Bank of Valletta (BOV) recorded pre-tax profits of €119.8 million in the first six months of the year, with its board recommending an interim net dividend of €33.6 million. Profits dipped compared to the first six months of last year, when the bank recorded pre-tax profits of €135.1 million. BOV CEO Kenneth Farrugia (L) and chairperson Gordon Cordina (C) gave a positive assessment of the bank’s performance. CEO Kenneth Farrugia noted that net interest income increased to €207 million while customer-driven net fee and commission earnings – covering payments, cards, trade finance, investments, and wealth management – reached €39.1 million. He highlighted the “strategic milestone” of the completion of the BOV’s €300 million Senior Preferred bond issuance.