Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/979340
maltatoday WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 11 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 BOV hosts Trade Finance workshop During a workshop open to the general public, senior offers from BOV's Trade Finance Centre dis- cussed the latest developments in the world of Trade Finance. Arguably the oldest form of economic activity to date, international trading offers various complexities and challenges, particularly as a consequence of political instability, as well as the spate of prudential regulation that has effected the financial services spectrum. Thus it is critically important that players have a thorough knowledge of the markets and the manner in which they interact. The presentations were entrusted to Carmel Borg and Mario Darmanin, Executive Head and Senior Manager respectively of BOV Trade Finance Centre. Together they share more than five decades of experience in the world of Trade Finance, which they have seen evolving dramatically over the more recent past. During their interventions, the speakers highlighted the variables effecting the markets, emphasising the importance of knowing the risks and taking the necessary measures to mitigate them. They gave an overview of Incoterms and the different methods of payments used in Trade Finance, highlighting the risks and loop holes associated with each, as well as the main features and benefits when used properly. Speaking about the strengths of the Bank's Trade Finance Centre, Borg said, "At Bank of Valletta, we invest in the wealth of experience of our people, which then translates into valuable advice to our clients. We take pride in guiding our customers through the process, ensuring that they understand every step, and are confident with the decisions being taken." He concluded his intervention by expressing his satisfaction at the keen response of participants, not only in the number of attendees but also in their active engagement throughout the session. "For us, being the financial partners of choice of our customers effectively means supporting them every step of the way, even by hosting such events where they may broaden their knowledge about subjects of interest to them, so that they may be better informed and more knowledgeable when taking decisions." The workshop was accredited with three hours of structured CPE qualifying under the Core/ Professional Development Board Accreditation rules. MISCO strengthens its business advisory service For the past 35 years, MISCO has assisted countless clients with various business advi- sory-related services and es- pecially HR related services. These have included organi- sational restructuring, HR au- dits, salary benchmarking, job evaluation, performance management systems, change management, tapping into EU funding opportunities, suc- cession planning in family businesses, quality manage- ment, market positioning and business plans. As the com- pany sets sail for its next leg of its growth path, MISCO is strengthening its Business Ad- visory Services to support the operations of companies, espe- cially as the human resources function is acquiring a strong- er role in the development of business strategy. Joanne Bondin, MISCO Director, has been tasked with heading the Business Advisory Unit. She said that MISCO has accumulated so much experience in these fields that today, "this experience provides us with the necessary insight to be able to support Maltese and international firms operating in our country." "Recently we have also supported a number of international companies with so many different aspects of a corporate nature. Being their main point of reference, we have sourced professionals, conducted HR audits, provided them with advice on remuneration packages, acted as their HR Business Partners, and gave them support and advice to make the process of their setting up in Malta a smooth one. We helped them with strategy as well as with connecting the dots by providing a contact point locally and helping them find their feet. This was essential for these clients such that they could focus on their core function", said Bondin. Lawrence Zammit, founder of MISCO explained how this move will further strengthen MISCO's position as a forward-looking company guided by a client-focused approach, a strong work ethic and whose work is grounded in long years of experience. "We will continue to support our clients in a range of HR services aimed at maxi- mising employee retention, developing their workforce, ensuring they have a positive employee brand, and helping them understand how to engage their workforce and give them a positive working experience. We will continue to look at a client's requirements in a holistic and complete manner. After all, this is how MISCO has always operated and it is why clients are coming to us and keep coming back to us." "MISCO is recognised as Malta's leading organisation for professional services in the areas of Human Reso- urces Consultancy, Marketing Research, Selection and Training. We believe in our service offering and in building stronger partnerships with our clients. The appointment of Joanne Bondin as Director of the Business Advisory Unit together with the unstinting support of our professional executives, is another bold step in the right direction to a stronger and more dynamic service-offer," added Lawrence Zammit. In addition to this, Josianne Avellino has been appointed as Head of the Selection and Recruitment Unit. The appointment of Avell- ino strengthens MISCO's objective to provide meaningful career progression to its employees. Josianne joined MISCO's Selection Unit in 2011 and is today recognised as an establisehd professional consultant within this sector. Throughout her career at MISCO, Josianne has had the opportunity to consult and advise both international as well as Maltese clients on recruitment and HR issues. "Our strength has always been placed in our vision to bring continuous innovation in our areas of expertise. This vision became a reality thanks to the hard work, the professional commitment and the dedication of our team. We are building upon this vision guided by the team spirit we have fostered within our organisation," concluded Lawrence Zammit.