IFS-Malta recently held its Annual Presentation of Certificates at the Corinthia San Gorg St Julian’s. Certificates were distributed to over 250 students who successfully passed their course of studies in BSc (Hons) in Financial Services, Diploma in Banking and Financial Services, Certificate for Financial Advisers, Diploma for Financial Advisers, Diploma in Fund Administration, Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice, Maltese Financial Regulations, Compliance Training Certificate programmes, Risk Management courses as well as tailor-made training programmes.

Alfred Demarco, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Malta presided over the ceremony which was presented by Simon Grech, the Institute’s Education Director.

The evening commenced with an introductory address from President of ifs-Malta, Joseph Abdilla. In his address, Mr Abdilla highlighted the importance of having professional qualifications through academic courses, seminars or bespoke training programmes. It is only by adhering to the fundamental principles of financial services that a safe and trustworthy system can develop and properly function.

IFS-Malta has continued to foster and strengthen alliances with various strategic partners such as ifs-School of Finance, Central Legal Training International and First Finance Training and Consulting offering new courses in line with changing needs and financial sector developments. Ifs-Malta has also remained active within the European Banking and Financial Services Training Association (EBTN) to ensure its qualifications are recognised across Europe. Mr Abdilla congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue making use of the Institute’s services to further develop their careers. Mr Abdilla also thanked the many family members who were present for their support and at times personal sacrifices during the course of studies.

The ceremony continued with a presentation from Robert J Sultana, ifs-Malta Business Development Manager, who gave a brief history of the Institute’s development over the past 50 years and its many activities. Mr Sultana also highlighted recent educational developments which includes new specialised courses and an interactive website.

Following the presentation of certificates and awards of bank prizes to the top students, Mr Demarco delivered the concluding address in which he emphasized the importance of education and professionalism, especially in light of Malta establishing itself as an international financial services centre. He congratulated all successful students and noted that qualifications were not only beneficial to them personally and the integrity of the financial sector but also for the ongoing sustainable development of the economy and betterment of society in general. He also commended ifs-Malta for all its endeavours and its continuous efforts in fostering professionalism in the Maltese financial services sector and augured it every success in the future.