ATM technology for old city

Malta's former capital has its first ATM, installed by HSBC Bank Malta in Bastion Square, near the Norman House.

"HSBC is the first bank to offer a service inside Mdina. When installing this new machine, the bank has taken great care to ensure the history of this magnificent city is respected, while at the same time continuing to improve the level of service it offers to customers and tourists," HSBC's chief executive, Shaun Wallis, said.

The installation is part of an ongoing exercise undertaken by HSBC to ensure that its distribution of ATMs meets the requirements of its customers. The bank regularly researches usage of existing ATMs and endeavours to locate areas in need of this service.

The new ATM brings the total number of HSBC machines in Malta and Gozo to 63. Plans are in hand for other new ATMs to be installed in various locations around Malta.

The recent decision to close an ATM in Fgura was based on the fact that the machine in question had low usage and there were another four ATMs within walking distance, Mr Wallis said.

"In some places, where there are several ATMs, some machines end up being greatly underused. In other parts of the country, such as Mdina, we had a situation where 800,000 people pass through every year without having any access to an ATM. Obviously, it is impossible to have an ATM in every block but, as much as possible, HSBC is working to make sure that access is as practical and convenient as possible," Mr Wallis explained.