https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83566 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:21:19 GMT 2026-04-07T23:21:19Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102085 Title: Privatisation of financial services in the CEECs : relating the analysis to the Malta experience Abstract: This study deals with the theory relating to financial services privatization, and with the history of such privatizations, in a selected number of Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). It has as its main research objective that of studying and discussing key categories of privatization themes, plus indicators and issues related thereto; and includes in this objective the structuring of a model template that incorporates the more important privatization circumstances applicable to each country's experiences. A consequential objective to such a matrix has been that of producing a final collective picture of the region's bank privatization experiences. And a further aim has been that of analogizing these experiences to the process of privatization of banks as it evolved in the small Mediterranean island of Malta. Using empirical observation and historic analysis as main methods, this work produces as key results a record of significant differences in strategy processes and implementation, and strongly asymmetric evolution paces of bank and economic restructuring. The finally collated picture is a complex and heterogeneous account of financial system transitioning, besides being a record of substantial national efforts in the midst of often very serious economic adversity, and of banking institutions labouring under tough legacy constraints from central planning and the policies and operational effects of mono banking. It will also be seen that this CEECs' banking sector experience contrasts substantially to that witnessed in Malta. Description: PH.D.BANK&FIN. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102085 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/86849 Title: Forces for change in European retail banking : analysis and implications for local commercial banks Abstract: The study consists of a theoretical and practical analysis of four important forces driving change in European retail banking. The enlargement of the European Union & the introduction of the EURO, Developments in Technology, Structural Reforms in Regulation and changing Competitive Pressures are the four forces identified in a theoretical overview at the initial stages of the study. Four Maltese commercial banks were then surveyed in order to obtain a practical analysis of the impact of these change drivers on the retail banking operations of Maltese banks. The results of the survey are then presented and a comparison is made between the salient practical findings and the theory previously identified. The study concludes with a set of recommendations as well as the identification of areas for further research. Description: B.COM.(HONS)BANK.&FIN. Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/86849 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/86840 Title: Financial considerations arising from the harmonised simplification of VAT in Europe Abstract: Every country with a modern and efficient economy has to have a good indirect tax system. By 1st January, 1993, all the EU member countries were proposed to have a harmonised and simplified VAT System. However, this did not occur, and some member states are still in the process to arrive at such a stage. This dissertation will moreover give the whole spectrum of VAT in Europe, from when it was first introduced, how it evolved with the various directives, the latest changes and how it is likely to be structured in the future. It will also give a continual financial consideration of the financial affects that have occurred and are likely to occur. However, to be able to analyse the financial considerations of the harmonisation of VAT, it is important to have a good basic knowledge of how the VAT system evolved from when it was first introduced and how it is proposed to became by the harmonised simplification. All this will be done in the first two chapters. The study would be subdivided in the following manner: Description: B.COM.(HONS)BANK.&FIN. Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/86840 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/86839 Title: Venture capital finance : an alternative source of finance for local business Abstract: My favorite quotation as a description of what constitutes venture capital finance, is that by Dr. Neil Cross, a Senior Executive with 31, one of the world's largest and longest established Venture Capital companies, and a former Chairman of the European Venture Capital Association. He described this line of finance as follows: 'the prov1s1on of risk bearing capital, usually in the form of a participation in equity, to companies with high growth potential. In addition, the venture capital company provides some added value in the form of management advice and contribution to overall strategy. The relatively high risk for the venture capitalists are compensated by the possibility of high returns, usually through substantial capital gains in the medium term.' Venture Capital Finance is a relatively new feature in the local financial sector. However, for many years it has existed under a different stance. The existence of many companies that are established in Malta can be attributed to a lesser extent to venture capital. Many of these companies started off, through a personal loan or investment by some of the more affluent Maltese families. One such person was Marquis Scicluna and his investment in Parsons. This dissertation will focus on the potential that Venture Capital Finance holds as a valid financial complement to the local business sector. It will seek to analyse whether this financial facility has had an impact on the local financial sector, and if not the reasons as to what is inhibiting its expansion and development. It will also seek to identify the necessity of having such a facility available to the local entrepreneur. Description: B.COM.(HONS)BANK.&FIN. Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/86839 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z