The Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE) proudly announces the successful conclusion of an extensive and highly complex process culminating in a fair, balanced, and forward-looking agreement to settle and cooperate totaling 30 million Euro.

This outcome stands as a testament to MUBE’s unwavering commitment, strategic acumen, and resolute advocacy on behalf of its members even under such circumstances. Despite the inherent complexity and intensity of the negotiations, MUBE’s principled approach, persistence, and constructive leadership ensured that consensus was ultimately achieved, with all parties fully aligned behind a sustainable and equitable result.

The agreement reached is a clear reflection of meaningful social dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared determination to safeguard employees’ interests while ensuring long-term stability. It underscores the vital role played by the Bankers’ Union in steering negotiations toward a solution rooted in fairness, transparency, and responsibility.

Following the resounding vote of approval by MUBE members, the Bankers’ Union will continue to exercise diligent oversight throughout the completion of the transaction and the formal registration of the transfer of shares, reaffirming its role as a vigilant and proactive guardian of its members’ rights.

Upon completion of the transfer, all employees engaged on an indefinite contract and covered by the Collective Agreement with MUBE, who were employees of the Bank as at 01 December 2025 and who remain employed at the relevant payment dates, will benefit from three equal payments distributed over an agreed timeframe on and subject to the terms of the agreement, effectively supporting employees throughout the transition phase.

Thereafter, attention will shift to the next strategic phase, during which employees will witness the anticipated transformation in the Bank’s majority shareholding, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s evolution.

MUBE extends its sincere appreciation to all members of staff and all parties involved in the negotiations for their exemplary patience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment throughout this demanding process.

The MUBE’s President William Portelli said that ‘ultimately, this agreement powerfully demonstrates that when dialogue is underpinned by goodwill, collaboration, and mutual trust, even the most complex challenges can be transformed into shared success’.

23.12.2025

The Malta Union of Bank Employees – MUBE met union members to discuss the current scenario that is fast developing due to CrediaBank’s official interest in taking over HSBC Bank Malta.

During the very well attended hybrid meeting held at the Trident Park Conference Hall, a constructive and mature discussion took place whilst members were briefed on the current status of negotiations between MUBE and the HSBC Group.

At this stage of the process, it was also necessary to listen to what members have to say allowing participants to voice their opinion on what potentially could be the best way of moving forward.

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The Malta Union of Bank Employees – MUBE refers to yesterday’s Company Announcement issued by HSBC Bank Malta plc as informed by HSBC Holdings, confirmed by the Minister of Finance Clyde Caruana and to media reports on CrediaBank S.A. being the selected preferred bidder.

In this regard, whilst MUBE continues to monitor the process by remaining in close contact with both the local HBMT management team and the international HSBC group representatives, the Bankers‘ Union will still be taking a prudent and cautious approach to such news and the process ahead.

Furthermore, the MUBE is adamant on being timely and directly involved now that the preferred bidder has been identified. Following the announcment, MUBE immediately communicated with the Bank’s CEO Geoffrey Fichte wasting no time in making the Union’s request known.

Being the exclusive recognised employee union stakeholder at HSBC Bank Malta plc, MUBE however also seeks to engage asap with the CrediaBank representatives pledging full co-operation and its readiness to exchange useful information to facilitate due diligence in relation to resources and their current terms and conditions.

MUBE reiterates that it is not easy to replace a global bank such as HSBC in Malta which makes it even more relevant to insist on only having a fit and proper Banking Institution serving its good purpose for both Malta’s Banking and Finance Industry perse and the Maltese economy in general.

In the meantime, MUBE continues to insist on being involved in a timely manner and not when it is a fait accompli.

William Portelli
President – COUNCI
16.08.2025

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The 4th MiCres meeting was hosted by IOB (The Institute of Bankers in Ireland) and held in Dublin on 18th and 19th June 2025.

Discussions were held on the following key issues:
• Update on accreditation of micro-credentials in Ireland
• Planning the pilot micro-credential launch with IOB and IFS
• Recent progress on developing a prototype blockchain-based micro-credentialing system by IOB.
• Planning of Dissemination events to take place in 2025/26

The MiCreS Accreditation Standard stipulates how a micro-credential should be designed and executed. It is applied on the level of micro-credentials qualifications and is an accreditation proposal for institutions seeking recognition of the quality of micro-credential qualifications they provide.

As such, the design process of the MiCreS Standard has been to search for a solution which is fit for the purpose of achieving quality and scale enabling trust in micro-credential qualifications.

A pilot project session will in held in Malta, which will be a fantastic opportunity for employees working in the Banking and Finance sector which includes our members to participate and have a tangible experience of this new credential, and the technology involved.

https://micresproject.com/

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MUBE is pleased to inform that the new Collective Agreement between Lombard Bank Malta and MUBE has been unanimously approved and now signed.

The meeting was characterised by a very healthy discussion on current working conditions at Lombard Bank Malta, and what will form the basis of future negotiations with the Bank. Members were very clear on how they viewed their employment experience at Lombard which remains an attractive proposition within the Banking sector in Malta.  MUBE thanks all those who participated in this debate and/or contributed in some way or another to make this happen.

Key salient points of the renewed Collective Agreement

• Improved salaries and increases across the board
• Increased allowances
• Revised, shorter working hours
• Introduction of an Employee Support Programme
• Introduction of an Occupational Pension Scheme
• Additional Leave Day on Employee’s Birthday

As with all agreements, some fine-tuning will be required to ensure that the objectives of the agreement are attained to the mutual benefit of Bank and staff, and thus MUBE remains open to feedback on any issue covered by the Collective Agreement.

Meetings with management were cordial and professional.

The Malta Union of Bank Employees – MUBE reaches its 50^th Year milestone on 22^nd May 2022.

During a meeting with the Malta Union for Bank Employees, the MUBE,  the Nationalist leader, Bernard Grech said that the PN is listening to the difficulties of the banking sector as it wants to be a shoulder to lean on, because if the sector moves forward the whole country will be able to move forward.

The President of the MUBE, William Portelli said that the Moneyval report needs to be favourable for Malta to get back its credibility in the banking sector and for its staff. Mr Portelli also said that the banking sector is still very healthy and its employees work with integrity and extreme correctness.

Nationalist leader Claudio Grech said that the banking sector is very important for the economy, because the digital sector cannot operate if it does not have a strong banking sector.

Opposition spokesperson Mario Demarco said that the banking sector is feeling pressure because of the damage which has been caused to Malta’s reputation and also spoke about the importance for the country to have a strong regulator.

The rationale behind the declaration is about being diligent and sustainable which are core whilst investing in people is now more relevant than ever.

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The signing ceremony took place on Friday 17th November 2017 in Brussels during a plenary session chaired and coordinated by the European Commission in support of its role as a mediator of the Social Dialogue process in Banking and Finance.

Employers’ Representation included EBF, EACB and ESBG whilst UNI Global Finance signed on behalf of the employees’ European representatives.

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