Updated 1200
HSBC Bank Malta confirms agreement to sell majority stake to CrediaBank
HSBC Bank Malta announced on Tuesday that its majority shareholder, HSBC Continental Europe (HBCE), has entered into a definitive agreement with CrediaBank S.A. for the sale of HBCE’s majority shareholding in the bank.
In a company announcement referring to an earlier disclosure, HSBC Bank Malta said the agreement was reached following the completion of HBCE’s consultation process with its French works council. The transaction gives effect to a previously announced put option arrangement between HBCE and CrediaBank relating to the potential sale.
HSBC Bank Malta, HBCE and CrediaBank have also signed a cooperation agreement outlining their respective obligations in connection with the proposed transaction. The sale is subject to the completion of the required corporate procedures and the receipt of all relevant regulatory approvals.
(The Malta Indeġpendent)
MIDI agrees €10.2m sale of Tigné Point commercial units
IDI plc has entered into promise of sale agreements for the transfer of a number of commercial properties at the Tigné Point development in Sliema, with a total consideration of €10.2 million. The agreements were signed on 19 December 2025 with Basel Capital Limited by MIDI and its wholly owned subsidiary, T14 Investments Limited. The deal marks the second disposal announced by MIDI this month, following the earlier disclosure of an agreement to sell Fort Tigné to Joseph Portelli for €2.5 million. Under the latest transaction, MIDI and T14 Investments will transfer the remaining term of a 99-year temporary emphyteusis over 11 commercial units beneath the Pjazza Blocks, together with the building known as Unit T3. The emphyteusis, granted by the government in 2000, remains subject to annual ground rent and conditions in the original deed. (The Malta Independent)
Mild but unsettled weather forecast for Christmas
The Meteorological Office has forecast a mix of sunshine, cloud and unsettled conditions for the Christmas period in the Maltese Islands, with mild temperatures and the possibility of showers and strong winds. Christmas Eve is expected to be largely pleasant during the day, with sunshine and temperatures reaching 18°C, before cloud increases later on. Showers are possible overnight into Christmas Day, some potentially thundery with a risk of hail, as temperatures dip to around 12°C. Christmas Day is forecast to start rather cloudy, with isolated showers still possible, although daytime temperatures should again reach 18°C, around 5°C warmer than last year. Conditions are expected to improve by Boxing Day, with partly cloudy skies and highs of 19°C. Winds are set to be moderate to strong throughout the period, strengthening towards Friday evening. (Maltatoday)
NAO flags payroll overpayments at RSSL after Air Malta absorption
The absorption of 280 former Air Malta employees into the state-owned Resource Support and Services Limited resulted in salary overpayments, according to the National Audit Office’s annual review. The NAO found that payroll adjustments at RSSL are still being entered manually into spreadsheets, contributing to errors and weak controls. RSSL, which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, currently pays the salaries of 629 workers deployed across government departments and public entities. The review highlighted a lack of payroll verifications, leading to incorrect payments, significant overpayments, poor documentation and inadequate audit trails. RSSL management told the NAO that the company had been overwhelmed by the sudden intake of former Air Malta staff, along with 51 former MIMCOL workers, over a short period. This influx placed “enormous pressure” on the company’s financial and administrative capacity. (Times of Malta)
