“This year FinanceMalta already organized two BlockFinance events in Malta, with the first one discussing the application of distributed ledger technology (DLT), and another one on the AML [anti-money laundering] challenges relating to such innovative technologies. This time around we are putting the spotlight on STOs and the various aspects of this investment tool,” said Ivan Grech, Chief Operations Officer at FinanceMalta.

An STO is very similar to an initial coin offering (ICO): they are essentially tools used by blockchain and DLT startups for attracting funding for their ventures. In the case of ICOs, cryptocurrencies are offered, while in the case STOs, tokens are provided in exchange for investment.

Tokens differ from coins in that they fall under the status of securities. They are linked to an underlying investment asset in a way like stocks, bonds, real estate investment trusts (REIT) or other funds.

The BlockFinance event will cover various topics such as understanding STOs and the future of investing via new tokenised business models, the compliance element of STOs, as well as the opportunities, challenges and solutions in adopting STOs.

A key topic of the event will be the Malta Financial Services Authority’s (MFSA) consultation and feedback on STOs and the way forward as a result of this. One key presentation will focus on the advantages that blockchain technology applied to Corporate Governance could bring to companies in Malta, in particular with respect to the automation of tasks, documents and validations of legally binding actions.

FinanceMalta is a non-profit public-private initiative aiming to promote Malta as an international business and financial centre internationally. “It brings together and harnesses the resources of the industry and government, to ensure Malta maintains a modern and effective legal, regulatory and fiscal framework in which the financial services sector can continue to grow and prosper,” the press statement by FinanceMalta says.

The post FinanceMalta organises BlockFinance breakfast first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Medical Cannabiz World Summit keynotes and panel debates discussed topics such as regulation in different territories around the world and patient charters to ensure best practice in healthcare when prescribing medical cannabis.

“The quality of medical cannabis preparations is of primary concern and advances in chemistry and tech as well as in-depth study of endocannabinoid systems are mitigating some of the challenges in the field, including standardisation concerns,” said Maltese MP Deo Debattista during the first day of the event.

“Regulation of cannabis for medicinal and research purposes in Malta follows a route comparable to that implemented for the pharmaceutical industry and controlled medicines,” the MP added.

“Everyone is talking about cannabis regulation, but what will the industry look like post-regulation? One thing is clear: the big whales will enter and dominate,” said CMTREX Founder-CEO Saul Singer in a different speech.

Malta Enterprise’s Marion Zammit said that “the process for obtaining a licence has been kept clear and transparent and the evaluation process is rigorous and scrutinous.”

CannaKids CEO Tracy Ryan said the pursuit of medical cannabis as a treatment for her daughter had played a huge role in what she calls a miracle story. “The doctors said we cannot explain what we are seeing, we would like to give the credit to medical cannabis,” she described.

While medical cannabis is gaining ground internationally, Europe has traditionally been seen as a slow-adopter: in some countries talking about cannabis is still stigmatised. “We are living in a schizophrenic situation where the industry in medical cannabis is growing very fast, while in Europe, research in cannabinoids has really been slowed down by stigma,” said Professor of Psychology at the University of Malta Giuseppe di Giovanni.

As part of Malta Week, the AIBC Summit Malta is taking place on 7-8 November, exploring emerging technologies such as distributed ledger technologies (DLT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide unique solutions to any industry.

“We made it our intention to be at the forefront of this exciting new success story for medical cannabis and to create an environment where deals can be made and the global industry can flourish,” said Eman Pulis, Founder and CEO of organiser SiGMA Group.

“We are proud to play an integral role, planting the seeds of growth for so many diverse contributors to the medical cannabis sector. We’re not just part of the conversation—we’re starting the conversation,” he added.

SiGMA Group is now taking the medical cannabis expo to South East Asia in June 2020. The event will be closely linked to SiGMA Group’s sister show—AIBC Summit—bringing blockchain and medical cannabis together, as well as bridging continents between east and west.

The post Malta’s Cannabiz World Summit brings international reps together first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the issue during the Digital X, Europe’s cross-sectoral digitalisation initiative. T-Systems will offer its business customers a “Blockchain Ecosystem” from 2020.

Malta Enterprise and T-Systems expressed their commitment to making the benefits of the compliant and rapidly deployable blockchain ecosystem available to Malta-registered companies as soon as possible. The two entities added that they are convinced that blockchain networks provide higher security and control than any other technology.

In November 2018, Malta became the first EU member to provide a formal legal framework for blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) solutions. Ever since, Malta has often been referred to as the “Blockchain Island”.

“We are delighted to offer this unique platform to Blockchain developers,” said Katharyn White, Chief Marketing Officer of T-Systems, “It will increase the success of Blockchain projects and accelerate the impact of Blockchain solutions on the market,” she added.

Kurt Farrugia, CEO of Malta Enterprise, also welcomes the cooperation: “This collaboration with T-Systems will give a further competitive advantage for Malta over other jurisdictions while adding more value to the already established Maltese Blockchain ecosystem,” said Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia. “Companies using T-System’s Blockchain Ecosystem services will have a certification for their project by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). The relationship with T-Systems will continue to build Malta’s reputation as a solid Blockchain jurisdiction,” he added.

The planned collaboration includes:

• Provision of an enterprise blockchain platform as part of the Malta Innovation Hub, which will support the Ethereum, Hyperledger, and Corda DLT platforms;
• Provision of a validator service, allowing Mata-registered companies to rapidly deploy validator nodes on some of the largest and most significant proof-of-stake blockchains in production;
• Support for the comprehensive solution audits recently announced by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority;
• Access to T-Systems’ security solutions;
• Joint marketing and training activities, including seminars in key European cities to provide a rapid adoption path for companies wishing to launch blockchain projects quickly, securely, and in full compliance.

The post Malta Enterprise teams up with T-Systems on blockchain ecosystem first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

OKEx believes that the recent addition of Ecosystem Partnership can contribute to building a stable blockchain ecosystem, as well as offers a great opportunity to connect to different networks and portfolios under the blockchain space.

“We are excited to participate in this new initiative by Klaytn. We have a strong faith to the team and the blockchain technology developed upon solid reliability and significant stability,” said Andy Cheung, Head of Operations of OKEx.

“Exchanges and projects itself should work together to define and adopt standards that will promote digital asset adoption globally. At OKEx, we are always keen to work with market players in expanding the market and bring in quality projects in accordance with market needs, and I believe this indicates a good start,” Mr Cheung added.

“We are delighted to welcome the global top exchange OKEx to join Klaytn,” said Chase Choi, the Head of Business at Ground X. “As Asia’s number one blockchain platform, we will further solidify and expand our ecosystem together with OKEx,” he added.

Klaytn partnerships come in various forms: Governance Council, Ecosystem Partners, Initial Service Partners, KLAY BApp (Blockchain Application) Partners, and Investors. The project’s partners currently include giants such as Samsung Blockchain, IDG Capital and Shinhan Bank.

Developed by Kakao’s blockchain arm, Klaytn is an enterprise-grade and service-centric blockchain platform with a mission to combine the features of both public and private chains via an efficient hybrid structure. Kakao is one of the market-leading messenger services in South Korea.

The post OKEx joins Kakao’s Klaytn blockchain ecosystem first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

During the conference, experts will discuss the impact of these technologies, as well as, debate the various current and future applications of blockchain and AI. The conference will also look at the relevant legal frameworks, with a particular focus on Malta.

“We are delighted to be hosting the ‘Blockchain & AI: Where are they taking us?’ conference,” says Mark Azzopardi from Working Town Events. “Blockchain and AI are set to change our lives — but what do we know about these technologies and what can we expect their impact to be? Have they already had a profound and irreversible effect? This useful and enjoyable conference hopes to answer these questions and more, for those looking to deliver services related to these sectors as well as those who just wish to learn the basics,” Mr Azzopardi adds.

The two-day event will include talks, forums and panel discussions with experts including Helen Burrows, Aviya Arika, Soulla Louca, Godfrey Baldacchino, Joseph Anthony Debono, Claudia Borg, Gordon Pace, Stephanie Fabri, David Galea, Philip Maurice Mifsud, Luis Pallares, Abigail Mamo, Béatrice Collet, Denise De Gaetano, Luis Pallares, Helga Pizzuto, Mark Mallia, Darren Parkin, François Grech, Leonard Bonello, Malcolm Falzon, Ian Gauci, Damian Mifsud and James Muscat Azzopardi.

Working Town Events, an Azure Rock Partners brand, will host the conference in partnership with Blockchain Island Magazine, Zeta, Meta Luminor, the Academy of Business Leaders, Write Me Anything, and Coin Rivet. The event is also accredited by the Malta Institute of Accountants for 8.25 hours of Professional Development in terms of the Accountancy Board’s CPE Scheme.

Tickets for the conference are available online.

The post Working Town Events conference to explore blockchain, AI first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

As part of the partnership, SiGMA Group will host exclusive BitAngels networking events in conjunction with the AI & Blockchain Summit events, taking place in Malta this November and in Manila, Philippines, in June 2020.

BitAngels is a community of blockchain investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals with local events hosted in major cities to promote growth and connectivity in the blockchain industry through in-person and online collaboration. This network aims to accelerate blockchain adoption globally by connecting stakeholders through its events.

“With Eman’s extensive business relationships in Malta, ‘the Blockchain Island’, and in Manila, Philippines, he makes the ideal City Leader to broker new blockchain partnerships and introductions across the BitAngels network,” said Michael Terpin, co-founder of BitAngels.

“BitAngels will be instrumental in bringing together the very best that the blockchain sector has to offer,” said Mr Pulis. “Combined with SiGMA Group’s mission to bridge the blockchain sectors from East to West, we expect to supercharge the development of blockchain technologies for the good of the world.”

As part of the partnership, SiGMA Group Founder and CEO Eman Pulis also becomes a BitAngels City Leader for the soon-to-be-launched BitAngels Manila Chapter, while SiGMA Group COO Oliver De Bono takes on the role of City Leader for the forthcoming BitAngels Malta chapter.

The post SiGMA Group partners with BitAngels Investor Network first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The university says it will coordinate two projects focussed on digital training for higher education and continued professional development. 

On the one hand, the DIG-IT project is coordinated by Maria Cassar from the Department of Nursing and Prof Colla J. MacDonald from the rectorate while the ICARUS project is conducted by Emmanuel Francalanza from the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. 

The DIG-IT project will deliver support related to training and resources academic staff at EU universities in order to adopt digital technologies and innovative approaches to their teaching. 

Furthermore, this project aims at creating an international learning community that shares and distributes innovative training and teaching resources in an open access repository. 

It also aims at reducing the redundancy, time and cost required to design digital education products and processes with a view to increasing uptake, and innovation in a knowledge-based economy. 

In addition, UM is also planning to collaborate with other stakeholders. For instance, the healthcare sector sees a large number of practitioners wishing to continue education while trying to maintain patient services, according to the press release sent to BM. 

DIG-IT will also explore how healthcare experts can collaborate with digital experts of universities EU-wide in order to pilot English and Italian bilingual online resources in a healthcare context. 

On the other hand, the ICARUS aims to bring together a number of experts and leaders in Industry 4.0 from European Higher Education Institutions (HEI), lead by the University of Malta in order to collaborate on developing specific training content and support HEI trainers and learners. 

The project supports the need for HEI trainers and learners to handle Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Printing, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Collaborative Robotics, Cybersecurity, Industrial Networking, Big Data Analysis and drones. 

Therefore, ICARUS focuses on the developing of an innovative digital training toolbox, which supports educators and learners in order to improve their skills.  

The post The University of Malta receives €740,000 funding first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

“Malta is an important hub for us to connect to the European markets. This year marks a significant milestone for us. Over the year, in Malta, we have been working closely with legal and compliance experts, and local authorities to prompt the development of OKMSX,” said Andy Cheung, Head of Operations of OKEx.

“This joint venture marks our confidence in the Maltese government as well as our commitment to providing an efficient, secure, and transparent blockchain trading environment to clients worldwide. We are excited as it is finally happening in 2020,” he added.

“Backed by the strong support from the Maltese government, the Delta Summit is one of the world’s most important blockchain events. We look forward to bringing in more insightful discussions and sharing our upcoming plans with the world during the conference,” Mr Cheung continued.

OKEx has been collaborating with MSX since 2018, the digital and fintech arm of Malta Stock Exchange Holdings, in order to launch OKMSX, which is an institutional-grade exchange for security tokens in support of the “Blockchain Island” initiative in Malta. After one year of preparation time, the new exchange is at the final stage of development and the launch is expected in Q1 2020, according to the press release sent to BM.

The Delta Summit tech week will bring together players from tech industries, including sectors of blockchain, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT), among many others.

Malta has shown a welcoming attitude for emerging technology startups, which seek a base for innovations and presenting their ideas to the world.

The post OKEx celebrates anniversary in Malta, readies launching OKMSX first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

PwC Malta notes that organisations are rapidly changing the way they work and how they capitalise on new technologies like blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) — innovations that bring challenges that may put stakeholders in an uncertain position.

“Blockchain and other emerging technologies are making our clients rethink the way they do business. With the addition of this new tool to our suite of software we believe that we can continue to add value to our clients and help build trust in these emerging technologies,” said David Valenzia, Territory Senior Partner of PwC Colombia.

Since Malta adopted three bills last year regulating virtual financial assets, the island nation has often been referred to as the “Blockchain Island”. As a matter of fact, Malta has attracted players operating and providing services in the cryptocurrency space who are in the process of obtaining a license in terms of the Maltese Virtual Financial Assets Act, the PwC press statement reminds.

Therefore, PwC Global assembled its leading assurance professionals, software developers and blockchain experts to develop assurance solutions to support this complex, emerging area.

Furthermore, PwC thinks that with the launch of their new software tool, they are “well-positioned” to provide audit and other assurance services to their clients and prospective clients holding or transacting in cryptocurrency.

PwC Malta says the new software they launched can provide independent, substantive evidence of pairing the private key and the public address, which process is needed to establish ownership of cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the software is seen to securely interrogate the blockchain to “independently” and “reliably” gather corroborating information about blockchain transactions and balances.

In addition, PwC has started leveraging its new solution to support audits of clients engaged in cryptocurrency activities, the press statement adds. PwC is also working with companies to help them address the new opportunities and challenges of blockchain and cryptocurrency, including supporting them to implement the processes and controls they will require in order to obtain assurance reports from their auditors, the statement adds.

The group can use its new tool to provide assurance services to clients transacting in bitcoin, bitcoin cash, bitcoin gold, bitcoin diamond, litecoin, ether, ERC20 – OAX token, and ripple (XRP).

The post PwC Malta launches auditing tool for crypto first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

SiGMA Manila and Manila AI and Blockchain Summit will take place on 8 and 9 June 2020 at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila. Asia is leading the way in merging new blockchain and AI technologies with the global iGaming sector. SiGMA Group is strengthening trade ties with the jurisdictions in the region to facilitate fresh business opportunities for European companies, according to the press release. 

“Regulatory turmoil in Europe and increasing appetite in Asia for online gambling and distributed ledger technology (DLT) has led us to take this bold leap forward and launch our two most successful shows in Asia. Whether you are in iGaming, AI, blockchain, or emerging tech, our mission is to support the obvious trend of European brands expanding East, and we are delighted to endorse the great opportunities that exist in Asia”, says Eman Pulis, CEO of SiGMA Group.  

“We do not just want to react to what is going on out there, but we want to take an active, leading role in not only bringing the Asian and European community together but also building long-lasting commercial opportunities,” commented Mr Pulis. The joint expos in Manila are expected to welcome over 600 exhibitors and 11,000 attendees from across the globe. With the launch of SiGMA Manila 2020 and the Manila AI and Blockchain Summit the group hopes to support European companies in forging closer relations with their Asian counterparts and introduce themselves to global companies.

The post SiGMA Group announces summits for Manila 2020 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.