S&P names Banif Global Challenger

Banif Financial Group has announced that it has been named for the Standard and Poor's (S&P) Global Challengers List for the second consecutive year. Banif Financial Group is the only national bank from the Iberian peninsula to be identified as a future leader by Standard and Poor's.

Every year, the rating agency publishes a list of 300 medium-size companies quoted on the stock exchange which show the highest growth potential and which are expected to emerge as challengers to the world's leading companies.

The S&P Global Challengers Class of 2008 is diversified over 33 countries and nine different economic sectors.

The Portuguese bank opened its first branch in Malta in St Julian's in January. Banif Bank Malta is a joint venture with four Maltese companies which have a minority stake. Its head office is in Gzira. Banif has over 300 branches in its home country and is present in several other countries, particularly the Americas.