The changing culture from savings to investments : Malta - a case study

Abstract

Taking Malta as a case study, this dissertation seeks to understand the evolution of the Maltese customers' savings habits and the development that has been witnessed over recent years when bank clients who traditionally placed their money in bank savings accounts started to show a preference to direct their funds into alternative instruments - bonds, equities and other investment products. Traditionally Malta was described as a country of savers, with a high propensity to save. One of the main purposes of this study is to indicate the various factors which have led savers to look into the availability of alternative investment products which could offer a higher return. These product offerings are available through banks and the stock broking community. It is the purpose of the present study to focus on understanding this transition through primary data, including the main drivers and the underlying reasons relating to this change in behaviour. Through conducting a survey I hope to develop a better understanding of the saving and investing habits and attitudes of the various categories and age groups of the Maltese population.