The Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) has appointed Mark Bugeja as the new President, following its 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM), recently held at Villa Arrigo in Naxxar.

During the AGM, seven of its members were elected to its Council; Edmond Brincat, Mark Bugeja, Thomas Galea, Paul Giglio, Ronald Mizzi, Lucienne Pace Ross and William Spiteri Bailey. They joined Fabio Axisa, David Delicata, Jonathan Dingli, Shawn Falzon, Christopher Portelli and Annabelle Zammit Pace.

Members of the institute also voted to appoint the disciplinary proceedings setup where Mario Galea and Alan Craig were respectively appointed as the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee. Anthony Zarb was re-appointed as the Chairperson of the Appeals Board while Elvia George was appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the Appeals Board. Members also appointed the Appeals Pool which is made up of 10 members.

Source: The Malta Institute of Accountants

MIA's previous President, David Delicata, highlighted the accomplishments of the institute in recent years. He underscored the pivotal role played by the institute in supporting national efforts to secure a timely removal from the Financial Action Task Force's grey-listing. He also referred to the continuous flow of regulatory changes stemming from international and local authorities.  “Within this dynamic environment, the Institute has been actively engaged in assessing these proposals, offering expert advice, and ensuring that the concerns and needs of the profession are adequately represented,” Mr Delicata added.

Mr Bugeja’s appointment was made official during the first meeting of the new Council, held shortly after the AGM. On the other hand, Lucienne Pace Ross was elected as Vice-President, Jonathan Dingli as Secretary and Annabelle Zammit Pace as Treasurer.

Mr Bugeja, who has served as the institute’s Vice President for the past year, extended his gratitude to the Council members for the confidence shown in him and conveyed his appreciation to the outgoing President, Mr Delicata, for his exceptional contribution over “what has been a very demanding term.”

Looking forward at the upcoming presidency period, the newly elected President highlighted several challenges facing the institute and the accountancy profession. He has committed his effort and that of Council to continue enhancing the role and contribution of the institute and the profession as a "major stakeholder, and as a key driver in supporting Malta’s further growth as a dynamic, digital and sustainable economy in the years ahead."