The Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna and parliamentary secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri officially inaugurated Bank of Valletta's Premium Banking Centre in St Joseph High Road, Santa Venera.

This new building, housing the bank's Wealth Management Division and Corporate Centre, is situated opposite the bank's Head Office in Santa Venera.

Present for the inauguration were BOV chairman Deo Scerri and BOV chief Executive officer Mario Mallia, members of BOV's Board of Directors and the bank's Management Board, along with distinguished guests and staff members from the Wealth Management and Corporate Centre.

"BOV's Premium Banking Centre houses a team that is committed to our customers' long-term goals in a comfortable and confidential environment with an enhanced level of service," said the BOV chairman. "Our high-net worth customers can expect courteous, professional and pro-active service from a team of dedicated individuals, assisted by portfolio analysts to ensure the highest level of service and attention."

"The new Premium Banking Centre is a direct investment into our high-net worth customers, providing an environment worthy of Malta's leading financial services provider," said BOV CEO Mario Mallia. "This venue will assist in strengthening our relationship with each individual customer and help us provide appropriate and sensitive advice when major financial decisions have to be made."

The BOV chairman and CEO proceeded to thank the employees who went beyond their call of duty to ensure a seamless transition into the new Premium Banking Centre while thanking the customers for their cooperation throughout the relocation period.

"This Centre will offer an ideal location to the customer who still seeks direct contact with his bank," said parliamentary secretary Schembri. "It is this direct contact that can make a big difference. From a foreign investor to a local business or a client who needs personal assistance, they will find it in this complex."

"After a review of the risks in the financial sector and other sectors of the economy, we have designed a strategy to strengthen the regulatory and supervisory institutions in our country to continue to improve and be more effective in our fight against money laundering and illicit financing of terrorism," said Minister Scicluna during the inauguration.