The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has announced it will be introducing its newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ivan Zammit, to industry players at its Strategy Briefing on 11 March.

He will be sharing with attendees how investment and technology is translating into improved operational effectiveness.

Mr Zammit was appointed to the role in January 2020 and is a member of the senior leadership team of the MFSA, responsible for the operational and corporate support functions of the regulator, including people and culture, technology, finance, administration and communications.

He works closely with the CEO and the rest of the management team to ensure a harmonised management approach for the MFSA by coordinating corporate strategic and operational planning and execution to ensure the long-term sustainability of the regulator.

Mr Zammit succeeds former COO Reuben Fenech, who was removed from the role in September 2019. Mr Fenech’s removal caused public controversy after the MFSA governor, Joe Brincat, issued a judicial protest against the regulator’s CEO, Joseph Cuschieri, over reportedly offering Mr Fenech a so-called golden handshake.

Dr Brincat argued the CEO was not empowered to use public funds in such a manner.