HSBC Bank Malta named 2016 Bank of the Year

HSBC Bank Malta has been named Bank of the Year in Malta for 2016 as part of the Financial Times’ prestigious ‘The Banker’ magazine awards.

The award recognised that HSBC Malta had been successful in rapidly adapting its business model to thrive within a changed operating environment for banks characterised by more demanding regulatory and compliance obligations while continuing to support growth in the economy in a responsible way.

The award was presented to HSBC Bank Malta CEO Andrew Beane and chairman Sonny Portelli at a ceremony in London, accompanied by a group of employees from across the bank’s business.

“This award is a testament to the hard work, professionalism and dedication of all my colleagues and I dedicate the award to them,” Beane said.

“We set out a new strategy for the bank at the beginning of 2016 and I am delighted that the progress we have made in a short period has been recognised in this way.”

He said banking would always be about serving customers through long-term relationships built on trust, but insisted this could only be achieved if demanding regulatory and compliance standards were also met.

Beane aknowledged that the bank’s customers were being asked for more information than they were accustomed to in the past.

“Our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of compliance can give them confidence that their bank is strong, safe and secure and this award demonstrates we are leading the industry in Malta and protecting future growth in the economy," he said.

The ‘Bracken Award’, named after Lord Bracken, the founding editor of The Banker in 1926 and chairman of the modern-day Financial Times from 1945 to 1958, is hailed as an ‘Oscar’ in the global banking industry.