The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) hosted a high-level international conference that underscored Malta’s commitment to sustainable financial growth, regulatory innovation, and international collaboration.
Held ahead of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Growth & Emerging Markets and the European Regional Committee meetings in Malta from 19–21 November, the conference attracted leading figures from global financial institutions, international organisations, and academia. Together, participants explored how forward-looking policies, capital market integration, and technology-driven supervision can strengthen financial resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.
IOSCO is the global body that sets standards for securities regulation to ensure fair, efficient, and transparent financial markets. It brings together regulators from around the world to promote investor protection and coordinate international market oversight.
In his opening address, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg commended the MFSA for its long-standing engagement with IOSCO and other European and international bodies, reaffirming Malta’s commitment to cooperation, while ensuring that small, open economies are duly represented in shaping the future of international finance.
“We meet at a time when the global economy and international collaboration are being tested. However, together, we can strengthen economic resilience, through deliberate reforms, innovation, and collective actions,” he affirmed.
In a recorded address, Hon. Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance, delivered an overview of Malta’s economic performance, citing consistent growth and stability despite external headwinds. He also stated that cooperation between the MFSA and its international peers is crucial in maintaining regulatory consistency and credibility.
“The message that has resonated most clearly is this: innovation and regulation must move forward together. At the MFSA, our goal is clear: to strengthen Malta’s position as a trusted, innovative, and well-regulated financial centre,” said Kenneth Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer of the MFSA. “Let us move forward with optimism, with responsibility, and with a common purpose to ensure that innovation, guided by sound regulation, delivers lasting value for Malta and for Europe.”
The conference explored how growing geopolitical tensions, economic challenges and the potential risk of financial fragmentation make a strong case for policymakers and financial regulators to reinforce the global financial system.
Throughout the day, discussions also examined the development of capital markets, the responsible regulation of crypto-assets, the impact of artificial intelligence and quantum computing on supervision, and the evolution of cross-border payment systems.
The event reinforced Malta’s position as a centre for global financial cooperation and as a proactive jurisdiction shaping the next generation of regulatory and economic policy.
