On 10 January, the FIMBank Group held its annual offsite meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Portomaso, St Julian’s. Managers from its offices in Malta, New York, Sao Paolo, London, Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, Cairo and Singapore met to review the group’s performance and discuss new strategies for the coming years.

The managers were

welcomed by FIMBank

president Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger, who updated them on the bank’s performance in 2008 and the 2009 budget.

She thanked them all for another very successful year and congratulated them on their achievements, particularly in view of the recent extraordinary economic conditions. Despite 2008 being a negative year for most banks in the world, FIMBank had recorded excellent results, thanks to the efforts and commitment of the staff, backed by a prudent management approach that adapted to the changing markets.

Fitch rating agency also confirmed FIMBank’s rating, although over 90 other global banking institutions experienced a downgrade in their ratings.

The president also presented the strategy for 2009, highlighting the challenges that lay ahead and emphasising the importance of communication and teamwork. She also welcomed the new senior members who had recently joined the bank’s business development team, referring to the potential available and the opportunities for growth.

The president’s address was followed by a presentation from head of Mediterranean Factoring Joao Costa Pereira, who has recently joined the group, and Gilbert Coleiro, managing director of FIM Business Solutions, the

information and technology arm of the FIMBank Group.

The meeting concluded with a productive team-building exercise and dinner at the Hilton.