Chris Casapinta’s takeover as a shareholder of the Finco Group earlier this year is rapidly translating into a very forward-looking outlook for the company. “It’s a new era,” remarks the Chairman, as he outlines a precise vision from his office at the firm’s centrally located building.

That clarity, combined with Chris’ extensive experience in the sector both in Malta and other financial capitals such as Luxembourg and Milan, comes to the fore in this period of change for Finco. An integral part of his strategy is the internationalisation of the company’s offering, underlining Malta’s attractive proposal to foreign clients as a base for their business and investment activities.

With a history spanning nearly four decades, this renewed drive comes at a remarkable time for the Group. With an eye on Finco’s continued evolution, Chris lays emphasis on ensuring that Finco continues to be the right financial services partner to both the existing loyal client base as well as future clients in a fast-changing landscape.

Part of the evolution includes the close collaboration with peers and business partners both locally and internationally. “This would help us reach a wider audience of clients and at the same time it will enable us to ensure that we will give our clients access to specialists and experts across different jurisdictions and asset classes.”

Naturally Finco will also continue to work closely with Finance Malta and other similar organisations to continue supporting the financial services industry. Finco is committed to support the various organisations to promote the financial services industry overseas and to ensure that Malta is a preferred location for financial services.

Chris also highlights that Finco is in a good position to expand its service offering. Through its MFSA-regulated companies - Finco Trust Services and Finco Treasury Management, the Group is well positioned to cater for both the investment services needs as well as accounting and all the back-office needs and to manage clients’ interests.

He remarks how “With these two regulated activities, we are uniquely positioned to give a 360 degree-offering to clients”. Finco is now offering a multi-family office platform which allows clients to have a holistic offering from investment services to trustee services, accounting and tax services as well as governance support. This initiative is mainly targeted for investors and families with significant business interests across various asset classes.

Naturally, such an expansion of services requires investment in additional talent. In fact, a number of new positions are being filled to complement the existing management team. Notably earlier this month, Andrea Debattista was appointed as a new Chief Operating Officer of Finco Trust Services Limited.

Chris explains that the investment in talent is crucial for the growth of the business however such investment needs to be made alongside significant investments in technology.

Finco already has a robust technology platform and a very dedicated and professional IT team, however a plan has been set in motion to automate processes further. Such technology will not only allow internal efficiencies but more importantly will enable clients and other stakeholders to have a better experience and more added value from their interactions with Finco.

As Finco begins a new chapter in its evolution, Chris is confident that the combination of a solid existing platform coupled with a strategic innovative plan will ensure that Finco continues to enjoy a leading position in the local financial services industry. More importantly clients will have access to more innovative, bespoke investment solutions and services.