As one of the leading players in the corporate broking space, MZ Investments has earned a reputation for guiding companies through every stage of their corporate lifecycle and capital markets journey. The firm’s substantial presence in the market, coupled with a strong portfolio of corporate clients spanning multiple sectors, underscores its expertise and reliability.

“We have the trust of major industry players and a proven track record of supporting corporate entities, including multinational companies,” says Evan Mohnani, Head of Corporate Broking. MZ Investments offers a comprehensive suite of services, including advising on listings, navigating compliance and governance requirements, and creating strategies to access both retail and institutional investors. This holistic approach ensures that clients are not only well-positioned for immediate success but also equipped for sustained growth.

Mr Mohnani brings over 30 years of experience in corporate finance and investment services. Starting his career as a Senior Auditor at KPMG Malta, in 2000 he turned his focus to investment services with Charts Investment Management Service Limited (“Charts”), and thereafter led the corporate broking arm of MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc when the bank acquired Charts. Over these years, Mr Mohnani’s career has been defined by a consistent focus on corporate finance, helping companies raise funds, navigate mergers and acquisitions, and engage with the capital markets.

Mr Mohnani’s decades-long relationships with many of MZ Investments’ corporate clients have been instrumental in building the firm’s corporate broking business. These partnerships, established over 25 years, transitioned seamlessly when he joined MZ Investments in December 2019. “The clients I have worked with for decades have trusted me to guide them through their capital markets journeys,” he adds. When Mr Mohnani joined MZ Investments, the firm was primarily focused on wealth management and the distribution of international funds. His arrival introduced a new revenue stream for the company, and more importantly, created a whole new dimension involving the Maltese capital markets.

This strategic shift helped transform MZ Investments into a holistic financial services provider, catering to both corporate clients as well as individual investors. Indeed, over the past five years, MZ Investments sponsored and/or acted as placement agent for over €560 million in capital, cementing its role as a major player in Malta’s financial ecosystem.

Corporate broking is a critical avenue for businesses looking to raise funds through equity, bonds, or other financial instruments. For certain companies, traditional bank financing may be insufficient as capital markets offer the flexibility and scope required to secure funding for projects and other corporate requirements. Mr Mohnani explains that as companies grow, their capital structures tend to include a mix of equity, bank funding, and other forms of debt. Accordingly, “capital markets complement bank loans and equity, providing the scale of funding needed to support the development strategies of businesses,” he maintains.

Mr Mohnani’s work frequently involves helping family-owned businesses transition from private ownership to the public markets. This process, while rewarding, poses a number of challenges, particularly in terms of governance and transparency. Family businesses in Malta are often accustomed to informal governance structures, with boards composed solely of family members. Public listing, however, demands the inclusion of independent, non-executive directors who bring impartiality, accountability, and oversight. “Introducing external directors can be a major adjustment for family-run businesses,” Mr Mohnani notes.

Transparency is another hurdle. Publicly listed companies are required to disclose financial statements, material transactions, and other key information, exposing them to greater scrutiny. For many family businesses, this level of openness can be intimidating, even discouraging at times. Despite these challenges, Mr Mohnani emphasises that the benefits of public listing far outweigh the initial resistance. “Transparency and good governance are not just regulatory requirements—they are catalysts for growth,” he says.

Environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) considerations are also becoming integral to both private and public companies. “ESG reporting is rigorous and increasingly universal. For public companies, it means additional disclosure requirements, but ESG principles will soon apply across the board,” Mr Mohnani observes.

The Maltese capital markets are predominantly driven by retail investors, a characteristic that shapes the type of financial instruments that are made available. The typical Maltese investor has a ‘buy-and-hold’ mentality, prioritising capital preservation and steady income over riskier investments like equities. This investor profile has led to a market dominated by bond offerings rather than equity.

Institutional investor participation in Malta, however, has declined over time. Unlike foreign markets where institutional investors dominate, Malta’s capital markets are increasingly reliant on retail investors. Mr Mohnani attributes this trend to the allure of more liquid and competitive international markets, which have drawn institutional funds away from local opportunities. “Institutional investors are crucial for market depth,” he asserts. “Their absence limits the range of financial instruments we can offer and hinders the overall development of the market.”

Greater involvement from institutional entities, such as pension funds, could significantly enhance the Maltese capital markets. These investors bring a long-term perspective beyond that of retail investors. “Their presence would not only broaden funding options but also create a more resilient and sophisticated market,” Mr Mohnani states.

Regulation plays a key role in shaping the Maltese capital markets. Local regulation largely reflects that of the EU, but the local regulatory body demands additional requirements with a view of providing an additional layer of protection to retail investors. These include the preparation of Financial Due Diligence Reports and Financial Analysis Summaries which add the level of regulatory scrutiny and help maintain market integrity.

Mr Mohnani’s approach to corporate broking is defined by a commitment to building strong, long-lasting client relationships. He and his team provide ongoing support, working closely with businesses not just during the capital-raising process but throughout their growth journeys. “We maintain direct, personal relationships with our clients, following up on their progress and offering tailored advice,” he elaborates. “This hands-on approach fosters trust and ensures that clients are well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of the market.”

MZ Investments offers a boutique, family-oriented approach that prioritises client success over transactional outcomes. Mr Mohnani describes the firm’s role as more than just a financial advisor: “We are here to help businesses evolve into transparent, resilient organisations that can attract broader investment.”

Looking ahead, Mr Mohnani sees significant opportunities to deepen Malta’s capital markets. Encouraging institutional participation, improving governance practices, and embracing ESG principles are critical steps in this process. For family businesses, he emphasises the importance of viewing public listing as a strategic move rather than a regulatory burden. “It is about recognising that public listing is a stepping stone to becoming a larger, more diversified organisation,” he contends.

Capital markets are more than just funding – they provide companies with the visibility, credibility, and resilience needed to thrive in competitive industries. By entering the public markets, businesses can attract diverse investor groups, pursue ambitious projects, and strengthen their competitive edge.

As a licensed entity, MZ Investments plays an important role in ensuring that high-quality companies approach the market. “Our responsibility is to bring reputable businesses to the market, which benefits both investors and the broader market,” Mr Mohnani explains.

For private companies contemplating their first steps into the capital markets, MZ Investments offers the expertise and guidance needed to navigate this complex but rewarding landscape. “Our mission is to help businesses grow from strength to strength, unlocking their full potential in the process,” Mr Mohnani concludes. By empowering businesses and investors alike, MZ Investments continues to build a thriving financial ecosystem in Malta.

Learn more about MZ Investments here.