Global Finance, a leading American financial publication, has announced that HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. has won the “Best Bank in Malta” category in its Best Emerging Market Banks 2009 awards.

Judged by the Global Finance magazine editors together with industry analysts, corporate executives and banking consultants, this award is based on a mix of objective and subjective criteria including business growth, profitability, customer service, pricing and product innovation.

Joseph D Giarraputo, President and Publisher of Global Finance, said: “We are in an unusually challenging environment for banks and their customers. More than ever, customers are demanding superior competence from their banking partners. Winners of these awards, such as HSBC Bank Malta, are the banks best providing that competence.”

“We are delighted with the award by Global Finance which recognises HSBC Malta’s strong all-round performance in 2008. I am particularly pleased for the talented team we have in Malta – market conditions have been very challenging, and the team has done a great job given the circumstances,” said HSBC’s Chief Executive Officer Alan Richards.

Global Finance is celebrating its 22nd year of publishing in 2009 and this is the 16th year it has selected top banking performers in emerging markets. The magazine has 50,000 subscribers and more than 180,000 readers in over 158 countries which include some 8,000 portfolio investors who between them control more than 80 per cent of all assets under professional management.