Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545828
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 JULY 2026 COMMERCIAL BOV strengthens retail network for greater customer convenience BANK of Valletta is continu- ing to invest in its retail net- work, giving customers easier access to the banking services they need, whether in branch, through self-service options or via digital channels. One of the latest improve- ments is the extension of BOV's Rabat Branch. Now fully oper- ational, the additional space offers a more comfortable set- ting for both customers and employees, while helping the branch continue to provide a personal service to the local community. The Bank has also reopened its Ħamrun Branch following urgent maintenance works. The branch resumed opera- tions on 22 June and now wel- comes customers from Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 1:30pm. Cashier services are available between 8:30am and 11:00am, while all other servic- es continue to be offered by ap- pointment. In Gozo, cashier services at the Nadur, Xagħra and Xewk- ija agencies are now available on selected days. The updated arrangements reflect customer usage patterns while maintain- ing access to essential banking services across the island. Commenting on these devel- opments, Geoffrey Ghigo, Head Personal Channels at Bank of Valletta, said, "Customer needs are changing, and we are re- sponding by offering more choice. We remain committed to a strong branch and agen- cy network across Malta and Gozo, while also investing in the digital and self-service solu- tions that many customers now use for their everyday banking." "Our aim is simply to make banking easier and more con- venient. Some customers pre- fer to visit a branch and speak to one of our people. Others prefer to use an ATM, pay with a contactless card or manage their banking online. We want customers to have the freedom to choose what works best for them." Ghigo added that accessibility remains a priority. BOV con- tinues to offer priority service to customers aged 60 and over every Friday between 8:15am and 9:30am across its retail net- work, helping elderly and vul- nerable customers bank more comfortably. Customers today can choose from several channels, includ- ing BOV's extensive ATM fleet, internet and mobile banking, contactless payment solutions and contactless ATM technolo- gy. These services help custom- ers manage their day-to-day banking quickly and securely, while enabling branch teams to dedicate more time to those who need personal support or advice. These developments form part of BOV's ongoing work to keep improving its retail net- work, combining investment in branches and agencies with stronger digital capabilities. In this way, the Bank is giv- ing customers more flexibility, more convenience and greater choice, while preserving the personal service that remains central to its relationship with customers. HSBC Malta Foundation wins 2026 ERA Corporate Award for environmental innovation and sustainability HSBC Malta and The HSBC Malta Foundation have won the Corporate Award for Environ- mental Innovation and Sustaina- bility in the Private Sector at the 2026 Environment and Resourc- es Authority (ERA) Awards, recognising the Bank's work on Maximising Energy Efficiency Through Sustainable Building Renovation at the HSBC Hub in Qormi. The project is a €30 million sus- tainable retrofit transforming an existing office complex into one of Malta's most energy-efficient corporate buildings. It integrates high-efficiency building systems, smart monitoring and automa- tion, renewable energy genera- tion, water-saving measures and circular construction principles, while also sharing insights to support wider progress across Malta's built environment. Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corpo- rate Sustainability, said: "This award is a proud moment for HSBC Malta and the HSBC Mal- ta Foundation. It recognises the practical work behind our Qormi Hub renovation; reducing energy use, improving how the building performs day-to-day, and helping to raise the bar for sustainable commercial buildings in Malta. We're grateful to everyone who contributed, and we'll keep push- ing forward with the same focus and pace." Perit Vincent Cassar, Chair- man, Environment and Resourc- es Authority, said: "On behalf of the Environment and Resources Authority, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this well-de- served recognition, and my ap- preciation for your pioneering work in advancing environmen- tal sustainability in Malta's pri- vate sector." The Bank's submission high- lights the project's expected long- term benefits, including an esti- mated 45% reduction in energy consumption, approximately 400 tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually, and a reduction in potable water consumption by approximately 25%. This recognition marks the second award received by HS- BC Malta and the HSBC Malta Foundation in connection with this work. This project previously received the ESG Positive Impact Award as part of the first edition of the Sustainable Development Action Awards, in relation to the case study "Maximising Ener- gy Efficiency Through Building Renovation". HSBC Malta has been working on environmental projects for the last 26 years. L-R: Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Malta receiving the 2026 ERA Corporate Award for Environmental Innovation and Sustainability from Perit Vincent Cassar, Chairman, Environment and Resources Authority