Left to right: Hon. Roderick Galdes (Minister for Social & Affordable Accommodation), Matthew Zerafa (CEO, Housing Authority), and Marcel Cassar (CEO, APS Bank).
On 19 September 2023, the Housing Authority and APS Bank signed agreements to renew and improve on the three social schemes they jointly offer. This event was held at APS Bank’s offices in Swatar and was presided by the Hon. Roderick Galdes, Minister for Social & Affordable Accommodation, who delivered the opening remarks. Speeches followed by Matthew Zerafa, CEO of the Housing Authority, and Marcel Cassar, CEO of APS Bank.
Over the years and in collaboration with several government entities, APS Bank has introduced a portfolio of products aimed at customers with challenges in the housing market. These are Social Loan Scheme (2017, in partnership with the Foundation for Social Welfare Services – FSWS), Equity Sharing Scheme (2019) and Home Deposit Scheme (2020), which have collectively helped nearly 500 APS Bank customers to date.
The Hon. Roderick Galdes commented: “APS Bank has been a strategic partner in the accommodation sector, who together with the Government and the Housing Authority are helping and assisting hundreds of families entering the accommodation sector. Government’s policies for the housing sector have been convincing and the achieved results are merit to the continuous dialogue with people, entities and policymakers. Through this holistic policy approach, social justice is being done with people coming from all walks of life.”
Matthew Zerafa stated, “The Housing Authority has evolved its mission in a series of opportunities for affordable housing. Today we are continuing to strengthen 3 schemes that in recent years have been key for more than 1,500 families to become homeowners. Together with local banks such as APS Bank, we need to continue combining innovation with social justice to create solutions that have a positive impact on Maltese society.”
Marcel Cassar commented: ““We are proud to be strengthening our collaboration with the Housing Authority, the FSWS and Government. These agreements are about schemes that make a difference in people’s lives, helping them with the purchase of a first home, finishings and contents. They are at the heart of what we are as a Bank, that is to serve the community with products and services that leave an impact.”
For further information on APS Bank’s Social Schemes, please visit apsbank.com.mt/home-loan-packages/#social-schemes.
