Izabela Banas, Group Chief Financial Officer at MeDirect Bank (Malta) p.l.c. has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Malta Bankers Association (MBA). She will succeed Henry Schmeltzer, who previously served in the role since June 2022.

Ms Banas brings to the role more than 25 years of international financial leadership experience, including 18 years in financial services. She joined MeDirect as Group Chief Financial Officer in June 2024, later becoming a member of the Bank’s Board in September 2024.

Founded in 1962, the Malta Bankers Association represents the interests of licensed banks operating in Malta. Its mission is, “to promote an enabling environment for the banking sector through advocacy, capacity building, education, and networking”. The Association participates in key national and European forums relating to payment systems, depositor protection, anti-money laundering, and broader financial sector development. As Deputy Chair, Ms Banas will support the Association’s work in shaping policies, fostering industry collaboration, and strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Malta’s banking environment at a time of evolving regulatory expectations and technological transformation across the banking sector.