Every organisation has figures it is measured by. In the world of financial services, these are often financial indicators, like capital, performance, growth and resilience. But behind every strong institution, there is something far more important; its people.

At Bank of Valletta, that spirit is visible in the way colleagues help customers buy their first home, support businesses, guide families through important decisions, and stand beside people when they need us most. Service sits at the heart of what we do.

It is also seen when colleagues step into the community: painting a home for vulnerable children, planting trees, preparing meals, organising activities for older people, or lending a hand to organisations that rely on volunteers. These moments may not always make headlines, but they say a great deal about our people and the culture they are helping to build.

That is why social inclusion is one of the five pillars of the BOV Foundation.

The Foundation gives greater focus, structure and long-term direction to the Bank's commitment to the communities we serve. Building on more than two decades of the BOV Community Programme, it brings our efforts together under five strategic pillars: social inclusion, education, culture and heritage, ethical conduct, and environmental sustainability.

This article is the first in a series exploring those pillars, starting with one that speaks very directly to who we are as people.

Social Inclusion

Too often, social inclusion is viewed mainly through the lens of financial support. Funding matters, of course, but genuine inclusion goes further. It is about creating opportunities, building relationships, and making sure people do not feel forgotten. It is about giving our time, skills, and sometimes, simply our presence.

That is where volunteering becomes so powerful. When colleagues from different parts of the Bank work side by side with an NGO, job titles become irrelevant. Everyone is focused on making someone's day a little better.

Those experiences change people. They remind us that behind every statistic there is a person and a family. At Bank of Valletta, volunteering is not treated as an occasional activity on a calendar. It has become part of our culture.

The Bank encourages employees to dedicate time to voluntary work by implementing volunteering leave to each staff member, recognising that giving back benefits not only the communities we support, but also the people who volunteer. Colleagues return with fresh perspectives, greater empathy and a stronger appreciation of the role they play within society.

The response from our people has been inspiring. Last year, more than 600 employees contributed over 5,000 volunteering hours to NGOs and community organisations across Malta and Gozo. During the first six months of this year, 336 staff members have already contributed 2,688 volunteering hours. These are not just numbers. They represent conversations, acts of altruism and moments that strengthened communities while enriching those who took part.

The organisations we support work in many different areas. Each responds to a real need and reminds us that collaboration is key.

We believe that lasting social impact is created when businesses, voluntary organisations and communities work together. Financial support remains important, but so are expertise, long-term commitment and people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and contribute.

This is particularly true in Malta. Our voluntary sector carries out extraordinary work, often with limited resources and immense dedication. These organisations enrich lives, strengthen communities and support some of society's most vulnerable members. They deserve partners prepared to walk alongside them. At Bank of Valletta, that is the approach we are committed to taking.

For us, social responsibility is not separate from our day-to-day business. It is an intrinsic part of being a responsible financial institution. The communities in which we operate are the same communities our employees call home and where our customers build their futures. When they thrive, we all benefit.

As we continue to grow the work of the BOV Foundation, we will keep investing in initiatives that create lasting impact. Equally important, we will continue to foster a culture where people truly care for one another. Volunteering is not simply something we encourage, it is part of who we are.

Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer, Bank of Valletta and Deputy Chairperson, BOV Foundation

Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company regulated by the MFSA and is licensed to carry out the business of banking and investment services in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta) and the Investment Services Act (Cap. 370 of the Laws of Malta).