Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/741600
47 Events maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2016 Banif delegation attends Sibos conference REPRESENTATIVES from Banif Bank travelled to Geneva to at- tend the Sibos conference - the world's premier annual confer- ence, exhibition and networking event organised by SWIFT for the financial industry. For one week every year, SWIFT brings together some 8,000 busi- ness leaders, decision makers and topic experts from a range of financial institutions, market infrastructures, multinational corporations and technology partners. With many speakers and conference sessions, Sibos is the place to discuss business strategy, build networks and col- lectively shape the future of the financial industry. "The theme for this year's con- ference was 'Transforming the landscape', and was structured around four streams – banking, compliance, culture and securi- ties," said Roberta Bonavia, Head of Financial Management at Banif who attended the confer- ence. "Ensuring that we keep up our high customer service qual- ity standards whilst diligently adhering to the latest regulations is our top priority. The network- ing opportunities offered during this conference, as well as the insights into compliance with anti-financial crime and coun- ter terrorism financing will en- sure that we continue to keep abreast of the latest development and trends and will contribute towards shaping our corporate strategy and decision-making processes." "The banking stream in par- ticular, with its focus on pay- ments and correspondent bank- ing, was of great interest to us following our recent upgrade to Pelican's payment solutions," said Chris Micallef, Head of Op- erations and Systems at Banif. "The discussions regarding the recent trends and challenges of maintaining security standards in such a heavily regulated and digitised market served to con- firm that Banif Bank is taking the right steps to remain at the fore- front of financial technology." Grant Thornton team roll up their sleeves to lend a helping hand at Dar Qalb ta' Gesu GRANT Thornton staff re- cently let their hair down and opted for a casual attire, as part of a charity event organ- ised to help Dar Qalb ta' Gesu in Santa Venera by the firm's CSR Team. The team members, includ- ing People and Culture Part- ner Stefano Mallia, dedicated their time and efforts to help with several restoration and maintenance work at the or- ganisation's premises. Jobs carried out on the day included paintwork, cleaning, clearing of the neighbouring fields and outdoor space and whatever else was required. The event also saw members of the team prepare a hearty meal for those present, thus adding a stronger communi- ty ingredi- ent to the p r o d u c - tive day. " W e t h o r o u g h l y enjoyed our- selves," said Mr Mallia, "This is a clear demonstration of how our team rally behind the firm's commitment to support institutions that play such an important social role in our society. Through this initia- tive we have not only helped the community at Dar Qalb ta' Gesu with its ongoing mainte- nance works, but we also had fun and deviated from our work routine." This was not the first time that Grant Thornton provided monetary and non-financial assistance to philanthropic associations. "It is fairly easy today to help those in need by donating money, and while this is a notable gesture, it would be much better if we could all tangibly and person- ally help out where we can." Dar Qalb ta' Gesu offers a second stage shelter to ac- commodate families, women and their children, who have suffered from domestic vio- lence. After having been in an Emergency Shelter for a short period of time, families are re- ferred to the institution by the Foundation of Appogg. Fami- lies are welcomed there for a period of up to approximately one year to enable mother and children to regain their self-esteem and skills towards eventual independent life. For this to be made possible, the insititution relies heavily on state support and donations and help from the general public and private companies, such as that made by Grant Thornton. The public is invited to contact the residential h o m e ' s a d m i n - i s t r a t o r s to find out what help is re- quired. This ini- tiative is one of many planned by Grant Thornton for the coming months, follow- ing in the steps of other Grant Thornton member firms who organise a yearly event ti- tled Growing Together in the Community, addressing Grant Thornton's commitment to community engagement. "Many inspiring people from Grant Thornton Malta and across the globe are already providing innovative, gener- ous and resourceful services to the communities they work and live in", commented Man- aging Partner Mark Bugeja at the end of the event, "We be- lieve we have the global scale and expertise to make a real difference in our communi- ties, and we are in a position to effect positive change in the communities we work and live in." Citadel's insurance app ramps up mobile strategy CITADEL Insurance p.l.c., one of Malta's leading and trusted insurers, has built a strong mo- bile strategy to cater to evolv- ing customer requirements. As more customers interact via mo- bile devices, Citadel continued to improve the users' experience through advanced technology features of its mobile app, allow- ing customers to manage and ac- cess insurance quotes, purchase and renew policies as well as track and notify claims instantly. The mobile application is avail- able for Apple and Android smart phones and tablets to make in- teraction with Citadel easier and faster. The Citadel App is free, easily downloadable and totally user-friendly. Citadel Insurance Managing Director Angela Tabone said: "Mobile strategy is a top priority in our customer-centric strategy. In today's technological environ- ment it is important to assimilate customers' needs when designing features and facilities for mobile applications. Customers want to connect with a brand that pro- vides easy access to manage their insurances and be able to obtain a prompt service at the touch of a screen any time of day. We are proud that we continue to im- prove two-way communication and strengthen long-term rela- tionships with customers." For all those customers who download the app, Citadel has launched a competition with a chance to win a Samsung tablet, while those who get a quote will enter a second competition with a chance to win an iPad Air 2. Terms and conditions apply. Visit online at www.citadelplc. com or Freephone 8007 2322. Download the Mobile app for rapid access to information. Playmobil Collectors Club members meet in Malta FROM 15th to 17th of October, the Playmobil Collectors Club (PCC) members' meeting took place in Malta. About 40 international fans and collectors attended the three-day event hosted by Playmobil exclusively for PCC members. It was the first time a PCC member meeting was held in Malta. The event included a guided fac- tory tour as well as a guided tour around Malta. Moreover, the col- lectors had the chance to meet of- ficial Playmobil representatives and of course to network with fellow collectors from different countries. The Playmobil Collectors Club is an international community for Playmobil enthusiasts from all over the world. The club offers collectors and fans the opportunity to present their work and projects, to get in touch with like- minded people, and to re- ceive the latest news about Playmobil first hand. Since the establishment of the club in 2012, more than 8,000 collectors have joined the community. More than 70,000 photos, almost 1,000 videos, and over 1,800 blog posts have been published on the site by members so far.