The Maltese Stock Exchange today welcomed the Countess of Wessex, Sophie, together with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca to ring the trading bell and officially opened the trading session on International Women's Day on Thursday.

The Countess participated in the trading session as the Global Ambassador of 100 Women in Finance's Next Generation initiatives. 100 Women in Finance is a global network for women in the finance and alternative investments industries. Launched in 2001 it now operates across 22 financial centres, with Malta joining in 2016.

As global ambassador, the Countess serves as an advocate for increased diversity in the financial services industry, and for raising the industry's visibility and appeal as young women consider career paths.

MSE chairman Joe Portelli said the Stock Exchange recognised the importance of increasing gender diversity as a way of sustaining long-term prosperity of the sector.

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