The Institute of Financial Services-Malta recently held its annual graduation ceremony where it celebrated the academic achievements of close to 200 students who successfully completed a course of studies in the area of financial services in 2018.

This year’s ceremony  was presided over by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

Ifs Malta president Kenneth Micallef delivered an introductory address, congratulating all successful students. He acknowledged the personal sacrifices and commitment needed to achieve one’s academic goals and emphasised the need for the newly qualified professionals to demonstrate the right ethical standards to uphold the reputation of the Maltese financial services sector and ensure its sustainability. 

He also mentioned a number of initiatives Ifs Malta is involved in, including the development of a Diploma in Digital Technology – a qualification which will provide those interested in operating in the digital world.

This was followed by an address from David Rossi, a former banker and successful academic who recently completed his Chartered Banker MBA through Ifs Malta. Mr Rossi shared his thoughts, experiences and personal reflections about learning, the evolution of the Maltese financial services sector and the importance of demonstrating the right values to safeguard everything the country has achieved so far. 

Dr Coleiro Preca and Mr Micallef handed out certificates to all successful candidates together with the awards to top local candidates.

The President concluded the graduation ceremony by commending Ifs Malta for its role in facilitating financial services education in so many diverse areas. This will definitely contribute to raising the bar in this important yet demanding sector. She emphasised the importance of using one’s skills and abilities to also promote the well-being of society by addressing issues such as poverty, inequality of the gender pay gap and more equitable distribution of wealth.

Dr Coleiro Preca ended her address by encouraging the candidates to continue their personal development as this will keep the profession in high regard and augured everyone a successful future.

More information about ifs Malta’s courses is available on www.ifsmalta.org.