A group of 45 students reading for a degree in banking and finance at the University of Malta participated in a virtual portfolio game, where they could leverage everything they learned in the course of their studies in a bid to outperform their fellow participants.

Over the course of a year, Bank of Valletta gave these students, who were split into three teams, access to a simulated trading platform, based on real instruments traded on the Stock Exchange's equity market. Every team managed a virtual portfolio on a virtual stock market.

The winners were presented with their awards during a conference entitled Recent Developments in Banking and Finance that was hosted at the Old University Campus in Valletta. Cash prizes were presented to the members of the winning team and two runner-ups by Kenneth Farrugia, Chief Business Development Officer at Bank of Valletta.

"This innovative competition was launched in 2006, as a collaborative effort between the Department of Banking and Finance at the University of Malta and Bank of Valletta. Since then, it has remained a success story, offering students a unique opportunity to provide first-hand trading experience." explained Mr Farrugia. In his intervention, he also said, "At Bank of Valletta, we are strong believers and promoters of holistic education. In this respect, the Bank is giving its support to various other initiatives, including the 'Read with Me' campaign that seeks to assist parents of very young children to instill the habit of reading at a very young age, in a bid to counteract illiteracy."

Addressing the students, Prof. Joseph Falzon, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy and head of the Department of Banking and Finance from the University said: "The virtual trading platforms offer students the most realistic simulations.  Students benefit from real-time streaming platforms that feature global equities, bonds and more"

The winning team, aptly called 'Winner Group', was composed of Charlene Borg, Noelle Cauchi, Carl Cutajar and Neil Baldacchino. Noelle Cauchi and Luke Catania were also presented with the First Class Students Award.