Empowering
Financial Services

18:00pm - 21:00pm | Casino Maltese, Republic Street, Valletta

All ticket holders are entitled to attend the pre-conference networking event

8:00am | Registration & Networking Breakfast

09:00am | Welcome Address by FinanceMalta Chariman, Mr. George Vella

09:10am | Address by The Minister for Finance and Employment, Hon. Clyde Caruana

09:20am | Address by The Shadow Minister for Finance, Hon. Jerome Caruana Cilia

9:30am | The Future of Financial Centres

We will explore the evolving landscape of global financial centres and the key factors shaping their future. As financial hubs worldwide adapt to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting economic trends, it is crucial to understand the driving forces behind these transformations. We will then zoom in into Malta’s Financial Centre.

Keynote Address: Emmanuel Daniel, Author, Advisor, Futurist

10:00am | Malta’s Financial Centre: Powering Economic Development

The panel will explore Malta's financial centre and its pivotal role in driving the nation's economic development. We will delve into the strategic initiatives, regulatory frameworks, and innovative financial services that have positioned Malta as a dynamic hub for international business. We will examine key factors contributing to its success, including robust financial regulations, an efficient tax environment, and a skilled workforce. Additionally, we will highlight how Malta's financial sector fosters economic growth, attracts foreign investment, and supports local enterprises, ultimately propelling the country's global economic standing.

Through insightful commentary, case studies, and interactive Q&A sessions, our panelists will delve into specific economic trends such as inflation, interest rates, and global trade dynamics. Explore how these trends are reshaping investment strategies, risk management practices, and the overall business landscape for financial institutions.

Moderator: Eva Szalay, Independent Financial Journalist, Financial Writer

Video Message: Kotaro Ishi, Mission Chief at International Monetary Fund

Panelists:

Carmine di Noia, Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs at the OECD

Stephanie Vella, Director E-Cubed Consultants Ltd

Emmanuel Daniel, Author, Advisor, Futurist

10:35am | Networking Coffee Break

11:05am | Navigating the Fintech Frontier

In the dynamic landscape of financial technology, Malta's Fintech sector shows significant promise. Mastercard's in-depth study explores Malta's unique Fintech environment and its potential for growth. This presentation will highlight the global Fintech scenario, focusing on Malta's current landscape and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Presentation: Panagiotis Polydoros, Country Manager for Greece, Cyprus & Malta, Mastercard

Panel session: The forthcoming PSD3 and MiCA regulations are set to revolutionize the fintech landscape in Europe. Whilst technology is transforming the financial services industry, offering numerous opportunities, there are also ever-evolving challenges on the horizon. During this panel we will take an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities for fintech companies and consumers alike.

Moderator: Alan Cuschieri, Governor, FinanceMalta

Panelists:

Panagiotis Polydoros, Country Manager Greece, Malta, Cyprus - Mastercard

Mariana Gospodinova, EVP Operations at Crypto.com

Camille Pepos, Head Crypto & Payments, MFSA

Leonard Bonello, Partner at Ganado Advocates & GM Europe

11:50am | Riding the Blue Wave: Financing the Blue Economy

Panel Session: As global awareness of environmental sustainability continues to grow, the Blue Economy has emerged as a crucial area for investment that supports both economic growth and ecological balance. This session will delve into the vital role that sustainable finance plays in nurturing and expanding the Blue Economy—encompassing everything from sustainable fishing and aquaculture to marine renewable energy and eco-tourism.

Join our expert panelists as they explore innovative financial strategies and investment opportunities within the Blue Economy. They will discuss the latest trends, the importance of risk assessment and management in marine and coastal projects, and how finance can be a catalyst for supporting sustainable ocean-based industries.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in financing the Blue Economy, as well as insights into how these financial practices contribute to a sustainable future for our planet's oceans.

Moderator: Malcolm Falzon, Partner, Camilleri Preziosi

Panelists:

Aleksandra Palinska, Executive Director at Eurosif

Klaas de Vos, Founder and consultant at Ocean Fox Advisory | Edinburgh Ocean Leader

Simone Borg, Professor of Law, University of Malta, Ambassador Climate Action Ministry for Foreign EU Affairs and Trade and Ministry for Environment Energy and Enterprise

12:30pm | Networking Lunch

13:45pm | Breakout Session A | Harnessing AI: Transforming Financial Services for the Future

Explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in the financial services industry in this engaging breakout session. Industry experts and innovators will delve into how AI technologies are reshaping banking, investment, and risk management. Learn about the latest advancements in AI-driven analytics, automation, and customer personalization, and discover how these innovations can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making in financial institutions. Join us to uncover the strategies for successful AI integration and the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.

15 minute presentation: Nicolas Vasse, Financial Markets | Innovation and Digital, Promontory, a Business Unit of IBM Consulting, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Moderator: Ian Gauci, Managing Partner, GTG Advocates

Panelists:

Gege Gatt, CEO of EBO.ai

Nicolas Vasse, Financial Markets | Innovation and Digital, Promontory, a Business Unit of IBM Consulting, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Kostis hlouverakis, EY CESA Financial Services AI Leader / CESA-MENA Corridor AI & Data Leader

13:45pm | Breakout Session B | Empowering Financial Services: Leveraging Capital Markets for Growth and Innovation

Dive into the dynamic relationship between financial services and capital markets in this insightful breakout session. Expert panellists will explore how capital markets can be harnessed to drive growth, innovation, and resilience in the financial services sector. Topics will include capital raising, investment strategies, market access, and regulatory considerations. Learn how financial institutions can effectively leverage capital markets to enhance their service offerings, support economic development, and navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on unlocking the potential of capital markets to empower financial services.

15 minute presentation: Fabrice Demarigny, Chairman, European Capital Markets Institute and Partner at Forvis Mazars

Moderator: Doreanne Caruana, Head of Corporate Advisory, Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Ltd

Panelists:

Joseph Portelli, Chairman, Malta Stock Exchange

Wayne Pisani, Chairman, Capital Markets Working Group, MFSAC

Albert Alsina, Founder, CEO & Group Managing Partner of Mediterrania Capital Partners

Fabrice Demarigny, Chairman, European Capital Markets Institute and Partner at Forvis Mazars

13:45pm | Breakout Session C | Closing the Gap: Strengthening Financial Services by Addressing Skills Shortages

This session will bring together industry leaders, educators, and policy makers to discuss effective strategies for identifying and bridging skill deficiencies within the workforce. Topics will include the importance of continuous professional development, the role of educational institutions, and innovative training programs tailored to the evolving demands of the financial sector. Learn how targeted efforts to enhance skills can drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the competitiveness of financial services in a global market. Participate in the conversation to discover practical solutions and collaborative approaches to build a more skilled and resilient financial workforce

15 minute presentation: Bruno Lanvin, Thought leader, author and entrepreneur

Moderator: Maria Cauchi Delia, CEO, Malta Institute of Accountants

Panelists:

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman, National Skills Council, Malta

Dr Marthese Portelli, CEO at The Malta Chamber

Horace Laudi, Policy Consultant - Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation

Bruno Lanvin, Thought leader, author and entrepreneur

13:45pm | Breakout Session D | Enhancing Malta's Competitiveness in Aircraft Leasing: Insights and Recommendations

Our panel of experts will discuss how Malta compares with other leading jurisdictions in this space, highlighting strategic recommendations from a recent report that was commissioned by FinanceMalta with the objective of addressing and mitigating existing gaps, thereby enhancing Malta's attractiveness and competitiveness in the global aircraft leasing market.

15 minute presentation: Nick Valenzia, Mamo TCV

Moderator: Nick Valenzia, Mamo TCV

Panelists:

Bernard Attard, Partner, PwC Malta

14:45pm | Networking Coffee Break

15:05pm | Building a Brand of Trust

Explore the pivotal role of branding in catalysing change within Malta’s financial services sector. Learn how to harness the power of a strong, positive brand to attract investment, foster trust, and elevate industry standards. Discover how to enhance trust and credibility, attract top-tier talent, and ensure sustainable business practices. This session will offer practical advice for professionals aiming to reposition their firms and contribute to Malta’s bright and prosperous future.

Speaker: Peter Grech, CEO and Founder, BRNDWGN

15:20pm | Strengthening our authorities

As financial markets evolve, so do the challenges faced by regulatory bodies. This panel will delve into the pivotal role that technology plays in enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of Malta’s financial authorities to enforce regulations and maintain market integrity.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments undertaken by our authorities to anticipate risks, improve surveillance, and ensure a more robust regulatory framework in order to Modernize Taxation, Streamline Regulation, and Consolidate Identity – three priorities identified within the MFSAC strategy report.

We will discover how technology is strengthening our authorities, ensuring that they remain agile and responsive in a dynamic financial environment.

Moderator: Jon Mallia, Podcast Host, Jon Mallia Podcast

Panelists:

Kenneth Farrugia, CEO, Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)

Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, CEO, Malta Business Registry (MBR)

Alfred Zammit, CEO, Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU)

Manfred Barbara, Director General Verification and Audit Department, Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA)

16:20pm | Harnessing Potential: Updates from the Malta Financial Services Advisory Council

Speaker: Joseph Zammit Tabona, Chairman, Malta Financial Services Advisory Council

16:30pm | Closing Remarks

Speaker: Hon. Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta