Members Spotlight: FJVA - A Family Business Built on Core Values
A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT STAYS TRUE TO ITS CORE VALUES
As a family business, FJVA is particularly proud of the core values that thread through all its transaction. Partner and Head of Accounts Karl Buttigieg explains its evolution.
For those who don’t know your company, can you provide some background?
Francis J. Vassallo and Associates (FJVA) was established in 1998 by Francis J. Vassallo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, and his daughter Adriana Camilleri Vassallo, who now leads the organisation as CEO. As a family business, the FJVA Group operates as an independent network of companies, bringing together around 70 skilled professionals across diverse disciplines.
The Group is renowned for delivering tailored, high-quality services to multinational corporations, family offices and private clients. FJVA is built on a foundation of ethical principles, professionalism and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to its clients and business partners.
FJVA also aims to make a positive impact, guided by its core values, robust relationship management and solution-driven approach. The Group aspires to positively influence its clients, employees, suppliers and business partners, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and socially responsible organisation.
Can you share a little-known fact about your company?
FJVA has established an international presence in key jurisdictions such as Luxembourg, Spain and the United States. This global reach is vital in enabling us to deliver solutions that extend beyond the scope of our local market, offering our clients broader opportunities and increased global access.
Our presence in these locations allows us to be closer to our clients, providing a tailored, personal service while strengthening our ability to meet diverse needs. It also positions us to complement and elevate our overall offering, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience for both existing and prospective clients.
What are you currently working on and what are your company’s plans and strategic priorities for the coming years?
With over 25 years of experience, FJVA continues to lead in corporate, advisory, regulatory and taxation services, while focusing on designing corporate structures that strengthen and protect client’s operations, assets and investments. The firm is committed to being a "one-stop shop" in Malta, offering a range of services, including the setup (and ongoing administration) of foundations and trusts for estate and succession planning purposes, yacht registration and ancillary services and assistance with residency and other relocation programmes.
As a family business, FJVA has a deep understanding of family dynamics and business needs, particularly when it comes to foundations and trusts for the purpose of estate and succession planning. This allows the firm to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific circumstances and goals of each client (and their families), forging lasting relationships based on trust.
FJVA also values its people and considers its team to be its greatest asset. The firm is proud to work with a group of dedicated professionals who share a commitment to client satisfaction and long-term success. Central to FJVA’s strategy is the welfare and development of its staff. The firm offers clear career progression, fosters a culture of collaboration, and strives to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Many colleagues have risen through the ranks, moving from junior positions to key roles in the management team, which speaks to the effectiveness of its long-term succession planning and employee development efforts.
Are there any projects/achievements of your company that you are exceptionally proud of?
At FJVA, we believe that exceptional relationship management is what truly sets us apart, earning us the trust of our clients to safeguard and grow their assets. Our success stories are a testament to this commitment, reflecting the deep connections we foster and the results we deliver.
Nothing is more rewarding than receiving heartfelt gratitude from our clients, who value their experience with FJVA and commend the team’s dedication and excellence. At the core of our philosophy is the belief that every team member plays a vital role in achieving success. Positive feedback isn’t just celebrated, it’s shared with the entire team, acknowledging their collective effort in delivering outstanding service.
What in your opinion makes Malta an effective jurisdiction to set up a business?
Malta’s position as an EU member state, combined with its agility as a smaller, more reactive jurisdiction, and a flexible pro-business corporate environment makes it an exceptional destination for foreign direct investment. The country’s success is underpinned by a dedicated talent pool of hardworking, experienced professionals who form the backbone of its thriving financial services industry.
Beyond its local talent, Malta’s appeal as a place to live also attracts skilled professionals from around the globe. This diversity enriches the workforce and strengthens the island’s business landscape. At FJVA, our team reflects this dynamic mix, comprising individuals from around 27 different countries – a clear reflection of the depth and breadth of talent that Malta offers.
What kind of people/companies in the financial services community would you want to connect with?
At FJVA, we actively seek to connect with local and international clients, as well as other partners, who require advisory solutions or collaboration to address the challenges of estate and succession planning, wealth management and related services.
We are also keen to welcome professionals, both emerging and experienced, who share our commitment to client service and strong ethical principles, to join our accomplished team.
Karl Buttigieg holds the position of Partner and Head of Accountsat FJVA, a role he has held since joining the firm in 2009. Bringing over 25years of post-qualification experience in the financial services sector, Karlhas cultivated deep expertise across a broad spectrum of disciplines, includingaudit, accounting, mergers and acquisitions, vendor due diligence,consolidations, and compliance with various GAAP reporting standards.
Before his tenure at FJVA, Karl heldsenior leadership roles within a Big Four audit firm, gaining internationalexperience in Milan, Jersey and London. A distinguished professional in hisfield, he is a Fellow of both the Association of Chartered CertifiedAccountants and the Malta Institute of Accountants, underscoring his commitmentto excellence and thought leadership in financial services.