On Tuesday 24 June 2025, the University of Malta’s Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) and Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bank of Valletta. This strategic partnership aims to extend global learning opportunities and enhance career prospects for University students while broadening BOV’s talent recruitment pipeline.
The MoU was signed at the University’s Council Room by University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, the Dean of FEMA, Prof. Emanuel Said, the Dean of the Faculty of ICT, Prof. Inġ. Carl James Debono, on UM’s behalf, as well as Chief People & Culture Officer, Mr Ray Debattista and Chief Information Security Officer Mr Antoine Aquilina, on behalf of BOV.
Through this agreement, BOV will be sponsoring projects and initiatives within the two Faculties, while in return being able to engage directly with students through events it holds at University designed to support their recruitment efforts.
"Together with the University of Malta, we’re turning ideas into action through technology-focused research," said the Bank’s Chief People and Culture Officer. " This partnership helps prepare our students for the future job market, offering them hands-on opportunities to contribute to projects that shape the future of banking and finance.”
Research collaborations tackling areas or matters that are common to both entities will also materialise as a result of this new partnership.
The Rector of the University of Malta stated "Technology is everywhere in our lives, sometimes overwhelmingly, but its true value is in the convenience it offers. Tasks like banking, which once meant long queues, can now be done quickly at ATMs right beside the bank. This smart integration shows how technology simplifies everyday life.”
"This Memorandum of Understanding reinforces the strong partnership between Bank of Valletta and the University of Malta, supporting education, cybersecurity, and upskilling for both employees and the community. We look forward to growing this collaboration and investing in Malta’s financial future." Said Chief Information Security Officer Mr Antoine Aquilina.
Just before the signing, Prof. Debono spoke about how the banking sector heavily relies on advanced technologies, something that ICT students at UM are being trained to do. “Through this collaboration, our students will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of future technologies alongside the bank. I sincerely hope our students embrace this initiative meaningfully, so that together we can move forward and support Malta’s own national bank."
Prof. Emanuel Said, on the other hand, touched upon the evolving needs of the financial sector, saying that "Today we renewed our collaboration with Bank of Valletta, a key partner investing in people and research. This partnership helps prepare our students for the future job market, offering them hands-on opportunities to contribute to projects that shape the future of banking and finance."
