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	<title>The Malta Business Weekly | The Malta Business Weekly</title>
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	<description>A New Voice for Business in Malta</description>
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	<title>The Malta Business Weekly | The Malta Business Weekly</title>
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		<title>Almost 10 million people took part in ECB survey on new euro banknotes</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/almost-10-million-people-took-part-in-ecb-survey-on-new-euro-banknotes/30876/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/almost-10-million-people-took-part-in-ecb-survey-on-new-euro-banknotes/30876/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:19:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30876</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Survey results will inform Governing Council decision on final design concept A total of 9.96 million people across Europe and beyond shared their views on the future design of euro banknotes by completing the ECB’s public survey. “This amazing number shows how much interest Europeans have in their future banknotes,” said President Christine Lagarde. “With [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/almost-10-million-people-took-part-in-ecb-survey-on-new-euro-banknotes/30876/">Almost 10 million people took part in ECB survey on new euro banknotes</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Survey results will inform Governing Council decision on final design concept</strong></p>



<p>A total of 9.96 million people across Europe and beyond shared their views on the future design of euro banknotes by completing the ECB’s public survey.</p>



<p>“This amazing number shows how much interest Europeans have in their future banknotes,” said President Christine Lagarde. “With them participating in the redesign process, an important step has been taken in preparing the next series of banknotes.”</p>



<p>2.6% of the euro area population took part in the survey, and interest was strong across all age groups, including younger generations, with two-thirds of responses coming from people under the age of 35. To ensure that the survey results accurately represent the euro area population, data will be analysed using standard statistical methods.</p>



<p>The survey ran between 23 July and 21 September 2026. It sought public opinions on ten shortlisted design proposals based on the themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. A separate survey – run by an independent research company and targeting a representative sample of people in the euro area – was conducted using the same questions and is currently being finalised.</p>



<p>The results of the two surveys, together with the recommendations of the independent Design Contest Jury and a technical assessment, will inform the ECB Governing Council’s decision on the final design concept for the future euro banknotes, which is expected around the end of 2026. The ECB is not publishing the results for individual design proposals at this stage. After the decision, a detailed report on the surveys, including feedback on each proposal and results from different countries, will be published.</p>



<p>Following the Governing Council’s decision on the concept, the chosen design will be adapted and further developed to transform it into actual banknotes. The new banknotes will incorporate enhanced security features and improvements in accessibility and sustainability. The new banknotes should enter circulation gradually from the early 2030s. Euro banknotes currently in circulation will remain valid and continue to circulate alongside the new series.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/almost-10-million-people-took-part-in-ecb-survey-on-new-euro-banknotes/30876/">Almost 10 million people took part in ECB survey on new euro banknotes</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">30876</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>MFSA and FinanceMalta launch Malta Finance Week 2027</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-and-financemalta-launch-malta-finance-week-2027/30872/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-and-financemalta-launch-malta-finance-week-2027/30872/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:14:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30872</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and FinanceMalta have jointly launched Malta Finance Week 2027, a new flagship national event for Malta&#8217;s financial services sector. The announcement was made by MFSA Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farrugia and FinanceMalta Chairman George Vella during the closing remarks of the MFSA’s FinTech 2030 conference at the Xara Lodge, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-and-financemalta-launch-malta-finance-week-2027/30872/">MFSA and FinanceMalta launch Malta Finance Week 2027</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and FinanceMalta have jointly launched Malta Finance Week 2027, a new flagship national event for Malta&#8217;s financial services sector. The announcement was made by MFSA Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farrugia and FinanceMalta Chairman George Vella during the closing remarks of the MFSA’s FinTech 2030 conference at the Xara Lodge, Rabat, on Tuesday 22 September.</p>



<p>The inaugural Malta Finance Week will take place from 13 &#8211; 15 October 2027. It will bring together regulators, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, academics and international stakeholders for a week of high-level panels, networking and thought leadership focused on the future of finance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The landmark event will showcase Malta’s financial services ecosystem and promote the jurisdiction as a credible, innovative and internationally connected financial centre. It will facilitate dialogue on the future of the sector, strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, and create opportunities for international engagement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The programme will be built around six themes: innovation and digital transformation; sustainable finance; capital markets and investment; FinTech and emerging technologies; regulatory excellence and resilience; and international competitiveness.</p>



<p>Malta Finance Week 2027 coincides with FinanceMalta’s 20th anniversary and the MFSA’s 25th anniversary, making the event an opportunity to reflect on the achievements to date while looking towards the next chapter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Kenneth Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer of the MFSA, said: “We are delighted to be launching Malta Finance Week as the premier platform on which to demonstrate to the world the depth and maturity of Malta’s financial services sector, and to set out our vision for the industry. It will bring together industry, policymakers, regulators and international peers, with meaningful cross-sector dialogue being essential to preparing financial services for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Trust, stability and market integrity remain the foundation of everything we do, and it is precisely on that strong foundation that innovation can flourish responsibly within a robust regulatory framework. We look forward to illustrating this at Malta Finance Week.”&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-attachment-id="30874" data-permalink="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-and-financemalta-launch-malta-finance-week-2027/30872/george-vella-chairman-financemalta/" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?fit=1600%2C1066&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="1600,1066" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="George Vella &#8211; Chairman, FinanceMalta" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?fit=696%2C464&amp;ssl=1" width="696" height="464" src="https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=696%2C464&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-30874" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1023&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=696%2C464&amp;ssl=1 696w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=1068%2C712&amp;ssl=1 1068w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=630%2C420&amp;ssl=1 630w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https://i2.wp.com/maltabusinessweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/George-Vella-Chairman-FinanceMalta.jpeg?w=1392&amp;ssl=1 1392w" sizes="(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></figure>



<p>George Vella, Chairman of FinanceMalta, said:&nbsp;“Malta’s success as an international financial centre has always been built on collaboration across the whole ecosystem, from practitioners and regulators to policymakers and investors. Malta Finance Week will bring that ecosystem together and showcase it to a global audience. The event is an opportunity to show the world what Malta offers, to open doors for investment, and to set the agenda for ensuring the future competitiveness of our flourishing financial services industry.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Malta Finance Week is intended to become a permanent fixture in the international calendar. By bringing the sector&#8217;s full ecosystem together in one place, it will reinforce the jurisdiction’s reputation for combining innovation with strong regulation and give participants a front-row seat to the opportunities emerging in FinTech, digital assets and sustainable finance. Over time, the event is expected to support long-term growth and international visibility for the sector while providing a lasting platform for thought leadership and industry collaboration.</p>



<p>A short film introducing Malta Finance Week was premiered at the launch and is available <a href="https://vimeo.com/1229456883">here</a>. Further details on the programme, venue, speakers and registration will be announced in the coming months.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-and-financemalta-launch-malta-finance-week-2027/30872/">MFSA and FinanceMalta launch Malta Finance Week 2027</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">30872</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>PM Abela meets leading international companies to strengthen Malta’s connectivity and attract further investment</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/pm-abela-meets-leading-international-companies-to-strengthen-maltas-connectivity-and-attract-further-investment/30869/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/pm-abela-meets-leading-international-companies-to-strengthen-maltas-connectivity-and-attract-further-investment/30869/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:05:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30869</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Prime Minister Robert Abela held a series of meetings in New York with senior representatives of Delta Air Lines and BlackRock as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen Malta’s connectivity, attract further high-quality investment and create new opportunities for the Maltese economy. During a meeting with Delta Air Lines Vice President Scott Jordan, discussions [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/pm-abela-meets-leading-international-companies-to-strengthen-maltas-connectivity-and-attract-further-investment/30869/">PM Abela meets leading international companies to strengthen Malta’s connectivity and attract further investment</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Prime Minister Robert Abela held a series of meetings in New York with senior representatives of Delta Air Lines and BlackRock as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen Malta’s connectivity, attract further high-quality investment and create new opportunities for the Maltese economy.</p>



<p>During a meeting with Delta Air Lines Vice President Scott Jordan, discussions focused on the performance of the direct route between New York&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;JFK and Malta, which began operating three times a week in June this year. The route recorded an average seat load factor of 84% up to 21 September. An encouraging result that reflects strong demand for this direct connection.</p>



<p>In light of this positive performance, discussions focused on the possibility of extending the route into 2027. Further collaboration to promote Malta in the American market was also discussed. The Prime Minister noted that the direct connection to New York is already delivering added value for tourism and business while opening up further opportunities for connectivity with the US market.</p>



<p>In a separate meeting with BlackRock, one of the world’s largest investment management companies, discussions centred on opportunities for further investment in Malta. The Prime Minister highlighted the strong performance of the Maltese economy, the country’s stability and the ongoing work to attract high-quality investment in strategic and innovative sectors.</p>



<p>During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed that Malta must remain a credible and competitive partner for international investors, while ensuring that the investment attracted to the country continues to create quality jobs and new opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan workers and businesses.</p>



<p>“These meetings reflect our continued efforts to strengthen Malta’s connectivity and attract further high-quality investment to our country. Our objective is clear. To build a stronger and more competitive economy that creates better opportunities for people, businesses and future generations,” said Prime Minister Robert Abela.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/pm-abela-meets-leading-international-companies-to-strengthen-maltas-connectivity-and-attract-further-investment/30869/">PM Abela meets leading international companies to strengthen Malta’s connectivity and attract further investment</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">30869</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>RSM Malta partners with ASCS for student career development</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/rsm-malta-partners-with-ascs-for-student-career-development/30854/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/rsm-malta-partners-with-ascs-for-student-career-development/30854/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:48:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30854</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>RSM Malta has entered into a partnership with the Association of Students of Commercial Studies (ASCS), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening links between academia and industry, and supporting students as they prepare for the next stage of their professional journey. Rooted in a shared focus on understanding the needs, ambitions, and challenges faced by students [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/rsm-malta-partners-with-ascs-for-student-career-development/30854/">RSM Malta partners with ASCS for student career development</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>RSM Malta has entered into a partnership with the Association of Students of Commercial Studies (ASCS), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening links between academia and industry, and supporting students as they prepare for the next stage of their professional journey.</p>



<p>Rooted in a shared focus on understanding the needs, ambitions, and challenges faced by students today, the collaboration reflects RSM Malta’s continued focus on engaging with future professionals in a way that is practical, relevant, and human-centred.</p>



<p>ASCS is a non-profit student organisation representing students within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) at the University of Malta, comprising a community of approximately 2,000 students. Founded in the early 1980s, ASCS emerged from a clear need to provide students with a collective voice during the formative years of the Faculty. While its scope and initiatives have evolved over time, the organisation continues to be guided by its core values of representation, advocacy, and community.</p>



<p>Through this collaboration, RSM Malta will be actively involved across a range of student-focused initiatives aimed at helping students better understand the transition from academic life to the workplace. This includes contributing to engagements that provide practical insight into the realities of the business environment, creating space for open dialogue, and offering students a clearer understanding of the expectations and opportunities within the profession.</p>



<p>The emphasis of the partnership is on direct and meaningful interaction, creating opportunities for students to ask questions, gain perspective, and engage directly with professionals. This extends to career-focused initiatives, internships, and recruitment opportunities, allowing students to connect their academic experience with real-world application.</p>



<p>Commenting on the collaboration, Karen Spiteri Bailey, managing partner at RSM Malta, said: “At RSM Malta, we place strong importance on listening and understanding, whether it is our clients, our people, or the professionals of tomorrow. Through this collaboration with ASCS, we aim to create opportunities for students to engage with the profession in a way that is open, practical, and grounded in real experiences, helping them feel more confident in the decisions they take moving forward.”</p>



<p>Also commenting, Nicole Azzopardi, ASCS president, said: “Our collaboration with RSM Malta allows us to give students greater visibility into the professional world, while creating opportunities that go beyond the classroom. It supports our aim of helping students grow not only academically, but also in how they prepare for their future careers.”</p>



<p>RSM Malta remains committed to initiatives that support education, professional development, and long-term talent growth. Through collaborations such as this, the firm continues to invest in building relationships with students early on, contributing to a stronger, more connected professional community.</p>



<p><em>For more information about RSM Malta visit <a href="http://www.rsm.global/malta">www.rsm.global/malta</a></em></p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/rsm-malta-partners-with-ascs-for-student-career-development/30854/">RSM Malta partners with ASCS for student career development</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">30854</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Malta Chamber and EY Malta renew Gold Collaboration Alliance</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/the-malta-chamber-and-ey-malta-renew-gold-collaboration-alliance/30844/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:41:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30844</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and EY Malta have renewed their Gold Collaboration Alliance, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Malta’s business community and contributing to informed national policy discussions. Through the renewed agreement, EY Malta will leverage its extensive expertise to provide consultancy services and support The Malta Chamber in the development [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/the-malta-chamber-and-ey-malta-renew-gold-collaboration-alliance/30844/">The Malta Chamber and EY Malta renew Gold Collaboration Alliance</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and EY Malta have renewed their Gold Collaboration Alliance, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Malta’s business community and contributing to informed national policy discussions.</p>



<p>Through the renewed agreement, EY Malta will leverage its extensive expertise to provide consultancy services and support The Malta Chamber in the development of national policy positions and recommendations. This collaboration will focus on key areas addressed by The Malta Chamber’s Business Sections and Horizontal Thematic Committees, providing valuable expertise and insights to support the Chamber’s ongoing work in representing the interests of the private sector in national discussions. The renewed alliance builds on the longstanding relationship between the two organisations and their shared commitment to fostering a competitive, resilient and sustainable business environment. EY Malta has previously supported The Malta Chamber through its expertise in a range of areas relevant to Malta’s economic development and business community.</p>



<p>Commenting on the renewal, William Spiteri Bailey, President of The Malta Chamber, said: “We are pleased to renew our Gold Collaboration Alliance with EY Malta, strengthening a relationship that continues to bring significant value to The Malta Chamber and the wider business community. At a time when Malta is facing important economic and structural challenges, access to high-quality expertise and evidence-based insights is essential. EY Malta’s contribution will support our Business Sections and Horizontal Thematic Committees in developing well-informed policy positions and recommendations that reflect the realities and needs of businesses operating in Malta.”</p>



<p>Ronald Attard, Country Managing Partner at EY Malta, added: “This renewed collaboration reflects our shared commitment to Malta’s long-term competitiveness and resilience. By combining The Malta Chamber’s close understanding of the business community with EY Malta’s multidisciplinary expertise, we can help translate evidence-based insights into practical policy recommendations. We look forward to continuing to support the Chamber’s Business Sections and Horizontal Thematic Committees and to contributing constructively to Malta’s economic and policy discussions.”</p>



<p>The renewed collaboration will further facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between EY Malta and The Malta Chamber, supporting the Chamber’s role as a leading voice for the private sector and its engagement in national economic and policy discussions.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/the-malta-chamber-and-ey-malta-renew-gold-collaboration-alliance/30844/">The Malta Chamber and EY Malta renew Gold Collaboration Alliance</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Corinthia partners with Carolina Partners Ltd. to develop ultra-luxury hotel and branded residences in Turks &#038; Caicos</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/corinthia-partners-with-carolina-partners-ltd-to-develop-ultra-luxury-hotel-and-branded-residences-in-turks-caicos/30841/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/corinthia-partners-with-carolina-partners-ltd-to-develop-ultra-luxury-hotel-and-branded-residences-in-turks-caicos/30841/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:37:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30841</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Corinthia Group announces that it will develop a landmark ultra-luxury hotel and branded residential project on Grace Bay in Turks &#38; Caicos in partnership with Carolina Partners Ltd., further advancing its international growth through third-party management, strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and development. Set on the last remaining undeveloped beachfront parcel on this prime stretch of Grace [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/corinthia-partners-with-carolina-partners-ltd-to-develop-ultra-luxury-hotel-and-branded-residences-in-turks-caicos/30841/">Corinthia partners with Carolina Partners Ltd. to develop ultra-luxury hotel and branded residences in Turks & Caicos</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Corinthia Group announces that it will develop a landmark ultra-luxury hotel and branded residential project on Grace Bay in Turks &amp; Caicos in partnership with Carolina Partners Ltd., further advancing its international growth through third-party management, strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and development.</p>



<p>Set on the last remaining undeveloped beachfront parcel on this prime stretch of Grace Bay, the project is being led by Corinthia Real Estate Ventures (C-REV) – the Group’s real estate investment and development arm under Managing Partners Marcus Pisani and Alex Chazkel – and the completed resort will be managed by Corinthia Hotels.</p>



<p>The development will comprise a ultra-luxury Corinthia branded hotel and a limited collection of fully serviced branded residences, including beachfront villas, casitas, and condominiums.</p>



<p>Karen Cummings, a managing member of Carolina Partners Ltd, first visited Turks and Caicos more than 25 years ago and was overwhelmed by its natural beauty and the kindness of its people. Her vision for the opportunity led to the acquisition of the first parcel of land at that time and the acquisition of additional parcels over the next 25 years.</p>



<p>The site is the premier location on Grace Bay, which has been rated as the best and most beautiful beach in the world.&nbsp; Karen’s dream was to bring something very special to Turks &amp; Caicos to add to its unique beauty. After discussions with many potential partners, it was clear that Corinthia was the group that could fulfill that dream. Their culture, standards of design, and service are unmatched and their growing portfolio of luxury 5-Star hotels and residences throughout Europe, North America and the Middle East will bring something unique to Grace Bay.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Simon Naudi, CEO of Corinthia Group, said, “The Cummings family has held an extraordinary piece of Grace Bay for more than 25 years and we are delighted to be partnering with them to realise its potential. This project is another important step in Corinthia’s international growth, bringing together exceptional real estate, aligned capital partners, and our development and hotel management expertise.”</p>



<p>Marcus Pisani, Managing Partner of Corinthia Real Estate Ventures, adds, “This partnership brings together the Cummings family’s deep connection to Turks &amp; Caicos with C-REV’s development and investment capabilities. Grace Bay is a truly exceptional setting, and we look forward to creating a landmark project that reflects the quality of the site and the Corinthia brand.”</p>



<p>Alex Chazkel, Managing Partner of Corinthia Real Estate Ventures, said, “This is a rare opportunity to develop a world-class hotel and branded residential destination in one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after locations. We are excited to be working with the Cummings family and to be launching this as the first in a series of high-profile projects that C-REV is bringing forward in North America. This project will be added to our existing portfolio of hotel/residence properties in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The portfolio is growing rapidly with recently opened or announced projects in Malta, Italy (Rome, Lake Como, Tuscany), Maldives, North America and the Middle East.”</p>



<p>The resort has been meticulously planned to maximise the value of its exceptional beachfront position while integrating architecture, landscape, and the natural coastal environment. In addition to the hotel and branded residences, amenities will include a spa and wellness centre, multiple swimming pools, a beach club, signature restaurants, retail, padel courts, and curated lifestyle experiences.</p>



<p>The architectural vision draws inspiration from the calm, shallow waters of the Caicos Banks, with an emphasis on understated design, natural ventilation, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living.</p>



<p>The project is proceeding towards formal planning approval, with construction currently expected to commence in 2027. The Turks &amp; Caicos development marks C-REV’s entry into North America and represents a significant addition to Corinthia’s growing global portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, and residences.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/corinthia-partners-with-carolina-partners-ltd-to-develop-ultra-luxury-hotel-and-branded-residences-in-turks-caicos/30841/">Corinthia partners with Carolina Partners Ltd. to develop ultra-luxury hotel and branded residences in Turks & Caicos</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>MFSA brings together international experts to examine the future of financial services at FinTech2030</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-brings-together-international-experts-to-examine-the-future-of-financial-services-at-fintech2030/30847/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:42:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30847</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Conference explored regulatory and technological developments shaping financial services, from MiCA and tokenisation to AI, cybersecurity and quantum readiness The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) hosted FinTech2030: Shaping the Next Era of Financial Services, bringing together regulators, policymakers, industry experts, academics and technology specialists from Malta and international jurisdictions to examine the regulatory and technological [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-brings-together-international-experts-to-examine-the-future-of-financial-services-at-fintech2030/30847/">MFSA brings together international experts to examine the future of financial services at FinTech2030</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Conference explored regulatory and technological developments shaping financial services, from MiCA and tokenisation to AI, cybersecurity and quantum readiness</em></p>



<p>The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) hosted FinTech2030: Shaping the Next Era of Financial Services, bringing together regulators, policymakers, industry experts, academics and technology specialists from Malta and international jurisdictions to examine the regulatory and technological developments shaping the future of financial services.</p>



<p>Opening the conference, MFSA Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farrugia highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between regulators and market participants as technology continues to transform financial services.</p>



<p>“The pace of technological change is reshaping financial services and creating both opportunities and new risks. As a regulator, we need to remain responsive to these developments while ensuring that innovation takes place within a framework that supports resilience, market integrity and confidence. FinTech2030 provides an important platform for regulators, policymakers and industry to exchange experience and consider how we can collectively prepare for what comes next.”</p>



<p><strong>MiCA, crypto-assets and the evolving regulatory landscape</strong></p>



<p>The conference opened with a strategic overview of the current regulatory landscape by Christopher P. Buttigieg, Chief Officer Supervision at the MFSA, followed by international perspectives on the implementation and evolution of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).</p>



<p>Peter Kerstens, Advisor on Technological Innovation and Cybersecurity at the European Commission’s DG FISMA, provided a European Commission perspective on the next phase of MiCA. Carlo Comporti, Commissioner at CONSOB, shared supervisory experience on convergence, while Giles Swan examined the lessons emerging from two years of MiCA and what may come next.</p>



<p>The programme also addressed stablecoins, crypto-derivatives and supervisory approaches across jurisdictions. A panel moderated by Christine Cachia, Head of Communications at the MFSA, brought together perspectives from Malta, Luxembourg, Italy and Estonia, with Christopher P. Buttigieg, Karen O’Sullivan, Carlo Comporti and Tõnis Reinik discussing experiences and insights from across Europe.</p>



<p>The international dimension was further explored through perspectives from Bermuda and the United States, including Christos Efthymiopoulos of the Bermuda Monetary Authority and Andrew Cuomo, former Governor of New York and current OKX Board Member, who participated in a fireside discussion on the development of regulatory approaches to crypto-assets.</p>



<p><strong>Payments, tokenisation and the next generation of financial market infrastructure</strong></p>



<p>The conference then turned to developments in payments and tokenisation. Christopher Aquilina, Head of FinTech Supervision at the MFSA, provided a local perspective on Malta’s readiness for the implementation of PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation.</p>



<p>Tokenisation was examined from a number of perspectives, including international developments, the tokenisation of securities and the tokenisation of fund units. Sulolit Raj Mukherjee, Founder and CEO of Bodin Advisory, Pedro Gurrola-Pérez, Head of Research at the World Federation of Exchanges, and Ian Meli, Head of Investment Services Supervision at the MFSA, addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with the continued development of tokenised financial markets.A dedicated panel, moderated by James Farrugia, Partner at Ganado Advocates, brought together perspectives from asset management, digital assets, legal and professional services, with Luca Celati, Daniele Bernardi, Samuel Azzopardi, Cherise Abela Grech and Fabio Axisa examining the practical and regulatory considerations arising from tokenisation.</p>



<p><strong>AI, cybersecurity and quantum readiness</strong></p>



<p>The programme also examined how emerging technologies are changing the risk landscape for financial institutions and regulators.</p>



<p>Alan Decelis, Head of Supervisory ICT Risk and Cybersecurity at the MFSA, addressed emerging risks and regulatory responses before a panel on the frontier AI era considered the implications of artificial intelligence for financial services. Moderated by Matthew Ben Hamed of the MFSA, the discussion brought together Neil Micallef of the MDIA, Alberto Partida of the European Central Bank and Prashasth Baliga.</p>



<p>The conference subsequently turned to quantum readiness and the implications of the post-quantum era for the resilience of the financial system. Moderated by Noel Farrugia, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Merqury Cybersecurity, the panel featured Alessandro Curioni of IBM, Moona Ederveen-Schneider of Resilia Connect and Jag Foo of Safeheron.</p>



<p><strong>Addressing financial crime risks in digital assets</strong></p>



<p>The final substantive session focused on money laundering risks associated with crypto-assets, bringing together perspectives from financial intelligence, supervision and industry.</p>



<p>Jason Sandoval of Asset Reality opened the session, followed by a panel moderated by Jonathan Phyall of the FIAU. Ruth Aisthorpe Gauci, Matthew Scicluna, Jason Sandoval and Sofia Maria Cucciniello discussed the evolving financial crime risks associated with digital assets and the importance of effective AML/CFT frameworks, information sharing and cooperation across the financial ecosystem.</p>



<p>Closing the conference, Kenneth Farrugia emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration and knowledge-sharing between regulators, policymakers and market participants as technological and regulatory developments continue to reshape financial services.</p>



<p>FinTech2030 highlighted the increasingly interconnected nature of financial innovation, regulation, technology and financial crime risks. The discussions underscored the need for regulators and market participants to remain responsive to change while maintaining the resilience, market integrity, financial stability and consumer confidence that underpin a sustainable financial system.</p>



<p>The conference also marked the announcement of Malta Finance Week, the MFSA’s flagship financial services event. Further details on the 2027 edition will be announced separately.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/mfsa-brings-together-international-experts-to-examine-the-future-of-financial-services-at-fintech2030/30847/">MFSA brings together international experts to examine the future of financial services at FinTech2030</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Malta’s businesses invest €1.1bn in innovation between 2022 and 2024</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/maltas-businesses-invest-e1-1bn-in-innovation-between-2022-and-2024/30851/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 13:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30851</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Malta&#8217;s business sector recorded an estimated €1.1 billion in expenditure on innovation between 2022 and 2024, according to new figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The findings form part of the Community Innovation Survey, which examined enterprises employing 10 or more persons during the three-year period. The survey found that 1,356 enterprises, equivalent [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/maltas-businesses-invest-e1-1bn-in-innovation-between-2022-and-2024/30851/">Malta’s businesses invest €1.1bn in innovation between 2022 and 2024</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Malta&#8217;s business sector recorded an estimated €1.1 billion in expenditure on innovation between 2022 and 2024, according to new figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO).</p>



<p>The findings form part of the Community Innovation Survey, which examined enterprises employing 10 or more persons during the three-year period.</p>



<p>The survey found that 1,356 enterprises, equivalent to 43.4% of those surveyed, engaged in some form of innovation activity.</p>



<p>Of these, 570 enterprises undertook both product and business process innovation, while 562 focused exclusively on business process innovation. A further 145 enterprises were engaged solely in product innovation, and 79 reported carrying out research and development (R&amp;D) or other innovation activities.</p>



<p>Innovation expenditure excluding R&amp;D accounted for the largest share of total spending, reaching €921.4 million, or 85.4% of overall expenditure. Intramural R&amp;D expenditure amounted to €96 million, representing 8.9%.</p>



<p>Manufacturing businesses accounted for the majority of innovation expenditure, representing 66.6% of the total. Information and communication enterprises followed with 14.2%, while wholesale and retail trade, together with the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, accounted for 4.3%.</p>



<p>Despite the scale of investment, cooperation between innovative enterprises and other organisations remained relatively limited.</p>



<p>The NSO reported that 17.8% of innovative enterprises had at least one cooperation arrangement with another business or organisation. Among those enterprises, 52.3% cooperated with private business enterprises operating within the business sector.</p>



<p>The figures also showed that intellectual property protection was used by a minority of businesses. Some 373 enterprises or 11.9% of those surveyed, applied for an intellectual property right or licence.</p>



<p>Trademarks were the most common form of intellectual property application, with 237 enterprises applying for a trademark only. Meanwhile, 75 enterprises applied for more than one type of intellectual property right, while 34 relied exclusively on trade secrets.</p>



<p>The survey highlighted differing reasons why enterprises did not pursue further innovation.</p>



<p>Among innovative enterprises, 40.6% said they did not feel the need to introduce additional innovation activity. However, 23.5% identified a lack of resources as a factor limiting further innovation.</p>



<p>Among non-innovative enterprises, the majority, 80.2%, said innovation was not needed. A smaller proportion, 4.6%, cited a lack of resources as the reason for not undertaking innovation activities.</p>



<p>Access to funding also played a role in business innovation. The NSO found that 25.3% of innovative enterprises successfully obtained either equity or debt finance.</p>



<p>Of these enterprises, 33.8% indicated that they had partly or fully used the funds for research and development or other innovation activities.</p>



<p>Environmental considerations were also reflected in innovation activity. Nearly one-third, or 32.8%, of innovative enterprises introduced innovations aimed at reducing energy use or their carbon dioxide footprint.</p>



<p>A similar proportion, 31.4%, introduced innovations involving the recycling of waste, water or materials for their own use or for sale.</p>



<p>The survey further found that 37.7% of all enterprises formed part of an enterprise group.</p>



<p>Among these, 66.6% had their head office located in Malta. The remaining groups had headquarters in the European Union (15.5%), EFTA countries (1.2%), or elsewhere in the world (16.7%).</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/maltas-businesses-invest-e1-1bn-in-innovation-between-2022-and-2024/30851/">Malta’s businesses invest €1.1bn in innovation between 2022 and 2024</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>WH Partners wins Malta Tax Firm of the Year at the ITR European Tax awards</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/wh-partners-wins-malta-tax-firm-of-the-year-at-the-itr-european-tax-awards/30863/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:57:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30863</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>WH Partners has been named Malta Tax Firm of the Year at the ITR European Tax Awards 2026.Following its shortlist earlier this year, the award was presented at the ITR European Tax Awards ceremony held on 17 September at The Londoner in Leicester Square, London. Representing WH Partners at the ceremony were Ramona Cassar, Joselyn [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/wh-partners-wins-malta-tax-firm-of-the-year-at-the-itr-european-tax-awards/30863/">WH Partners wins Malta Tax Firm of the Year at the ITR European Tax awards</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>WH Partners has been named Malta Tax Firm of the Year at the ITR European Tax Awards 2026.<br>Following its shortlist earlier this year, the award was presented at the ITR European Tax Awards ceremony held on 17 September at The Londoner in Leicester Square, London. Representing WH Partners at the ceremony were Ramona Cassar, Joselyn Teuma, Mark Galea Salomone, Emma Spiteri and Aleksandr Belugin, who accepted the award on behalf of the firm.</p>



<p>Commenting on the award, Cassar, partner and head of Tax at WH Partners, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which is a wonderful recognition of the commitment and hard work of our tax team. It is particularly meaningful to see the team’s work recognised on an international stage, and this award is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.”</p>



<p>WH Partners thanks International Tax Review for the recognition and its clients, colleagues and wider team for their continued support.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/wh-partners-wins-malta-tax-firm-of-the-year-at-the-itr-european-tax-awards/30863/">WH Partners wins Malta Tax Firm of the Year at the ITR European Tax awards</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Beyond licensing: Can Malta become a launchpad for Europe&#8217;s next fintechs?</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/beyond-licensing-can-malta-become-a-launchpad-for-europes-next-fintechs/30838/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Malta Business Weekly]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:56:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Editor's Choice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=30838</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Mark Farrugia Debrincat Malta has built a reputation as a financial services hub, with fintech becoming an increasingly important niche within its economy. From payments and electronic money to digital assets and other technology-enabled financial services, the sector has evolved considerably in recent years. With EU regulation becoming ever more harmonised, Malta has an opportunity [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/beyond-licensing-can-malta-become-a-launchpad-for-europes-next-fintechs/30838/">Beyond licensing: Can Malta become a launchpad for Europe’s next fintechs?</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Mark Farrugia Debrincat</strong></p>



<p>Malta has built a reputation as a financial services hub, with fintech becoming an increasingly important niche within its economy. From payments and electronic money to digital assets and other technology-enabled financial services, the sector has evolved considerably in recent years. With EU regulation becoming ever more harmonised, Malta has an opportunity to position itself as a launchpad from which fintech businesses can build and scale their operations across the European Union. That opportunity, however, should not be confused with simply attracting more potential licences. A licence may provide access to a market, but it does not, by itself, create a successful business.</p>



<p><strong>The opportunity is bigger than Malta</strong></p>



<p>For a global fintech, Malta&#8217;s domestic market, although gradually growing and attracting large players, is unlikely to be the primary attraction. The more advantageous prospect lies in utilising Malta as a base from which to access the wider European market by virtue of the harmonisation of financial services regulation across the EU. For certain regulated activities, this can allow authorised entities to provide services across Member States through passporting mechanisms, without necessarily establishing a separate regulated entity in each jurisdiction. The practical ability to expand, however, remains dependent on the applicable regulatory framework and the nature of the services being provided.</p>



<p>The evolution of EU regulation is also illustrated by the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (“MiCA”), which has established a harmonised framework for crypto-asset service providers across the EU. For businesses operating in this sector, the regulatory landscape has therefore shifted from a collection of national approaches towards a more integrated structure. Malta&#8217;s early experience in digital assets gives it an opportunity to build on the expertise and ecosystem developed over recent years, provided that this experience can be translated into a broader proposition for businesses seeking to establish and scale in Europe.</p>



<p>Applicants, however, should not assume a frictionless route into the European market. Regulation may be increasingly harmonised, but European markets remain commercially diverse. Customer expectations, payment preferences, languages, competitive environments and established financial infrastructure can differ significantly from one Member State to another. For Malta, this creates an opportunity to offer something more valuable than simply a jurisdiction in which to obtain a licence: a credible European base from which businesses can build, operate and scale across multiple markets.</p>



<p>In practice, Malta&#8217;s approach to financial services has also increasingly placed emphasis on quality over quantity. The strength of the businesses establishing themselves here should therefore matter more than simply the number of licences granted. Factors such as local substance, financial backing, the potential of a product to contribute to or disrupt the market, and an applicant&#8217;s regulatory track record are important considerations in determining whether a business can genuinely add value to Malta&#8217;s ecosystem.</p>



<p>For a business intending to use Malta as its European base, the question of substance is an important consideration. Establishing a Maltese entity does not mean that the business has established a meaningful operation in Malta. The location of decision-making, senior management and key control functions, together with the resources supporting them, can be important in determining whether the structure reflects genuine local substance.</p>



<p><strong>Building beyond the licence</strong></p>



<p>Obtaining a licence should not be viewed as a standalone regulatory exercise. The authorisation process itself requires a business to demonstrate that it has the foundations necessary to operate effectively and sustainably. A fintech seeking to establish itself in Malta needs to consider matters such as local substance, governance, financial resources, compliance and risk management arrangements, technology and operational infrastructure, and the oversight of outsourced functions. These factors form part of the regulatory assessment of whether the proposed business has a sustainable operating model, supported by adequate resources, expertise and clearly defined responsibilities. These considerations do not end with the granting of a licence. A regulated business must be able to maintain the substance, governance and operational capabilities that underpin its authorisation as the business develops. This becomes even more significant where Malta is intended to serve as a base for expansion into other European markets.</p>



<p>The operating model may also involve outsourcing certain functions to third-party providers. This can allow a fintech to access specialist expertise or technology without building every function in-house, but it does not remove the need for the business to retain appropriate oversight and control. Outsourcing the performance of a function does not necessarily transfer responsibility for that function away from the regulated entity.</p>



<p>This is where the distinction between obtaining regulatory access and building a sustainable European business becomes important. A regulatory framework may provide the means to access other markets, but the underlying business still needs the people, systems, capital and governance to support that expansion. The licence, in this context, should be viewed not as the end-product, but as the foundation of the business&#8217;s operating platform.</p>



<p><strong>Malta’s challenge</strong></p>



<p>Malta has several characteristics that can make it attractive to an international fintech considering an EU base. Its membership of the European Union, English-speaking environment, established financial services industry and relatively concentrated ecosystem of professional and regulatory expertise provide a foundation on which businesses can build. Malta has also developed experience across payments, electronic money and digital assets, creating an ecosystem that can be particularly relevant to businesses operating at the intersection of technology and financial services.</p>



<p>However, fintech is an increasingly competitive sector, and Malta is competing with other established European financial centres for businesses, investment and talent. A credible regulatory framework is therefore only one part of the proposition. Businesses also need access to specialised employees, reliable infrastructure, banking and financial services, professional expertise and an environment in which they can scale.</p>



<p>Malta’s objective should not be to attract every business seeking an EU licence, but to create an environment in which high-quality businesses have a genuine reason to establish and grow here. Doing so requires continued investment in the wider ecosystem and close cooperation between regulators, government and industry.</p>



<p>Malta does not need to become Europe&#8217;s largest financial centre to succeed in fintech. Its opportunity lies in becoming a particularly attractive home for the right businesses: applicants that view Malta not simply as a place to obtain regulatory approval, but as a jurisdiction from which they can build and grow. The test of Malta&#8217;s fintech strategy should therefore not be how many licences it attracts, but how many businesses choose to make Malta part of their long-term European operations.</p>



<p>If Malta can combine the credibility of its regulatory framework with an ecosystem that encourages high-quality fintech businesses to establish genuine substance and grow here, it can offer something more valuable than regulatory access: a genuine launchpad into Europe.</p>



<p><em>Mark Farrugia Debrincat is a lawyer</em></p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/beyond-licensing-can-malta-become-a-launchpad-for-europes-next-fintechs/30838/">Beyond licensing: Can Malta become a launchpad for Europe’s next fintechs?</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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