https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13249 2026-04-09T07:39:53Z 2026-04-09T07:39:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14057 2016-11-17T02:14:07Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Sponsorships as part of Maltese banks’ marketing and corporate social responsibility policies Abstract: The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has nowadays become recognised as an important aspect of the overall business management. Organisations are fully aware of the commitment expected from them towards society and thus this study focuses on such concept as adopted by banks. This study offers an insight into the way in which most banks are being more than just a traditional business providing such services as loans, deposits, advice and other day to day services. Basically, quite a number of banks are getting more involved in providing sponsorships with the main objective being that of helping in the social well-being of society. Through this marketing initiative, banks enhance their reputation with potential and current customers, and this study aims to investigate how sponsorships are providing both benefits to banks and to their end customers. The aim of this study is to gain deeper knowledge and awareness of the general public about banking initiatives such as sponsorships and whether these initiatives conducted by banks are effective on customer banking decisions. Banks that increase their activities in terms of CSR are considered to be more ethical and thus it is important that banks communicate the objectives behind such initiatives with the community. A random survey was conducted amongst 262 respondents and interviews were held with four banks. After analysing such responses and comparing the views of the public with the banks‟ perspectives, the study offers some recommendations for achieving better outcomes from such initiatives. Banks should aim for a more effective communication with customers so that the public would be aware of the true goals behind such initiatives. Description: B.COM.(HONS)BANK.&FIN.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14055 2018-05-09T09:59:25Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A critique of the credit rating industry Abstract: Credit ratings have become a fulcrum to all investors; giving credit rating agencies (CRAs) significant pull in the financial world. This paper will examine the efficacy of credit ratings and the institutions behind them. The goal of this paper is to investigate whether the power invested by the market to CRAs is misplaced and should be seceded, or if CRAs are now objective entities that could be trusted. To achieve said goal, a significant amount of secondary data relating to criticisms of CRAs, before and after 2007, will be used. This will allow for a better understanding of CRAs and how they operate. Thereafter, regulations such as the Dodd-Frank and new corporate governance standards will be examined in order to see if the criticisms still hold ground. Finally, professionals who use ratings on a daily basis will be interviewed and questioned about their opinions on various topics relating to CRAs, hence, gauging the level of trust and confidence in CRAs locally and concluding with recommendations for CRAs and regulators. Description: B.COM.(HONS)BANK.&FIN.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14054 2018-05-16T10:15:31Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The development state of the investment fund industry in Malta Abstract: The investment fund industry is considered as one of the major drivers that instigated growth in the financial markets of various countries. Malta being a member of the European Union also experienced this significant growth in its financial sector, and was able to acquire a reputation for being a European Fund domicile. The objective of this dissertation was to attain a better perceptive of the development state of the investment fund industry in Malta. Additionally, this study seeks for perspectives that could sustain extended growth and development in such financial sector. In order to achieve this objective the local scenario was analyzed. The data gathered shows that most of the growth experienced in the local fund industry was due to several factors. These include; the efficiency provided through the regulator, sound regulation found in Malta, the low interest rate scenario, the local tax treaties offered, as well as by having multilingual professionals working within the local financial industry. In-depth interviews were carried out with professionals within the local financial services industry. Such interviews were essential to reach the objective of this study. This is because through their knowledge and expertise, interviewees were able to provide me with sufficient and reliable information to accomplish reliable results. The interview constructed included open-ended questions; hence this entailed flexibility in exploring further ideas which were not considered in the beginning of the research. During the study importance was given to factors such as the structure of the investment fund industry, the performance of local funds as well as the competition being provided to market investment funds both locally and abroad. Additionally, the research then explored several factors that affect the local investor such as the investment behavior and the knowledge provided to the local population regarding investment funds and the mechanics behind them. This was due to the fact that if these were to be improved, Malta would encounter higher level of development through its investment fund sector. The research also sought to explore factors that require improvement in order to extend growth and development in such financial sector. From the research it was concluded that the investment fund industry in Malta is quiet developed in terms of the structure implemented. This is in view of the fact that Malta is very capable of implementing laws and regulations and provide for various jurisdictions within its fund industry. However, the study concluded that there are improvements to be made in order to experience further growth and development within the local fund industry. The findings from this study suggest that it all sums up to the level of knowledge of the local individuals within the investment fund industry. This is due to the fact that if individuals were to be more aware of the opportunities offered through the investment fund industry, the activity will increase, which would bring more innovative products to Malta, which will ultimately improve liquidity and diversification and will automatically lead to a better economical flow in the country. Description: B.COM.(HONS)BANK.&FIN.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14053 2016-11-17T02:15:18Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The second Market Abuse Directive (MAD II) : a study of its impact on Malta's financial sector Abstract: Market abuse is a global threat which disturbs the integrity of financial markets. Market manipulation, which has been increasing drastically due to rapid development in technology, leads to significant losses for companies and the economy as a whole. As a result, investor confidence in the financial system can decrease. This study evaluates the important implications which the new Second Market Abuse Directive will have on the Maltese financial sector. It also analyses how the EU is working to create regulatory progress and harmonisation across its Member States’ financial markets. Description: B.COM.(HONS)BANK.&FIN.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z