Maltese finance professionals living abroad could help the island build a private equity and venture capital ecosystem, according to a veteran consultant to the World Bank.

Private equity fund manager Gavin Ryan last week told local business leaders that the “Maltese diaspora abroad” would likely be an important part of developing private investment on the island.

He was speaking at a member-exclusive talk organised by the Private Equity Venture Capital Association (PEVCA Malta).

Mr Ryan highlighted the potential of Maltese professionals working abroad to help establish a dynamic investment environment on the island: “Talented and experienced Maltese abroad may hold the key to helping Malta kick-start a private equity and venture capital ecosystem.”

He continued: “In smaller countries and economies, people tend to leave home to gain education and experience. There may very well be a private equity practitioner in a fund in London, for instance, who might be interested in coming back home. The truth is, you only need a few key people to get things moving here.”

Mr Ryan has over 20 years of experience in the industry and has managed funds worth hundreds of millions of euros.

He shared insights from his work in other emerging PE and VC markets, noting the similar challenges and opportunities faced by smaller economies.

Drawing a parallel with Jamaica, where he has actively contributed to the growth of the PE and VC sectors, Mr Ryan said Malta has the potential to grow a similar private equity landscape.

His experience spans several markets, including Georgia, Armenia, and Albania, where he has successfully encouraged the development of private equity in small, high-potential economies.

The talk followed the recent launch of PEVCA Malta, an organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting the island’s PE and VC industry.

With a diverse membership that includes investors, family offices, fund managers, and advisors, PEVCA Malta aims to create a robust platform for networking and collaboration, as well as a unified voice to represent the industry with regulators and government officials.

PEVCA Malta General Secretary Herald Bonnici reiterated Malta’s potential as an ideal base for investors and fund managers interested in expanding opportunities within the country’s developing financial landscape.

Mr Ryan will be back in Malta in May 2025 offering a training programme in collaboration with PEVCA. More information is available on the PEVCA website here.