Thirty nine Mediterranean Bank employees were recently certified as Professional Cash Handlers during a ceremony held at the Central Bank of Malta after successfully following a national training program jointly organised by the Central Bank of Malta and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) supported by the Malta Bankers’ Association.

Speaking at the event, Ray Calleja, Head of Consumer Banking at Mediterranean Bank, praised the staff for their commitment and dedication in successfully completing the course within the stipulated deadline. “Mediterranean Bank is committed to invest in our staff in order to ensure that we are able to provide our clients with the high calibre of service they have come to expect from us. This latest certification empowers our front-line staff to continue being vigilant against counterfeit money and money laundering practices.” Mr Calleja also commended Central Bank of Malta and the FIAU for their initiative and professionalism in organising the training programme which he describes as being comprehensive and challenging.
In his address, the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, Professor Josef Bonnici expressed his satisfaction at the successful implementation of the first phase of the training programme in cash handling and anti-money laundering procedures, with about 1,100 cashiers in the banking sector obtaining certification. The e-learning module will enable participants in the continuous fight against counterfeiting and money laundering. Professor Bonnici added that the training programme will now be proceeding with the next two phases involving professional cash handlers working both within financial institutions and the retail sector involved in the acceptance of cash payments for goods and services. The Governor then thanked the officials at the Central Bank of Malta and the FIAU who had coordinated the programme and the Malta Bankers’ Association for their support.
Dr Manfred Galdes, Director of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, explained that the training programme was designed to support the local banks’ own efforts in making front line employees aware of their anti-money laundering obligations. Such vigilance amongst bank employees help to protect the banks and Malta, as a jurisdiction, from risks they might be exposed to. He concluded by stating that stricter compliance by banks should hopefully raise the bar for professionals and service providers servicing clients.