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MW 15 March 2017

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maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 15 MARCH 2017 11 BOV customers expressed confi - dence in the BOV Investment Cen- tres. This was announced by Aldo Scardino, Executive Head Wealth Management when he commu- nicated the survey results to the managers of the six Investment Centres. This year marks the fifth anniversary since the first of six BOV Investment Centres was set up. "From inception, we have looked upon the BOV Investment Centres as regional 'centres of expertise'." The bank's investment in these centres and the people deployed in them was consistent, and in line with the bank's vision to provide tailored customer-driven service," said Mr Scardino, whilst congratulating the managers and their teams for the results achieved. Customer feedback regarding different aspects of the service, including ease of access, professionalism of employees and timeliness of service is collated regularly throughout the year. In this manner, executive management is able to address any issues as they arise. Roberta Bellizzi, Manager Investment Centres – Operations explained that customers are very appreciative of the privacy, the muted atmosphere and the personal attention provided by the financial advisors. The Investment Centres are a natural complement to the bank's extensive retail network, as the BOV Group evolved from a conventional bank to a financial services provider, offering the full spectrum of investment services, life assurance, stockbroking and wealth management services. Strategically located across Malta and Gozo, they are manned by highly qualified financial advisors who are licensed by the MFSA. The teams assist customers with the management of their investments, offering tailored financial advice built on thorough knowledge of the individual customer's circumstances and financial objectives. By working closely with a nucleus of satellite branches, BOV Investment Centres provide an ideal blend of specialisation and convenience. The customer retains the working relationship with his preferred branch, with the added value of specialised professionals who monitor the investments according to the customer's risk profile. Customers who are interested in discussing investment options offered by Bank of Valletta are invited to contact the bank's Customer Service Centre on 21312020. Alternatively, they may contact the branch or Investment Centre of their choice. Bank of Valletta's Investment Centres are found at Bir-id-Deheb, Birkirkara, Gzira, Qormi, Valletta and Victoria. Business Today www.creditinfo.com.mt info@creditinfo.com.mt Tel: 2131 2344 Your Local Partner for Credit Risk Management Solutions Supporting you all the way Employers can ban headscarves from workplaces The European Court of Justice has ruled in a landmark decision that companies can ban employees from wearing the Islamic headscarf, but only as part of prohibitions includ- ing other religious symbols. The European Court of Justice said it does not constitute "direct discrimination" if a firm has an internal rule banning the wearing of "any political, philosophical or religious sign". "An internal rule of an undertaking which prohibits the visible wearing of any political, philosophical or religious sign does not constitute direct discrimination," the Court said in a statement. "However, in the absence of such a rule, the willingness of an employer to take account of the wishes of a customer no longer to have the employer's services provided by a worker wearing an Islamic headscarf cannot be considered an occupational requirement that could rule out discrimination." It is the court's first decision on the issue of Islamic headscarves at work. The ECJ's ruling was prompted by the case of a receptionist fired for wearing a headscarf to work at the company G4S in Belgium, which has a general ban on wearing visible religious or political symbols. The G4S dispute, which started in 2006, was originally based on an "unwritten rule" banning employees wearing signs of their political, philosophical or religious beliefs, but the company's workplace regulations were updated after the woman started wearing a hijab. Belgium's court of cassation had referred the case to the EU's top court for clarification whether the move was a "genuine and determining occupational requirement" and whether there were any formal rules in place that meet non-discrimination requirements. Although they apply to all beliefs, the ECJ said it was "not inconceivable" that such rules could be deemed discriminatory for indirectly targeting Islam over other religions. Banning the headscarf is not discriminatory if there is an existing ban on all employees wearing visible religious symbols, the European Court of Justice said High satisfaction rating for BOV Investment Centres Aldo Scardino (centre) with managers of BoV's six Investment Centres

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