Bank declares quarterly dividend

HSBC Bank Malta plc has reported a resilient performance for the first half of 2026, while also announcing a change to its executive leadership following the appointment of a new interim Chief Risk Officer.

For the six months ended 30 June 2026, the bank reported profit before tax of €44.4 million, down from €58.7 million in the corresponding period last year. Adjusted profit before tax, excluding notable items, amounted to €51.7 million, reflecting continued momentum in transaction volumes, customer acquisition, personal lending, wealth management and insurance despite a lower interest rate environment and market volatility.

The board declared an interim gross quarterly dividend of €0.043 per share, amounting to €15.5 million, payable on 23 September 2026 to shareholders on the register as at 18 August 2026. Combined with the first-quarter dividend, shareholders will receive a total gross dividend of €0.079 per share for the first half of the year.

Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Fichte said the bank remained well positioned for the future, supported by strong capital and liquidity, continued growth in lending, deposits and wealth activities, and ongoing investment in customer services. He also noted that the proposed transition to new majority shareholder CrediaBank, subject to regulatory approvals, continues to progress while employees remain focused on serving customers.

Separately, HSBC Bank Malta announced that Steven Beddow stepped down as Chief Risk Officer on 4 August 2026 following the completion of his secondment with the bank. The board thanked him for his contribution and professionalism during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The bank has appointed Nikolaos Fertakis as interim Chief Risk Officer with effect from 5 August 2026, having obtained the necessary regulatory approval. Fertakis joined HSBC Group in 2012 in Greece and previously served as Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Bank Malta between 2016 and 2020. Most recently, he was Head of Regulatory Risk Integration and Oversight for HSBC Continental Europe, where he led strategic initiatives governing European risk and compliance operating models. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems and an MBA specialising in Banking and Finance.

HSBC Bank Malta said recruitment for a permanent Chief Risk Officer is underway and that the market will be informed once the appointment has been finalised.

Disclaimer: Interim reports may reflect only the issuing company and may not include the financial performance of its group companies.

Sources: HSBC Bank Malta plc – 2026 Interim Results and Appointment of Interim Chief Risk Officer, Company Announcements, 4 August 2026.