Bank of Valletta has launched its investor education programme for 2013, using three new venues to make the sessions more accessible.

The programme was launched in 2002 and every year attracts hundreds of attendees who are interested in learning more about investments. Flyers are sent to all households around the areas where the courses are held.

“The investor programme is tailor-made for those who want to learn about the various options and although we use speakers who have considerable experience and expertise, we ensure that their presentations are easy to follow and free of jargon, as we assume that a number of participants have no prior knowledge,” Investor Relations Officer Stefan Kottmann Soler, from the Office of the Company Secretary explained.

“The programme is also meant to be flexible and the topics vary from course to course. If a person is interested in a session being held at a different venue, he or she is more than welcome to attend.”

Topics range from bonds to equities, understanding interest rates, the role of the Stock Exchange, and the general guidelines for long-term portfolio planning, among others. Presentations are generic and examples are given based on the various investment products available in the local market.

The subjects are reviewed every year to ensure that they are as topical as possible, as well as to take into account the feedback received from participants and customers.

Each course is made up of five sessions lasting two hours, including a short coffee break, and there are separate courses in Maltese and in English. Two courses in Maltese will be held at Villa Arrigo in Naxxar on March 14th and at Malta International Airport on March 20th respectively.  The dates for two other courses will be announced shortly: one being held at the BOV Centre in Sta Venera, delivered in Maltese, and a course in English being held at the Preluna Hotel.

“These courses are an important part of Bank of Valletta’s corporate social responsibility programme. We see them as an important educational initiative to help people understand various facets of investments,” Head of Media and Community Relations Vanessa Macdonald explained.

For further information contact the Company Secretary’s Office on 2275 3556.  Details are also available on www.bov.com. Although the courses are free of charge, booking is recommended since places are on a first come first served basis.