By David Power, CEO of BNF Bank.

BNF Bank p.l.c. continues to redefine what it means to be a resilient, customer-focused and forward-thinking financial institution. Guided by its Vision 26 Strategy, the Bank has embarked on an ambitious transformation journey: replacing legacy systems, modernising technology, and strengthening its market presence, all while remaining true to its values of empathy, responsibility and ambition.

A landmark transformation under Vision 26
As part of its Vision 26 Strategy, BNF Bank has undertaken one of the most comprehensive digital transformations in Malta’s banking sector. Within two years, the Bank successfully replaced all its core systems, including the core banking platform, card scheme provider, and internet and mobile banking platforms.

Executed in partnership with Temenos, Aspire, ITSS and Mastercard, the programme represented a significant operational and technological leap forward. Despite the scale of the undertaking, the Bank delivered the project within tight timelines, a clear demonstration of the determination and resilience of its teams and partners.

While the immediate post–go-live period brought expected challenges, stabilisation was achieved within six months, and the benefits are now clear. The new technology stack is already streamlining operations, reducing manual processes, and enhancing transaction speed and reliability. Crucially, it provides a scalable foundation capable of supporting future growth in both customer numbers and transaction volumes.

The transformation will also enable faster product-development cycles, allowing BNF to bring new services to market more efficiently. Enhanced cybersecurity and data-protection features further strengthen customer trust. The result is a modern, agile and secure banking environment offering customers greater flexibility, control and convenience across all channels.

Strategic milestones and the path ahead
With Vision 26 well underway, 2025 has been a year of consolidation and strategic progress. BNF continues to maintain strong capital and liquidity positions, reflected in robust Total Assets, LCR, NSFR and CAR ratios – all comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements.

These fundamentals provide the foundation for the Bank’s next phase of growth. A Capital Plan is currently being implemented to strengthen the funding base and support further investment in digital innovation, customer experience and sustainable finance initiatives.

Risk management remains central to the Bank’s strategy. In an increasingly digitised financial landscape, BNF has reinforced its frameworks around cyber resilience, compliance and operational risk, supported by extensive staff training and upgraded systems. This proactive stance ensures the Bank can anticipate emerging risks and maintain the trust of customers, regulators and investors.

Through this disciplined approach, BNF is not only achieving its planned milestones but also future-proofing its operations, positioning itself as a stable, agile and responsible institution in an evolving financial world.

Leveraging its unique London presence
BNF Bank holds a distinctive advantage as the only Maltese bank with a branch in London, enhancing its international reach and facilitating cross-border business between Malta and the UK.

The London branch acts as a key hub for clients with operations or investments in both jurisdictions, providing seamless banking services that support investment flows and corporate finance activity. In 2025, the Bank expanded its international banking services, particularly in the areas of bilateral lending and corporate real-estate transactions, while maintaining strong compliance with EU and UK regulatory standards.

This dual-jurisdiction presence strengthens BNF’s international credibility and aligns with its ambition for sustainable, diversified growth. By leveraging its London base, the Bank provides customers with access to global markets while maintaining the personalised service and relationship-driven approach that define its Maltese roots.

Strengthening customer-centricity in a changing market
In an evolving financial landscape, BNF’s greatest strength remains its commitment to its customers. The Bank’s customer-centric philosophy is embedded across its operations, ensuring that every initiative- digital or otherwise, is designed to enhance service quality and accessibility.

Recognising that many customers in Malta still value face-to-face interaction, BNF has continued investing in its physical branch network, countering a global trend of branch closures. A notable milestone was the opening of a new branch at the University of Malta’s Campus Hub, serving students, academics and medical professionals. This expansion demonstrates BNF’s commitment to maintaining a human connection with its clients.

In parallel, the Bank strengthened its digital engagement through the launch of eBNF, its new internet and mobile banking platform introduced in April 2025. The platform delivers faster transactions, intuitive navigation and expanded self-service tools, giving customers more control over their finances anytime, anywhere.

By combining personal service with digital innovation, BNF has achieved a balance that resonates with the Maltese market: technology that empowers, supported by relationships that endure.

A bank with purpose: community and responsibility
BNF’s vision extends beyond financial performance. Grounded in its values of Empathy, Responsibility and Ambition, the Bank’s CSR strategy focuses on meaningful, hands-on engagement with the communities it serves.

Through its Branch in the Community programme, teams participate in philanthropic, social and environmental initiatives throughout the year, from supporting education and mental-health programmes to contributing to environmental conservation and cultural projects.

This sustained involvement reflects BNF’s belief that a strong financial institution must also be a responsible corporate citizen. Its empathetic approach fosters trust and strengthens relationships at a human level, ensuring the Bank remains attuned to the needs of the people and businesses it serves.

By aligning CSR with its broader mission, BNF not only supports community wellbeing but also reinforces its long-term sustainability through trust, goodwill and shared value creation.

A future built on vision and trust
BNF Bank’s transformation under Vision 26 represents far more than a technological upgrade. It is a strategic and cultural shift towards sustainable growth, digital innovation and human connection. With a strong financial foundation, modern systems and a clear sense of purpose, the Bank is well-positioned to navigate the dynamics of a fast-changing industry.

Its ability to combine prudence with progress, balancing regulatory strength with customer-centric innovation, has cemented BNF’s reputation as a reliable and forward-looking institution.

BNF Bank continues to build a future defined by stability, innovation and empathy, a future where banking serves not only economies, but people and communities.