Thriving on challenges
“The pandemic has also shown that we can operate more effectively through better use of digital tools - we have focused on decreasing the use of manual payments such as cheques and supporting customers to migrate to more efficient and secure payment methods. We continued investing in HSBCnet, the world class internet banking portal which facilitates efficient international payments and working capital management. We introduced LiveChat and HSBCnet Get Rate Cross Currency and implemented new, more user friendly login pages,” Ms Grech enumerated as she ticked off the achievements of the bank in very difficult times. Meanwhile, the HSBC International Business Fund (HIBF) which ties in neatly with the Safe Growth Strategy has made available €250 million. The HSBC International Business Fund, explained Ms Grech, is perfectly aligned with the updated purpose statement. With offices in 64 countries and territories, HSBC is in a unique position to offer support to local businesses as they change their business model post-pandemic. “This Fund enables businesses to exploit international opportunities. So far, despite the pandemic, half the €250 million Fund has been taken up. We have seen some real success stories and are highly motivated when we see how local companies are achieving success internationally, thanks in part to our support” continued Ms Grech. Key role in trade finance
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We have strong ties with these organisations and regularly work on joint programmes to bring the best to our customers
HSBC plays a key role in international trade finance. Ms Grech explained that the bank’s strengths in providing global trade solutions allow clients to trade with confidence and finance their international business. “We also have the capability to support companies in analysing the trade cycle, understanding working capital requirements and strengthening customer and supplier networks around the world,” explained Ms Grech. She added that the bank was very excited earlier this year when HSBC Malta was named Market Leader for Trade Finance in Malta in Euromoney’s 2021 Trade Finance Survey. “This survey is based on customer feedback which makes it even more relevant for us. The same survey, of more than 11,000 businesses globally, also named HSBC as the world’s best trade finance service provider for a record fourth consecutive year,” recalled Ms Grech. But, with so many banks to choose from, why should a client choose HSBC Malta, asked Showcase Dubai. Ms Grech did not even blink, but she did smile and started ticking off the reasons. HSBC is a leading international bank which has leverage on global network for banking solutions. HSBC Malta has a professional, highly trained and experienced workforce, as well as access to Group resources particularly for any complex transactions/customer requirements. HSBC Malta has a fully-fledged service offering. The bank is a market leader on a digital commercial banking platform – HSBCnet. Finally, the Bank can handle both ends of transactions. Besides these benefits, HSBC Malta works very closely with the Malta Chamber and also Trade Malta. “We have strong ties with these organisations and regularly work on joint programmes to bring the best to our customers,” observed Ms Grech. The Dubai link
HSBC UAE is the Regional Headquarters of HSBC for the Middle East, North African and Turkey region (MENAT). Apart from its long rooted connections in the UAE and Dubai itself, HSBC UAE, is also a significant enabler of trade within the whole Middle East, North Africa and Turkey region. “Our colleagues in the UAE, provide ‘knowledge on the ground’, HSBC’s full Corporate Banking products and solutions suite and access to their comprehensive networks, with offices in Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria as well as access to Saudi Arabia through our Associate bank SABB, for the benefit of Maltese importers and exporters alike, whether they are trading in goods or services, or both,” noted Ms Grech. Strengthening the ‘corridors of trade’ with this country is beneficial for Malta, observed Ms Grech. Dubai with its various free zones is also a significant stock holding centre for imports/exports from the Far East to MENAT itself, and also to Europe. Many of the bank’s clients obtain delivery of goods, and arrange logistics, from Dubai for goods purchased in the Far East.
