Bank of Valletta CEO Kenneth Farrugia has underlined the importance of professional empowerment and skills development following the signing of a strategic agreement with the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners (IFSP).
The collaboration aims to strengthen Malta’s financial services sector through structured knowledge sharing, professional development and joint initiatives designed to address an increasingly complex regulatory and market environment.
“Driving excellence and innovation within Malta’s financial services ecosystem has always been Bank of Valletta’s commitment,” Mr Farrugia said, noting that financial institutions have a responsibility to ensure professionals are equipped with the expertise required to navigate ongoing industry challenges.
He added that the partnership with IFSP will create new opportunities for learning, growth and thought leadership, contributing not only to sectoral resilience but also to Malta’s broader economic progress.
IFSP President Nick Captur described the agreement as an example of how collaboration between industry stakeholders can help shape the future of financial services in Malta. He highlighted that the pooling of expertise and resources would support initiatives aimed at enhancing governance standards, professional competence and sector-wide competitiveness.
A key element of the collaboration is the launch of the IFSP Directors Chapter, developed in partnership with BOV, which will focus on training and governance for company directors operating within the financial services industry.
This is while Darren Saliba steps into the role of Group Chief Financial Officer.
In his practice he focuses on corporate and commercial law.
Tri-Mer, where she leads the direct tax and corporate services department, described Jeanette Aquilina as a ‘visionary leader’.
Meliá’s latest Maltese venture, an INNSide hotel, is set to open in Buġibba in June.