AE Business Advisors, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, focuses on providing comprehensive corporate and professional solutions to businesses considering setting up or relocating to Malta or Gozo. The core services include tax advisory, accounting and finance, residency, compliance, and regulated iGaming.

Earlier this year, the staff of AE Business Advisors pitched CSR ideas, and the winning concept evolved into the company-wide ‘Act to Empower’ initiative. WhosWho.mt recently connected with Nicolette Spiteri Bailey, Partner and Integrator at AE, to delve into the details of this newly launched CSR program. Guided by AE's core values of resourcefulness and resilience, integrity, client focus, and excellence, the initiative provides pro bono support to Voluntary Organizations (VOs). Dr Spiteri Bailey highlights the program's key aspects and notes that this choice is a result of “a culmination of years of growth and strategic initiatives at our firm. We feel that now we are of the right size and are sufficiently multidisciplinary to be able to give back to the community in a structured way through a CSR programme.”

 Nicolette Spiteri Bailey, Partner and Integrator at AE

The regulatory landscape for VOs has changed significantly, and the administrative side of the voluntary sector often needs further nurturing. Dr Spiteri Bailey continues that the firm “concur[s] with the Commissioner for VOs’ position that regulatory compliance is a crucial aspect of fostering a thriving and resilient voluntary sector.”

The firm’s CSR program aims to strengthen and cultivate the administrative, financial, and legal capabilities of VOs, ensuring compliance and eligibility for funding opportunities. Dr Spiteri Bailey notes that the firm is “applying the same client-focused approach we offer our clients, characterised by offering exceptional advice and a commitment to excellence.”

In a 24-month program, VOs will receive comprehensive support, including the establishment of a robust reporting function, financial report reviews, and access to online accounting software through AE's partnership with Scope, local ambassadors of Xero. Additionally, the program offers assistance in drafting and reviewing statutes, catering to the specific needs of VOs of all sizes for sustainable and impactful operations.

Front row, from left: Denise Falzon, Jesmond Saliba (Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations), Nicolette Spiteri Bailey, Rebecca Rapa, Michael Spiteri Bailey. Back row, from left: Luke Masini, Shaun Debono, Georg Sapiano, Kris Scicluna and Karl Tanti.

In addition to pro bono support, AE Business Advisors plans to publish comprehensive compliance sheets covering various aspects of VO operations. Dr Spiteri Bailey explains that this initiative strives to provide VOs with a quick overview of their compliance requirements, evolving into a valuable manual for VOs.

The firm aims to assist six to eight VOs over the first 12 months of the CSR initiative. Dr Spiteri Bailey reports that the firm is getting very good signals from the community, stating “We're delighted by the enthusiastic response from VOs so far.”

Dr Spiteri Bailey envisions the initiative as a long-term commitment, serving as a bridge to connect with other organisations. With a deep-rooted philosophy driving AE, she underscores the legacy they aim to establish—enduring empowerment and positive transformation within the voluntary sector. AE aspires to contribute to the sector's long-term sustainability, creating a ripple effect of strengthened compliance, increased transparency, and improved financial stability.

Actively engaging in the growth of the voluntary sector, AE Business Advisors seeks to be recognised for a genuine commitment to empowering VOs, establishing a legacy of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a resilient voluntary sector. “Our ultimate goal is for the 'Act to Empower' initiative to serve as a catalyst for positive change within the community”.