The graduation ceremony, hosted by FIDEM on Friday 6th June in Rabat, marked a significant milestone for the participants, many of whom come from backgrounds where access to education had long been discouraged or denied.

Supported for the second consecutive year by the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Fund, the Skill-Up programme offered a certified MQF Level 3 English Language course, along with additional life-enhancing classes such as cooking and yoga. To ensure inclusivity, participants were provided with free transport and childcare services each Tuesday throughout the six-month course, enabling consistent participation and learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Catherine Calleja, Executive Director and Chair of the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Fund Committee, commented: “While all of us at Atlas congratulate you for this remarkable achievement, this marks not just the end of a programme but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and self-empowerment.”

She also stated: “The initiatives we support through our Community Involvement Fund go beyond financial aid. They are part of our mission to build a more inclusive, and empowered society, building on critical Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG4 – Quality Education. Education must not be a privilege for the few, but a right accessible to all. We believe that initiatives like Skill-Up are vital in breaking down societal barriers and opening doors for every woman to reach her full potential.”

FIDEM Foundation’s Dr. Sabine Agius Cabourdin commented: “No speech could truly capture what I feel today. This is a celebration of transformation, resilience and quiet power of belief. Education is a fundamental human right but access to education is just as fundamental. We cannot speak of education if we cannot ensure access to education. That is what Skill Up is all about. It is about possibility. Each of the women graduating today is a living example of that possibility. You have made us proud and more importantly you have made yourselves proud and that is what matters the most.”

This graduation held particular significance as it marked the final year of Atlas Insurance’s sponsorship of the Skill-Up programme. The company’s two-year involvement reflects a broader commitment to improving access to education and fostering gender inclusion within Maltese society.

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Alexander Bezzina, Head of Insurance Services and Pensions at Bank of Valletta, noted, “We’re excited to renew this offer with MAPFRE MSV Life. These pension plans offer not just long-term savings, but also the freedom to adapt the investment to a customer’s lifestyle. Pension plans can start with as little as €40 a month and contributions can be adjusted over time to give customers more flexibility and financial freedom. The return of this offer follows positive feedback received last year, which also highlights the growing awareness on the importance of preparing financially for the future”.

The MAPFRE MSV Life Unit-Linked Personal Pension Plan allows investors to build a customised portfolio, selecting funds according to their personal risk preferences. Customers can switch between funds up to twice a year at no charge, and invest in up to ten different funds simultaneously, providing flexibility and control over their retirement planning.

The €175 top-up will be given 14 months after the date when the Unit-Linked Personal Pension Plan starts, provided that the equivalent of the first twelve consecutive monthly savings contributions would have been paid and allocated. In addition, policyholders may also benefit from significant tax advantages. Contributions may qualify for a 25% tax credit, capped at €750 annually. Upon retirement, customers may also withdraw up to 30% of their pension account tax-free when they start receiving their benefits. T&Cs apply.

This special offer is available until 30th September 2025, unless closed earlier by MAPFRE MSV Life. To find out more or set up an appointment, customers are encouraged to visit https://www.bov.com/assistants/set-an-appointment. Further information on the plan may be obtained from the Key Features Document available from our website https://www.bov.com.

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Catherine Calleja, managing director at Atlas Healthcare, opened the session and introduced the concept of auto-enrolment and its successes in other jurisdictions where savings and participation rates increased far more than those achieved by most opt-in plans. This was followed by a discussion led by Matthew Vella, head of Corporate Distribution at IVALIFE. The session explored the implications of automatic enrolment for both employers and employees, and delved into how businesses can effectively structure an Occupational Pension Plan. Key topics included the impact of pension schemes on employee benefits and talent retention, as well as cost-effective, flexible solutions tailored to diverse business needs. The discussion also provided an overview of taxation benefits and government incentives associated with these retirement planning options.

Calleja expressed appreciation for the engagement shown by participants and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue around workplace pension reform and retirement planning, stating: “With the introduction of auto-enrolment for workplace pensions drawing near, we are focused on supporting employers and employees, as they manage this important transition. Our goal is to provide clear guidance and practical solutions that not only ensure value for money and compliance with the new regulations but also highlight the long-term value of structured retirement planning for employees. By understanding the implications and opportunities of auto-enrolment, businesses can strengthen their employee benefits offering, enhance talent retention, and contribute meaningfully to the financial well-being of their workforce.”

Vella added that “these developments bring about change which may be perceived as additional challenges by employers. Occupational pensions should not be seen as an obligation but rather an opportunity. Employers who engage early will have a powerful tool to attract, retain and reward talent, while providing employees the means to build greater financial security for the future. We are confident that IVALIFE has transparent, simple to understand solutions that improve employee financial literacy, strengthening organisational culture and creating lasting value for both employers and their teams.”

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The launch event was hosted at St. Edward’s College, one of the participating schools, and was attended by students and teachers from the other schools, St. Martin’s College and St. Jeanne Antide College, officially celebrating the use of the first fully dedicated end-to-end classroom VR system, ClassVR, which has been approved by the educational authorities in Malta.

SOS Malta, in conjunction with Robocoach, is managing this project by circulating VR content and supporting materials aligned with the national learning outcomes. Funded by the Atlas Community Involvement Fund, this initiative represents a remarkable coming together of NGOs, educational institutions, and the corporate world.

“At Atlas, we view education as the cornerstone of a thriving society,” commented Catherine Calleja, Executive Director and Chair of the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Committee. “Through our Community Involvement Fund, we actively support projects that create meaningful impacts, particularly in areas where Malta faces challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to support this VR project that not only enhances the educational experience by aligning with the curriculum but also advances SDG 4 for Quality Education and has the potential to tackle Reduced Inequalities.”

Graziella Schiavone, Head of Finance Operations at SOS Malta, stated: “SOS Malta is excited to launch this innovative VR project, which has been made possible through the support of Atlas, who approved and funded this initiative. By equipping three schools – independent and church schools – with VR sets, we aim to transform the learning experience by integrating immersive, locally developed content into subjects such as geography, science, ethics and healthcare. This project will allow students to engage with lessons in a more interactive and dynamic way, making concepts more tangible and enriching their overall educational journey.”

This key initiative showcases the power of partnership in fostering educational innovation. By bringing together the expertise of SOS Malta and Robocoach, the support of the corporate sector, and the commitment of educational institutions, this project will give private and independent schools in Malta access to this technology which is already available in the state sector. Looking forward to the positive changes that this project will bring to educational practices and outcomes, all the stakeholders remain committed to further enhancing students’ learning experiences.

The post Atlas Insurance and SOS Malta launch VR education initiative in Maltese schools first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

IFRS 17 standardises how insurance companies report their profits, insurance liabilities, and risks, making financial statements more transparent and comparable across different countries and companies. This consistency is essential for investors and analysts who evaluate and benchmark the performance of insurance companies worldwide. It is also important for Directors, Chief Financial Officers, Financial Analysts, Insurance Advisors, and Audit Firms.

The MFSA found a number of measures implemented by (Re)Insurers which have played a key role in the transition to this new financial reporting standard. On-the-job training, the formation of working groups and committees, as well as the engagement of consultants proved to be common practice and instrumental across the market.

As part of thematic review, the MFSA has also highlighted challenges encountered during the implementation process, such as difficulties with data consistency and quality. Additionally, the appetite of (Re)Insurers’ to enter into new business might have been dampened as a result of the influence which this new accounting standard has on underwriting decision-making.

MFSA’s Head of Insurance and Pensions Supervision, Ray Schembri, stated: “We were pleased to observe that the close collaboration between the Finance and Actuarial functions of the (Re)Insurance undertakings and the industry consultants and audit firms was instrumental in the successful implementation of IFRS 17, ensuring the smooth integration of new processes and systems. On the other hand, the MFSA expects undertakings to continue improving and refining the quality of their data to ensure accuracy, consistency and compliance.” 

To provide recommendations to (Re)Insurance undertakings on further enhancing their processes and meet the new standard’s requirements, the MFSA has issued a Dear CEO Letter addressing top officials within the companies affected. In this letter, the Authority highlights the findings of its thematic review and guides the market on the next steps.

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Continuing a cherished tradition, the calendar features a carefully selected collection of artworks by a Maltese artist. This edition, however, introduces a novel twist by incorporating exclusive photographs from the company’s landmark centenary exhibition, which ran from April 18 to May 28, 2024, at The Malta Chamber in Valletta.  The exhibition paid homage to Malta’s commercial history and Atlas’s enabling role within it.

In the calendar, Lisa Attard revisits the exhibition with a creative and interpretative approach, capturing intimate and detailed views of the artefacts. Her photographs invite viewers to explore the deeper stories behind each piece, enhancing their appreciation of Malta’s and Atlas’s intertwined histories. The visual element shown each month is complemented by information boxes providing context about the featured exhibit.

Catherine Calleja, Executive Director and Company Secretary of Atlas Insurance, commented: “Through Lisa Attard’s exceptional photography, we are offering glimpses of not only the Atlas story but that of our nation’s commercial history. For those who visited the exhibition, we invite you to remember it and view it with through a new artistic perspective.   For those who did not visit the exhibition, we hope to lead you on a compelling journey into our shared commercial and industrial past during 2025. Thank you, Lisa, for helping us mark our anniversary with these fascinating images of our exhibition artefacts.”

Lisa Attard brings a unique blend of academic and practical expertise to her photography. A graduate of the Elisava School of Design and Engineering in Barcelona, and a former visiting lecturer at the University of Malta, her background in art history and design profoundly influences her photographic and graphic work. Her approach to the “Centennial Chronicles” exhibition was not only to document but to tell a story through her images, celebrating the century-long journey of Atlas and the broader narrative of Malta’s commercial development.

The 2025 Atlas Insurance calendar is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Atlas and the vibrant commercial spirit of Malta. It stands as a token of gratitude towards those who have shaped Malta’s commercial landscape, many of whom have been insured by Atlas and its predecessor agencies over the past hundred years.

For a full experience of the exhibition, visit the website  https://www.atlas.com.mt/centennial-chronicles/  to explore the accompanying lecture series and take a 360° virtual tour of the gallery space.

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This year’s festival featured five competing teams: Melita FC Red, Melita FC Black, F.S.E.F.P. Mdina Knights FC, Ħamrun Spartans FC and Mosta FC, whose members were given a platform to showcase their skills and passion for the game, enjoying the competition in a supportive and dynamic environment that emphasised fair play, sportsmanship and a sense of community among players and supporters.

All players were presented with a commemorative trophy by Atlas Insurance’s CEO and Managing Director Matthew von Brockdorff.

Von Brockdorff expressed his delight at the enthusiasm of the participants and stated, “Atlas Insurance is proud to host this Football Festival as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting youth sports and the impressive talents of these young athletes. The success of this festival also reinforces the importance of youth sports as a vital part of community development and engagement.”

Matthew Naudi, Melita FC Club President, further commented: “The Atlas tournament has become an annual event in the Melita F.C. calendar, showcasing the remarkable talents and sportsmanship of our club and the other participating teams each year. With the support of sponsors like Atlas Insurance, we are determined and excited to continue nurturing the next generation of talent.”

Atlas Insurance has been the main sponsor of Melita FC for several years with the first sponsorship agreement dating back to 2009. Atlas Insurance has yet again renewed its sponsorship to support the football club at all levels – from the youth section to the senior team as well as the coaching team.

The post Atlas Insurance and Melita FC celebrate successful annual under-12 football festival first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Engineered by Marco Cremona, the GEO-INF system collects rainwater and directs it back to the natural aquifers, helping replenish the island’s limited freshwater resources. This initiative directly addresses Malta’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 by improving water quality and sustainability. Additionally, by redirecting floodwater into aquifers, the project helps mitigate the risks and impacts of increased flooding due to climate change, reducing environmental damage.

Addressing the event, Catherine Calleja, Executive Director and Chair of the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Committee highlighted: “While recognizing the inherent value of this project, we are especially committed to initiatives within schools. We believe these projects inspire significant behavioural changes among students, their families, teachers, and other educational leaders, fostering a community-wide commitment to sustainability.”

Ms. Calleja emphasised the significant impact of the GEO-INF project, stating, “This installation alone will feed back 2,500,000 litres – equivalent to 250,000 buckets – into the water table each year.” She encouraged students to get acquainted with and follow the tips on simple water-saving practices that were made available to them, adding: “We urge you all to educate yourselves and others about environmental issues and adopt water-conserving habits. By doing so, you contribute to a significant positive impact and help build a better tomorrow”.

Ms. Annmarie Carabot, Principal of St. Michael School, stated: “The GEO-INF Project marks an important step towards sustainable water management in our school. This initiative not only conserves water but also teaches our students the importance of environmental responsibility, empowering them to become proactive citizens for a sustainable future.”

Atlas Insurance, through the Atlas Community Involvement Fund, has successfully financed the installation of the GEO-INF Rainwater Recovery Facility in three schools to date. This project exemplifies just one of many initiatives Atlas Insurance is dedicated to supporting through its Fund, underscoring its commitment to corporate social responsibility and the ongoing betterment of Maltese society.

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Recently, the Laferla Group celebrated its 40th anniversary at Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. With the stunning Grand Harbour as a backdrop, the event gathered hundreds of guests, including Laferla’s team, intermediary network and business partners, to commemorate four decades of success.

During the event, the company announced significant investments and corporate updates, including the upcoming launch of its new Fintech app, including a new line of business – Laferla Money. Laferla Money is an integrated wallet and debit card facility that

embeds payment services within Laferla’s existing digital offering, marking a significant new chapter for the brand whilst establishing a new unique value proposition in the local insurance scene.

Laferla marked a new era in its legacy with the official announcement of Laferla Money, which was introduced as “the first of many new vertically integrated services within our offering”. This innovative product, which is powered by Maltese- and UK-licensed Financial Institution, Andaria, is set to transform the company’s digital landscape. Laferla Money will offer customers a new range of services, including multi-currency IBANs and Mastercard debit cards. The services, provided by Andaria, shall be integrated seamlessly within Laferla’s new app – making it a one-stop solution for many daily needs, and the first Fintech application which focuses primarily on insurance services.

Mark Laferla Jr. emphasised the significance of Laferla Money during his keynote speech, marking it as a crucial part of the company’s strategic expansion into the fintech sector: “Our vision goes beyond just insurance. We are excited to introduce Laferla Money, a key addition to our product range which allows our app to become a comprehensive solution enabling users to manage their insurance and money needs, through one convenient platform”. He went on to add that “The result of our investments is a new digital platform which we will continue to build on, by bringing to market further complimentary products and services that will continue to enhance our value proposition, whilst continuing to grow our core operation in the insurance industry.”

Laferla Money will empower users to open an account within minutes, with the ability to hold balances and transact in several different currencies, managing their daily payments using virtual and physical Mastercard debit cards. Customers will also be able to easily transfer money globally via peer-to-peer transfers to other Laferla Money accounts, as well as SEPA or Swift transfers.

“The technology stack we are investing in, as well as the partners that we have chosen to work with, will ensure that our app provides functionality that rivals top Fintech brands whilst allowing us to scale up quickly”, said Kevin Laferla, also adding that “By embedding these payment products within our insurance offering, we aim to revolutionise customer experience in our industry. For instance, our customers will now have an option to easily open their Laferla Money account and receive all claim payments in it for a quicker and more cost- effective service.”

Laferla’s expansion into financial services represents a significant milestone, and the company’s leadership is confident that this new offering will enhance its value proposition. “We are extremely excited to be announcing these new services after years of development. This added value proposition is a key step in our brand’s long-term vision, which focuses on customer experience, diversification of services to enhance our value proposition, and internationalisation”, explained Keith Laferla. “A key value proposition in this journey will be our 40 years of experience in the insurance sector – a business line that is typically treated as an afterthought within finance-focused Fintech apps. With this, Laferla will position itself as a Fintech app with a real insurance offering”, he concluded.

The announcement of Laferla’s new digital platforms, including new products such as Laferla Money, took place during Laferla’s 40th anniversary celebration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. Hundreds of guests, including business partners and the Laferla team, attended this exclusive event, highlighting the company’s journey over the past four decades.

Mark Laferla Jr., Keith Laferla, and Kevin Laferla expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their father and founder, Mark Laferla Sr as well as his wife Helen, who were instrumental in growing the company from the ground up. Likewise, the brothers thanked their entire team, key partners and loyal customers, who have been instrumental in the company’s success. They reflected on Laferla’s history and vision for the future, reaffirming their commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.

The evening was capped off with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Grand Harbour, illuminating the night sky and providing a breathtaking tribute to Laferla’s rich heritage. The event celebrated the company’s past, and a powerful statement about its future.

The post Laferla Group celebrates 40th anniversary first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

JA Malta is part of JA Worldwide, which has been pioneering experiential learning for a century, creating pathways for employability, job creation, and financial success. Through its innovative programmes, JA Malta equips young leaders and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in the global economy.

Matthew Caruana, CEO of JA Malta, said that: “JA Malta Foundation is honoured to have the support of esteemed brands like Atlas Insurance in advancing its mission. As an NGO with expanding projects and an increasing impact, the backing of organisations like Atlas Insurance is essential for us to sustain and enhance the quality of our programmes. Collaborating with industry leaders to engage with young people is now more critical than ever, inspiring them to become the next generation of talent and leaders. Together, we can drive meaningful change and empower the youth to shape a brighter future.”

Matthew von Brockdorff, Managing Director and CEO of Atlas Insurance, commented: “It is a privilege to continue our support for JA Malta and witness the transformative experiences these young entrepreneurs undergo. Each year, we see how these programs equip students with critical skills and a mindset geared towards innovation and success. Our involvement goes beyond mere sponsorship – it is a partnership aimed at building a positive tomorrow, together.”

Atlas Insurance is the employer of over 200 individuals and fosters an environment where TeamAtlas is encouraged to thrive and continuously learn. Among their workforce are several former student interns who have gone on to pursue full-time careers with the company.

Understanding the critical importance of early development, Atlas actively supports programs like JA Malta that empower young individuals with essential skills. This commitment reflects Atlas Insurance’s recognition of nurturing talent from an early stage, not just within the organisation but across the community, underscoring its dedication to personal and professional growth.

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