Banif Bank (Malta) plc has been presented with an award by World Finance for the Best Banking Group in Malta for 2010, in recognition of its financial performance, sound corporate governance and provision of innovative customer solutions that provide added value.

The World Finance Award Selection Panel used a wide range of criteria to shortlist the nominees for the 2010 awards. The WF-ASP has a total of 175 years' experience in business journalism and its research team has managed to gather an exhaustive amount of information over the years.

Banif's chief executive Joaquim F. Silva Pinto said the award was "a clear demonstration that Banif is doing things the right way and that we are succeeding in our business.

"This important achievement would have been impossible without the trust shown in us by our clients, employees and shareholders. Trust is the cornerstone of our relationship with our customers and is also a reciprocal value.

"It is the belief in ourselves, our ambitions, our convictions and abilities; and is also underpinned by our drive to inspire others to believe that they can fulfil their dreams and exceed their expectations."

He added that it was immensely rewarding to see that others were acknowledging the bank's success.

He said Banif was today being acknowledged as the alternative Maltese bank which meant that it was succeeding in its mission.