Ifs Malta recently held its Annual Presentation of Certificates at the Corinthia San Gorg St Julian's.
Certificates were distributed to well over 200 students who successfully passed their course of studies. Qualifications achieved ranged from BSc (Hons) in Financial Services, Foundation Degree in Financial Markets and Management, and the Diploma in Banking and Financial Services to specialist diplomas and certificates in such areas as Fund Administration, Compliance, Corporate Finance, Financial Advice and Home Loan Finance.
APS Bank and Mediterranean Bank employees who successfully completed tailor-made programmes in Supervisory Development and Advanced Financial Advice respectively were also recognised for their success.
Ifs Malta President, Mr Simon Grech FCIB and invited overseas guest, Professor Mario Spatafora, Vice President of the European Banking and Financial Services Training Association (EBTN) presided over the ceremony which was compered by Mr Kenneth Micallef, the Institute’s Education Director.
The evening commenced with an introductory address from President of ifs Malta, Mr Simon Grech FCIB. In his address, Mr Grech stated that during the 13 years he has been involved with the Institute the graduation ceremony was always his favourite annual event as it celebrates the success of young people aspiring to enter the world of financial services together with established practitioners aiming to improve their career prospects. In spite of the ongoing turmoil in the international economy and the challenges being faced, the Institute has continued to perform well and has even exploited opportunities to introduce new qualifications suited to the changing needs of the industry.
Mr Grech acknowledged the support and assistance received from both local and foreign collaborators, most notably the University of Malta, MCAST, Central Bank of Malta, MFSA, commercial banks and EBTN. The Institute is committed to remain at the forefront of providing quality education and training to the financial service sector.
Mr Grech congratulated the students on their achievements and family members who supported them through their studies and also expressed his gratitude to the Institute’s hard working Committee, full time employees and academic team for all their endeavours.
Following the presentation of certificates and awards of bank prizes to the top students, the ceremony continued with an address from Professor Mario Spatafora. In his intervention, Professor Spatafora thanked ifs Malta for inviting him to this event and commended the Institute for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional development amongst its members and students.
Professor Spatafora underlined the importance of increasing financial literacy and mentioned the various initiatives EBTN had taken through various European projects, some of which ifs Malta also contributed to. Using education and culture as a strategic lever was the best way to involve all stakeholders in the training of present and future European citizens and face the challenges of competitiveness and employment.
Professor Spatafora concluded by congratulating all the successful students and augured that they would find the EU a good place to continue to study, work, live and prosper.