Malta Bankers’ Association set up

The Malta Commercial Banks’ Association and the Malta Banks’ Council have established a common banking representative body – the Malta Bankers’ Association.
A spokesperson from the association’s secretariat said: “The principal aim of the association will be to facilitate cooperation between all banks on matters of sectoral interest.” This new setup, he added, “will allow for closer coordination on a national level, and will also harness the country’s resources to the maximum”.
The proposed role and mission of the Malta Bankers’ Association have been carefully reviewed by member banks, and have subsequently been defined in the light of local and international developments in the field.
The set objectives of the association, as outlined in the statute, comprise the identification and discussion of matters of common interest and the implementation of appropriate measures; the development and maintenance of coherence in policies on issues of common interest to members and the pursuance of such issues with the authorities and other bodies; and the promotion of research on matters relating to banking and finance.
Another important aim of the association is to strive to enhance the image of the banking industry in Malta. “On the local scene, we will continue to work closely and cooperate with the regulators and the other constituted bodies on matters of mutual interest. We also aim to build on the solid relations that we have developed with the European Banking Federation over the last five years, and with other banking associations within Europe and beyond,” the Association’s secretariat said.
The association’s board will define the general principles governing policy, while the executive committee will direct its activities. The secretariat will be responsible for implementing and following up all decisions, for the day-to-day business operations and for assisting and coordinating the various consultative committees and working groups convened to undertake specific tasks.
Membership in the association
is open to all banks licensed to operate as such in Malta in terms of law. The present members include; APS Bank Ltd, Bank of Valletta plc, Bank of Valletta International Ltd, First International Merchant Bank plc, HSBC Bank Malta plc, Investkredit International Bank plc, Izola Bank Ltd, Lombard Bank Malta plc, Raiffeisen Malta Bank plc and Volksbank Malta Ltd.