FinanceMalta's Annual Conference has become a mainstay for players and stakeholders across the entire economic landscape in Malta. As the national agency prepares for its annual conference, Edward Bonello sat down with FinanceMalta Chief Operations Officer Graziella Grech, to explore what’s in store, in this year’s landmark edition.
“This year’s FinanceMalta Annual Conference is built around the theme Redefining Finance: A Quality-Driven Future for Malta. It reflects our commitment to moving beyond growth in numbers to growth in value, emphasising governance, innovation, and sustainability as the cornerstones of Malta’s next phase of development,” declares Ms Grech.
“The discussions will explore how the financial services industry can continue to evolve through adaptability, resilience, and collaboration. From regulatory progress and digital transformation to ESG integration and talent development, the conference mirrors Malta’s strategic vision under Envision 2050, focusing on sustainable, quality-led economic growth. It’s about empowering the financial sector to remain future-ready while reinforcing Malta’s reputation as a trusted and agile EU jurisdiction,” Ms Grech continues.
The FinanceMalta Annual Conference has evolved into a truly international platform, bringing together local leaders, global policymakers, and cross-border investors. This year, the combination of a strong Maltese presence with international expertise is being bolstered further, welcoming delegates and speakers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
“The two-day format, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thematic breakout sessions, ensures the content speaks to a wide spectrum of stakeholders. What makes this edition particularly special is the record number of 44 sponsors, reflecting unprecedented industry support and confidence in FinanceMalta’s mission,” Ms Grech continues.
Such participation underscores the conference’s status as the country’s flagship event for networking, thought leadership, and collaboration between Malta and the wider financial community.
Hosted by Trudy Kerr, the conference will open with keynote addresses by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, EU Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque, and senior representatives from the MFSA, Malta Enterprise, and MFSAC. Highlights include sessions such as ‘Raising the Bar on Quality in Financial Services,’ ‘Unlocking Growth Through Specialisation,’ and ‘Tax in a Changing World.’
The agenda also features fireside chats on the future of AI and geoeconomics, alongside spotlight sessions on ESG, fintech, family offices, pensions, and aircraft leasing. On the second day, breakout discussions will tackle asset management, capital markets, and captives, offering both strategic and technical depth.
“The combination of international and local expertise ensures a rich dialogue on how Malta can continue strengthening its position as a financial centre of excellence,” Ms Grech elaborates.
Collaboration has always been at the core of FinanceMalta’s ethos, and this year, this crucial component has been taken a step further by introducing new ways to foster meaningful interaction throughout the conference.
“In addition to the traditional networking sessions and coffee breaks, we’re enhancing engagement through Spotlight Sessions and Breakout Tracks, which give participants the opportunity to connect directly with experts in smaller, more focused discussions,” Ms Grech explains.
“A dedicated meeting lounge will also be introduced this year, in the shape of a comfortable, purpose-built space designed to facilitate meetings, networking, and business connections throughout the event. Complementing this is our new conference app, which enables attendees to schedule meetings, explore the agenda, and engage with sponsors in real time.”
This year, FinanceMalta is also introducing a sustainability initiative in collaboration with Tree4U, whereby it promises to plant a tree on behalf of each delegate and sponsor. The sustainability campaign is replacing traditional gifts with a meaningful contribution to the environment. “Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering collaboration, not only within the industry, but also towards creating a positive, lasting impact beyond it,” Ms Grech notes.
Reflecting on the rising importance of ESG, digitalisation, and fintech, Ms Grech explains how the conference shall address these evolving pillars which are expected to form the backbone of this year’s discussions.
“ESG will be explored as a business imperative, a catalyst for long-term competitiveness and reputation. Sessions on sustainable finance, responsible governance, and ESG integration will highlight how Maltese firms are aligning with EU sustainability objectives. Digitalisation and fintech will be addressed through panels on AI in financial services, the regulatory landscape for digital assets, and the evolving role of payments and digital transformation in banking. Malta’s proactive stance on innovation, including readiness for MiCA and PSD3, will feature strongly, showcasing how the jurisdiction blends flexibility with robust oversight. Together, these themes illustrate how Malta is redefining finance to ensure technology and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Eager to send a clear message of welcome to prospective delegates, old and new, Ms Grech is upbeat, about another successful FinanceMalta conference.
“I hope every participant leaves the conference energised, enlightened, and truly connected,” she augurs. “Energised by Malta’s collective drive towards a quality-driven financial ecosystem, enlightened by the depth of insights and diversity of perspectives shared, and connected through meaningful interactions that inspire future collaboration.”
“My message to prospective attendees is simple. This is where the future of Malta’s financial services industry is being shaped. […] More than just a conference, it is a platform for progress, celebrating collaboration, innovation, and sustainability,” she concludes.
Whether leading an established institution, a start-up, or a policymaking body, the FinanceMalta annual conference is the place where ideas evolve into impact.
For more information about the FinanceMalta Annual Conference and to purchase tickets, please visit https://financemalta.org/conferences/fmconf18
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