Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542372
HSBC Malta is poised to change hands in 2026 after its parent agreed to sell a 70.03% hold- ing to Greece's CrediaBank for €200 million. The changeover will mark the end of the HSBC brand in Malta and the start of a fresh chapter under new ownership. The deal, announced in Sep- tember 2025, brings to a close a strategic review launched by HSBC the previous year as the global group re-shaped its foot- print away from smaller West- ern markets and towards Asia. HSBC Continental Europe identified CrediaBank as pre- ferred bidder after months of competitive interest in the Maltese lender, which traces its roots back to Barclays and the nationalised Mid-Med brand of the 1970s. A number of bidders emerged over the spring and summer of 2025. APS Bank was at the top of the list before it pulled out of the race. Reports also named German payments-technolo- gy group RS2 (which pledged to revive the Mid-Med brand), Hungary's OTP Bank, and a Maltese consortium of leading businesspeople. By mid-Au- gust, HSBC had singled out CrediaBank (formerly Attica Bank) as its preferred bidder, entering exclusive talks that culminated in the announced €200 million arrangement. CrediaBank's bid came from a bank that has been expanding aggressively under the back- ing of Thrivest Holdings and state-linked shareholders, a feature that observers say like- ly strengthened its regulatory credentials for a cross-border takeover. CrediaBank has de- scribed the acquisition as a platform to raise its Europe- an profile and double its size, while HSBC framed the move as a natural outcome of its global strategy. Final comple- tion will remain subject to cus- tomary regulatory approvals and is likely to be concluded at the end of 2026 or early 2027. Interviews and reporting in- dicate the process accelerat- ed quickly once HSBC made a strategic decision to exit. Credia's majority sharehold- er later told Greek media the bank submitted a firm offer in August and pressed for a rapid decision, giving HSBC a short window to ac- cept. That pace helped close out competing interest and lock in a buyer willing to com- mit cash and regulato- ry capital. HSBC has said the sale will be execut- ed with continuity in mind, while Credia has stressed it intends to maintain local opera- tions and support cli- ents during the handover. But a change in majority ownership inevitably raises questions for retail and corporate customers, staff and shareholders about branding, product lines and fu- ture strategy. For many Maltese the change is also symbolic—it marks the formal end of the international HSBC brand in local banking after more than two decades and the gradual re-emergence of new foreign players on the island. 16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 JANUARY 2026 LOOKING FORWARD 2026 €60,000,000 5% Unsecured Bonds 2033 NOMINAL VALUE OF €100 PER BOND OFFER OPENS January 7, 2026 Guaranteed by Hili Ventures Limited This advert has been issued by Hili Finance Company p.l.c. Prior to investing in bonds issued by the company, prospective investors are urged to consult their financial advisors and read the prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the bonds. The value of the investment can go up or down and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The approval of the prospectus by the Malta Financial Services Authority and, or the admission of the bonds to trading on a regulated market should not be understood as an endorsement of the bonds offered. This advert has been approved by M.Z. Investment Services Limited of 63, MZ House, St Rita Street Rabat RBT 1523 Malta. Read more on www.hilifinance.com/5percentbonds2033 Advertisement End of an era: HSBC Malta will change hands NICOLE MEILAK nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt