Bank of Valletta hosted the ESBG Coordination Committee between the 19th and 20th January 2017.
During its meeting in Malta, the committee discussed the latest European policy dossiers in light of the priorities set for the Maltese Presidency of the European Council in the area of Financial Services and the Banking Union.
Commenting at the end of the meeting, ESBG Managing Director Chris DeNoose expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. "The meeting enabled the relevant stakeholders to engage and exchange their views on the dossiers that will be discussed during the current Maltese Presidency. In this manner, we are confident that the parties concerned will have the opportunity to better understand the business model of the European Savings banks, and the crucial role they play in financing the economy."
BOV Head of EU & Institutional Affairs Mark Scicluna Bartoli, represented Bank of Valletta during the meeting. Speaking on the bank's involvement, Mr Scicluna Bartoli explained, "Since joining the ESBG, Bank of Valletta has been an active member of the ESBG. Through an active involvement in specific ESBG committees, the bank can raise issues that impinge on the banking sector in Malta."
"High on the agenda was the principle of proportionality and how this impacts Maltese savings banks. This topic will be further elaborated upon during an ESBG conference on proportionality in banking regulation set for next Tuesday in Brussels.
Savings and retail banks in Europe
Savings and retail banks in Europe face many challenges as they enter 2017. From the low interest rate environment, an array of new regulations and the digital wave that is changing the way banks and customers interact. Brussels-based ESBG helps member savings and retail banks navigate through those challenges through efforts such as advocacy to EU policymaking bodies and knowledge exchange between members. The ultimate goals of ESBG is to help its members thrive at doing what they do best: focus on providing banking services to local communities and boost SMEs.