust, person- al relationships, and absolute discretion," added Miroslav Halička, CEO of FCM Bank. "With this new branch, we are setting a new standard in customer care and life- style banking in Malta." Licensed in 2010, FCM Bank initially en- tered the market as a credit institution fo- cused on consumer and retail banking. It quickly gained traction in Malta through simple and attractive deposit and savings products. In 2017, the bank was acquired by SAB Financial Group, owned by Mr. Radomír Lapčík. Since then, FCM Bank has under- gone a digital and financial transforma- tion. In 2022, the bank replaced its legacy system with a modern core banking plat- form and reported strong growth. The trend accelerated in 2024, with FCM Bank reporting its strongest financial per- formance to date and most deposits col- lected digitally. In 2025, the bank launched a series of new digital enhancements and product offerings. A new premium deposit prod- uct TOP Saver Pro was introduced, while online banking usage rose sharply. The opening of the new premium branch signals FCM Bank's continued its commitment to high-level client service, innovation, and growth. FCM Bank Malta Premium Banking offers bespoke finan- cial solutions delivered with discretion, attention to detail, and unmatched per- sonal care. FCM Bank Ltd is regulated by the MFSA and is licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta) THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION 138 persons sought refuge in domestic violence shelters THERE were 138 domestic vio- lence victims who sought shel- ter in specialised homes last year and almost half had children with them, figures tabled in parliament show. The information shows that 64 of those who sought refuge had children with them. The parlia- mentary reply did not specify how many children accompanied the adults. Dar Merħba Bik run by the Sis- ters of Charity, a religious order, hosted the largest number of vic- tims in 2024 with 65 persons, 30 of which had children with them. A second home operated by the same religious order, Dar Bhakita, hosted three victims of domestic abuse, two of which had their chil- dren with them. The state facility Għabex, run by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, hosted 56 victims, 22 of which had children, while Il-Mil- ja, operated by Fondazzjoni Sebħ, opened its doors to 14 victims, 10 of which had their children with them. The figures were tabled in par- liament by Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon in reply to a ques- tion by Opposition MP Graziella Attard Previ, who asked about the number of persons who sought refuge in shelters for domestic vi- olence victims last year. Although the parliamentary re- ply did not specify the gender of those who sought shelter, accord- ing to the annual report for 2024 released earlier this year by the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, 75% of victims of domestic vio- lence are women. The annual report, which sup- plied statistics for 2023, shows that in that year 3,589 persons used the various domestic violence services available for victims. The term 'services' also includes the police, when victims file a report, as well as emergency health services, apart from those who seek shelter or other forms of social support. File photo KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt