Access Bank Malta Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of The Access Bank UK Limited, has officially launched operations in Malta – marking it the first bank to be licensed in Malta in a decade.

The move is being hailed as a significant milestone in enhancing trade flows between Europe and Africa, and reinforces Malta’s role as a global financial hub. The new subsidiary will initially employ around 30 people, with plans for controlled growth in line with its strategic goals.

At the official inauguration, Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, welcomed the bank’s arrival and highlighted its alignment with Malta’s long-term economic ambitions. He noted that the bank’s establishment supports Malta Vision 2050, which positions the country as a centre for financial services, digital innovation and global investment.

“I am delighted to celebrate the opening of The Access Bank Malta Limited. This milestone strengthens trade relations between Europe and Africa, and we proudly welcome The Access Bank Malta Limited to Malta's financial community,” Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi said.

Access Bank Malta will focus on international trade finance, with the broader mission of supporting businesses operating across the European and African markets.

Jamie Simmonds, Founding Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, underlined the significance of Malta in bridging both continents. “Europe and Africa are key trading partners, with Europe accounting for approximately 30 per cent of Africa's total trade,” he said, adding that the new subsidiary is ideally positioned to support the financing needs of businesses on both sides.

The move is part of a broader expansion strategy by Access Group, which has enjoyed one of Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectories over the last two decades. Access Bank Plc, the parent company, now operates across more than 60 markets globally, including branches in Dubai, Paris and Hong Kong, and representative offices in China, Lebanon, and India.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank plc and CEO of the Banking Group, explained that the Malta subsidiary would strengthen the group’s footprint in a strategic location: “Expanding our presence to Malta strengthens our position in a key financial hub that connects European and North African markets, bringing us closer to our vision of becoming Africa's Gateway to the World.”

Renald Theuma, CEO of Access Bank Malta, said that Malta’s geographic and financial positioning was a key factor in the group’s decision. “Our goal is to facilitate seamless cross-border trade between Europe and Africa… We are committed to delivering high-quality banking services that support businesses in these dynamic markets,” he noted.

Access Bank plc currently employs 28,000 people and serves its markets through three business segments: Corporate and Investment, Retail, and Commercial Banking. Since merging with Diamond Bank in 2019, it has become one of Africa’s largest retail banks by customer base.

With Malta now part of its international network, the Access Group is well-positioned to deepen financial integration between Europe and Africa – and strengthen the island’s standing as a trusted location for banking and cross-border trade.