Bank of Valletta (BOV) CEO Kenneth Farrugia has emphasised that a new bond initiative is intended to solidify the bank’s market position and reinforce its standing as the bank of choice in Malta.

The initiative takes the form of a €325 million Unsecured Euro Medium Term Bond (EMTN) Programme, officially launched following regulatory approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

Mr Farrugia also highlighted that the bank’s robust market standing, backed by favourable international credit ratings from agencies such as Fitch and S&P Global, further strengthens its performance and balance sheet.

Gordon Cordina, Chairperson of Bank of Valletta, described the new bond programme as a clear signal of the bank’s confidence in its growth strategy and its role in the national economy.

BOV Chairperson Gordon Cordina

“The purpose of this programme is to enable the Bank to consolidate its capital position, mainly in support of the forecasted balance sheet growth in line with its 2024-2026 strategy,” he said.

The first series and tranche under this programme consists of up to €100 million in 5 per cent unsecured subordinated bonds maturing between 2030 and 2035, with the possibility of increasing the offer to €125 million if demand warrants, through the bank’s Over-Allotment Option. The bonds are open for subscription by the general public.

This new issuance follows BOV’s highly successful €150 million unsecured subordinated bond issue earlier this year, which closed in just a few days and became the largest corporate bond ever issued on the Maltese market.

According to the Final Terms dated 17th October, the net proceeds from the bond issuance will be primarily used to reinforce BOV’s compliance with its minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL), a key regulatory framework under the EU’s banking resolution directive, and/or to strengthen its capital base, thereby supporting the projected growth of the bank’s balance sheet.

This will enable BOV to expand its lending portfolio, pursue a wider range of proprietary investment opportunities and strengthen its resilience and regulatory positioning.

Additional proceeds may also be allocated to general financing requirements, providing operational flexibility and supporting long-term sustainability.

Featured Image: BOV CEO Kenneth Farrugia

Related

marcel cassar

APS CEO says bank could tap into digital currencies to take advantage of disruption   

13 March 2026
by Tim Diacono

Marcel Cassar says APS views disruption to traditional banking as a potential opportunity.

Steves&Co. – 20 years and counting

13 March 2026
by MaltaCEOs

Twenty years of building brands, shaping experiences, staying curious.

APS CEO eyes further growth after ‘standout’ 2025 performance

12 March 2026
by Nicole Zammit

Marcel Cassar says the bank's strategy 'clearly paid off' as it registered 'broad-based double-digit growth over 2024.'

MeDirect CEO lays out strategic priorities following acquisition by Banka CREDITAS

12 March 2026
by Nicole Zammit

He described the Czech group as a 'strategically aligned controlling shareholder' with the same 'challenger bank DNA'