The Financial Capability Awards took place on Thursday (today), recognising initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy, encouraging responsible financial decision-making and strengthening financial knowledge across different sectors of society.

Held at the Corinthia Hotel, the ceremony saw seven awards presented to individuals, educational institutions and organisations for their contributions to financial education. 

The Individual Award, presented by the Malta Stock Exchange, was won by the InvestED Club at Verdala International School, recognising its work in promoting financial education among students.

Meanwhile, the Non-Profit Award, presented by the Central Bank of Malta, went to ĠEMMA, an initiative within the Ministry for Social Policy and the Family focused on improving financial capability and encouraging better financial planning.

The Corporate Award, presented by Creditinfo, was awarded to The Smart Money Hour podcast, recognising its contribution to financial education through digital content.

Podcast host Trudy Kerr, known for The She Word, received the Closing the Gender Pay Gap Award, presented by the Malta Development Bank.

Breaking Barriers accepting the Entrepreneurship Award

In the education sector, Breaking Barriers at Knights College secured the Entrepreneurship Award, presented by the National Skills Council.

The Sustainable Financial Literacy Award, presented by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), was awarded to Market Accents for its Financial Journalism Excellence Programme.

Meanwhile, the Outstanding Financial Capability Award went to the Smart Money, Young Minds programme at St Benedict College, Pietru Pawl Saydon Secondary School in Kirkop.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Centre of Excellence Awards, recognising educational institutions participating in initiatives to strengthen financial literacy among students.

This year's programme recorded an increase in school participation, with eight schools taking part, compared to five in the previous year.

Noreen Burroughes Cesareo accepting the Sustainable Financial Literacy Award 

Figures presented during the event also showed that Malta now has 63 accredited educators, while 3,435 students have received financial education through the initiative. The number of accredited schools has reached 11.

Among the educational institutions identified as participating in the initiative were St Clare's College, San Anton School, the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), St Clare Primary School in San Ġwann, St Monica School in Gżira, St Catherine's High School, St Michael's Foundation Senior School, Verdala International School and St Thomas More College.

The ceremnony's first half included various panels and keynotes from well-known figures in the financial landscape. Read more about that here.