Heritage Malta has recognised HSBC as the official patron of the National Museum of Fine Arts. This was announced during a presentation of a €24,000 donation by HSBC's new Chief Executive Officer Alan Richards. Over the past three years, the HSBC Cares for Malta's Heritage Fund (HCMHF) has contributed over €70,000 to the National Museum of Fine Arts, run by Heritage Malta, for ongoing refurbishment projects and the setting up of a reference library, the HSBC Vincenzo Bonello Library, which will open soon.

HSBC's close relationship with the Fine Arts Museum dates back to 2003 when the bank loaned the museum, on a permanent basis, the Malta Turner Watercolour, a painting of the Grand Harbour which is the highlight of the museum's 19th century collection and the only Maltese landscape known by renowned British watercolourist J.M.W. Turner. In 2005, the HCMHF was set up with the aim of sponsoring and raising funds for the conservation of Malta's national heritage.

"In spite of its broad International reach HSBC remains at heart a local Bank. The World's Local Bank is not a Slogan but an important part of HSBC's character - wherever we operate around the world we look to play an active and responsible role in the local community" said Alan Richards, CEO HSBC Malta.

"Given Malta's extraordinary history I am particularly pleased to see us actively supporting Malta's rich heritage and the excellent work of Dr Tabone and Heritage Malta".

"Heritage Malta enjoys a strong relationship with HSBC, whose contribution on various fronts to the Maltese heritage ensures that our rich history is looked after and preserved to be enjoyed by our and future generations," said Dr Mario Tabone, Chairman of Heritage Malta. "We are delighted with the support we receive from HSBC and look forward to building further on the valuable relationship between the two organisations."