APS Bank has just revamped its website, with a responsive web design aimed at improving the user experience of its online audience.
While the website has retained its content and general features, the new functionalities make for easy reading and navigation with as minimum of resizing, panning and scrolling as possible across a wide range of devices, from desktops to smartphones.
The project was entrusted to leading web development company Deloitte Digital, which provided the bank with a new design, migrated the content from the current website and created custom functionality of the web forms to ensure full compatibility with most popular devices.
Patrick Aquilina, marketing manager of APS Bank, explained that “such an exercise complements other efforts the bank is undertaking as part of its digital transformation, with more improvements to be announced soon.”
The new website can be accessed at www.apsbank.com.mt.
Central Bank publishes Economic Update
The Central Bank of Malta has published its latest Economic Update, based on information available up to February 13, 2017.
Business conditions remained favourable, with the bank’s Business Conditions Index (BCI) continuing to signal above normal activity levels in January. Economic sentiment decreased during the month, though it remained high from a historical perspective.
In December, retail sales declined in annual terms. However, industrial production and tourism activity continued to expand.
Labour market conditions remained favourable, with the number of registered unemployed falling further during the month.
Price pressures remained moderate, with the annual rate of inflation based on the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices standing at one per cent in December.
Maltese residents’ deposits continued to grow at a fast pace, while credit to residents rose by 2.5 per cent in annual terms.
The Economic Update is available on the website of the Central Bank of Malta.
www.centralbankmalta.org
Chamber of Advocates to commemorate consumers’ day
The Volkswagen emissions scandal, new rules governing the Insolvency Fund for travel operators, recent important ECJ consumer-related judgements and the first year in operation of the Arbiter for Financial Services will be the main topics at the forthcoming fourth edition of the Annual Consumer Law & Policy Conference on March 15.
Themed ‘Consumer law and policy’, this half-day conference organised by the Malta Law Academy of the Chamber of Advocates will be held at the Chamber’s premises inside the Courts of Justice and will coincide with World Consumers Day. Speakers will include University lecturers, a consumer expert from the European Commission and the Financial Services Arbiter.
Stefan Camilleri, secretary general of the chamber, said the conference had become an established annual event on the calendar of academic activities hosted by the Malta Law Academy in collaboration with the Department of Commercial Law at the University of Malta.
The Malta Law Academy was founded by the Chamber of Advocates as a foundation to provide continuous training for lawyers beyond their graduation. These conferences are seeing increasing participation by legal professionals and this helps keep up with the legislation that is constantly changing.
Although these conferences are mainly aimed at practising lawyers, law students and members of the judiciary also attend.
Registrations are open at €30, and €20 for students. To register call on 21248601, 77208601 or e-mail events@avukati.org
APS Bank extends retirement product portfolio
APS Bank is collaborating with Mapfre MSV Life plc to distribute its Personal Pension Plans enhancing the Bank’s range of retirement products.
The Mapfre MSV Life plc Personal Pension Plans, namely the Personal Pension Plan (With Profits) and the Personal Pension Plan (Unit Linked), offer various benefits and allow individuals to make changes to suit their circumstances over time, offering the option to modify the amount of savings made, take payment breaks and make one-off top-ups.
“Having a consistent and substantial income after retirement is something everyone wants. Investing in a Personal Pension Plan simply means taking control of that outcome by starting to save now rather than putting off this life-changing decision and relying on chance,” said Anthony Buttigieg, head of banking at APS.