Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education, a higher education institution licensed by the National Commission for Further & Higher Education and an Affiliate Institution of the University of London, has announced the winners of the first Make Your Money Stocks and Shares Portfolio competition for 2017.

Bank of Valletta supported the event which consisted of a half-day workshop, followed by two months during which the participants of the competition were assigned a virtual sum of $100,000 to invest on the New York Stock Exchange. 

The best performing portfolio for the junior category for individuals under 20 was won by Odin Mamo Haraldson who managed to boost the value of his portfolio to just under $130,000, while the general category was won by Aaron Gusman whose portfolio touched $118,000.

Romeo Cutajar, chief officer Investment Services at Bank of Valletta presented monetary prizes to the winners of both categories. Addressing the winners, Cutajar said: "This was a very good initiative, merging the theoretical background with a practical simulation environment. Markets can be ruthless, so thorough analytical skills at the basis of a well-devised strategy are essential. A decision on equity investments is not only based on company fundamentals but also on exogenous factors which can directly or indirectly influence its performance, especially for the short-term investor. This requires constant monitoring of news and events on a sectorial, political and geographical dimension.  Furthermore, whether investing your own money or managing funds on behalf of others, this must also be performed within pre-defined risk parameters."

Speaking about financial education, Cutajar explained how the bank has made a significant investment in this regard over the past years. "At Bank of Valletta, we feel it is critical to our Corporate Responsibility to educate the general public about the different facets of financial services. It is only through education that one can feel confident to assess the different types of investment best suited to meet his/her current and future requirements. The bank organises Investor Education Programmes, putting the expertise of its technical staff from different areas within Investment Services at the disposal of the general public with the aim of explaining financial subjects that may put one off. In addition, as from this year, the bank has also launched a series of financial planning sessions for its Investment Centre clients."

The Institute has uploaded recordings of the workshop on its virtual learning environment and interested individuals may register and follow free of charge on freecourses.stmartins.edu

The Institute organises such activities as an integral aspect of its Corporate Social Responsibility as well as to provide hands-on experience to students reading for Diploma and Degree programmes in Finance. 

Further information may be obtained by sending an email to [email protected] or by phoning on +356 2123 5451.