Central Bank of Malta and RIDT sign agreement

The Central Bank of Malta, the University of Malta, and the University Research, Innovation and Development Trust have signed a Studies Support Collaboration Agreement aimed at enhancing postgraduate education and research in economics, banking, finance, insurance, and public policy.

Under the three-year agreement, commencing in October 2025, the Central Bank will provide an annual contribution to the University Research, Innovation and Development Trust. These funds will be used to support the engagement of foreign professors of recognised academic and professional standing, who will contribute to the delivery of lectures for students enrolled in a number of post-graduate programmes offered by the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy.

The foreign professors will also participate in specialised seminars coordinated by the Central Bank and carry out research aligned with its strategic interests.

To further promote academic excellence, the Central Bank will also sponsor two annual awards, one for best student and another for best dissertation in the MSc Economics programme.

UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, spoke about the added value of such an engagement to the learning experience of students.

“This added expertise not only ensures the content delivered is of the highest academic standard, but also brings real-world relevance and insight, ultimately sparking deeper interest, influencing career paths and elevating the academic profile of our entire institution,” he said.

Remarking on the agreement, Alexander Demarco, Acting Governor of the Central Bank, said that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing Malta’s research and educational landscape, especially in the fields of economics, banking, finance and public policy, while fostering stronger links between academia and the financial sector.