Steve Kowal, director of international business development for Fidelity Investments International, was in Malta to conduct workshops with local financial advisers.

Speaking about his visit, Mr Kowal stated: “Fidelity is concerned that many investors are being overly conservative in their investment selection. This may result in investors feeling ‘comfortable’ in the short term. However, there are potential pitfalls to this approach which may be detrimental to their long-term financial health.”

The Fidelity Funds SICAV are exclusively represented in Malta by Growth Investments Ltd, a subsidiary of Middlesea Valletta Life.

“Fidelity firmly believes that enhancing the skills of financial advisers is an effective way to ensure that their clients benefit from quality investment advice. By attending these training programmes, advisers will gain in-depth understanding of investment issues,” Mr Kowal added.

David G. Curmi, Growth Investments Ltd chief executive officer, said: “Fidelity Investments intends to assist advisers in appropriately informing their clients about investment risk, and how to position client portfolios for longer term investment success.”

The workshops, developed specifically for the Maltese environment, delved into behavioural finance and investment portfolio construction.

The training sessions, held at Middle Sea House, Floriana, targeted investment personnel of Middlesea Group, Bank of Valletta plc and financial intermediaries.

Mr Kowal, born in Canada, joined Fidelity Investments in April 2001 and is currently responsible for developing business and managing relationships with key clients and distributors in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Mediterranean, Bermuda and the Caribbean.