HSBC reminds customers that as from e-day (1 January) all cheques must be written in euro. Cheques issued in Maltese lira after e-day will not be honoured.

Cheques dated pre-January in Maltese lira but presented for payment within the normally accepted validity period after 1 January will be accepted by HSBC and debited to customer's account in euro, at the irrevocably fixed conversion rate.

HSBC Bank Malta is currently issuing chequebooks without the Lm currency symbol, for the benefit of customers. Cheque books bearing the e symbol will be provided on request to account holders for use as from 1 January.

Cheques issued in euro prior to 1 January can only be presented for payment after this date. Chequebooks with the Lm symbol can still be used provided that the printed Lm symbol is struck off and the euro currency symbol e is written instead, while the amount in words should clearly denote the euro as the currency in which the cheque is written. The drawer should sign all alterations in full.

If customers need to deposit cheque(s) in Maltese lira after 1 January, cheque(s) should be left in Maltese lira and deposit slip amount should also be in Maltese lira. HSBC will then convert the deposit to euro at the irrevocably fixed conversion rate.