Bank of Valletta (BOV) and the University of Malta (UM) have signed a five-year strategic agreement, aimed at fostering joint research initiatives and provide valuable career opportunities for students.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was described as a “significant investment”, bridging the gap between academia and real-world work experience. Through this collaboration, students will gain first-hand exposure to industry developments in areas such as risk management, cybersecurity, digital transformation, sustainability finance, customer experience and data science.

The MoU was formalised in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions. Representing BOV were Ray Debattista, Chief People and Culture Officer, and Antoine Aquilina, Chief Information Security Officer.

Signing on behalf of UM were Professor Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta; Professor Emanuel Said, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA), and Professor Ing. Carl James Debono, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Prof. Vella described the agreement as a strategic step forward for both institutions. “This agreement strengthens our ties with one of Malta’s most prominent financial institutions. We believe in bringing together academic knowledge and real-world experience, and this partnership provides a platform for students to view firsthand the demands and opportunities of the evolving financial sector.”

Mr Debattista echoed this sentiment, noting the long-term value of the collaboration. “We’re proud to collaborate with the University of Malta to attract and develop the next generation of talent.

He concluded: “This agreement highlights BOV’s commitment to nurturing local talent and reflects our belief in long-term investment in people, adding value not only to the Bank but to the wider student community, cementing its role as a future-focused, inclusive employer of choice.”