The Malta Financial Services Authority in collaboration with the Institute of Internal Auditors - Malta Chapter (IIA Malta) is organising a dedicated conference to highlight the vital role of the internal audit profession, particularly within its licensed entities. Recognising the growing importance of sound governance and effective internal controls, the Authority has felt the need to bring together professionals and stakeholders to discuss expectations, challenges, and emerging trends in the field.
This event will provide participants with valuable insights into the regulator’s expectations of Boards, Audit Committees and internal auditors and their contribution to maintaining sound and robust organisations. The conference will feature keynote speeches from the Chair of the European Central Bank's Internal Auditors Committee (ECB-IAC), who will outline the ECB’s supervisory perspective and expectations, and from a Board Member of the European Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditing (ECIIA) who is also the Immediate Past President of the Chartered IIA UK & Ireland.
In addition, the conference will also address current and emerging topics in the internal audit profession, including the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, the interplay between the Board, Audit Committee, and management, and the relationship between internal and external auditors. These discussions will provide valuable insights into strengthening governance, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring the continued relevance of the internal audit function in a rapidly changing environment.
Who Should Attend
- Local Regulators
- Internal and External Auditors
- Licensed Entities
- Board Members and Senior Management
- Audit Committee Members
- Professionals
- Academics
- Students
Agenda
| 08:15H | Registration & Welcome Coffee | |
| 09:00H | Welcome Address
Kenneth Farrugia - Chief Executive Officer, MFSA |
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| 09:15H | Internal Audit - Making A Strategic Impact
Sandro Boeri – European Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditing (ECIIA) Board Member, Founder Risk Audit Professional Development and Immediate Past President of the Chartered IIA UK & Ireland |
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| Part 1 | The Reliance of the Regulator on the Internal Auditor and Lessons Learned | ||
| 09:40H | Keynote: The European Central Bank – Reliance on Internal Audit and Lessons Learned
Banafsheh Geretzki - Chief Audit Executive and Director of Internal Audit, European Central Bank Chair, Internal Auditors Committee of the Eurosystem / European System of Central Banks and the Single Supervisory Mechanism |
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| 10:05H | Panel Session: Internal Audit’s Role in the Regulatory Landscape
Sera Underwood – Deputy Head of Internal Audit, MFSA (Moderator) Catherine Galea - Head of Banking Supervision, MFSA |
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| 10:50H | Coffee Break | |
| Part 2 | Aligning Internal Audit with Organisational Strategy | ||
| 11:20H | Panel Session: The Interplay between the Board, Audit Committee and Management
Frederick Mifsud Bonnici - Business Advisor (Moderator) Anton Bartolo - MFSA Governor and Chairperson MFSA Audit & Risk Committee. |
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| 12:05H | Panel Session: Enhancing Synergy between Internal and External Auditors
Stefan Tanti - Head of Internal Audit, Sparkasse Bank Malta plc & IIA Malta Vice-Chairperson (Moderator) Fabio Axisa - Partner, Banking & Capital Markets Leader, PwC Malta |
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| 12:50H | Lunch, Coffee and Networking | |
| Part 3 | Navigating the Future of Internal Audit | ||
| 13:50H | Keynote: Trends in European Regulation and Supervision
Christopher P. Buttigieg - Chief Officer Supervision, MFSA |
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| 14:10H | Panel Session: Artificial Intelligence and the Impact on Internal Audit
Giancarlo Millo - Chairperson, IIA Malta and Group Chief Internal Auditor, Mizzi Organisation (Moderator) Rolf von Roessing - Partner and CEO, FORFRA Consulting AG |
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| 14:55H | Panel Session: Emerging Trends of the Internal Audit Role
Alicia Vella - Director Forvis Mazars & IIA Malta Treasurer (Moderator) Sandro Boeri - European Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditing (ECIIA) Board Member, Founder Risk Audit Professional Development and Immediate Past President of the Chartered IIA UK & Ireland |
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| 15:40H | Keynote
Giancarlo Millo - Chairperson, IIA Malta and Group Chief Internal Auditor, Mizzi Organisation |
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| 15:55H | Closing Remarks
Jesmond Gatt - Chairman of the Board of Governors, MFSA |
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| 16:00H | Drinks and Networking | |
Registrations
The Authority encourages interested participants to register here by not later than Wednesday 11 February 2026. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
Participants who attend will be eligible for CPD hours.
Photos and videos will be taken during the event with the intent to publish this material on social media channels and website.
By registering, one would be granting consent to the data being used.
Speakers
Chairman, MFSA
Jesmond Gatt
Jesmond Gatt was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Malta Financial Services Authority in 2023. Mr Gatt joined the Central Bank of Malta in 1984, graduating in Mathematics and Computing at the University of Malta in 1995. During his career at the Bank, which spans over 37 years, he has worked on all major IT projects holding the position of Chief Officer responsible for retail banking services, management of currency and the regulation of payment systems and infrastructures. He formed part of the core financial sector team which oversaw the changeover to the Euro in Malta in 2008. Since Malta became part of the European Union he has been a member of a number of Euro system and European Commission committees working on payments systems and the management of euro notes and coins. He has also participated in a number of European Commission initiatives drawing up payment systems regulations. Since 2016 he has been sitting on the Board of the FIAU, acting as Chairman to the Board from 2020. In December of 2022 he has taken up the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Malta Government Investments.
Chief Executive Officer, MFSA
Kenneth Farrugia
Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of the MFSA, holds a Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons), an MA in Business Ethics, and is a Certified Public Accountant and a fellow member of the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA). Throughout his career, Mr Farrugia held audit positions both within private audit firms and the public sector. Prior to joining the MFSA, Mr Farrugia was the Director of the FIAU, Malta’s financial intelligence and single AML/CFT Supervisor and Enforcement Unit in Malta, for six years until April 2023. During his tenure he implemented major policy, system and procedural reforms within the various sections of the FIAU, including intelligence analysis, AML/CFT supervisory and enforcement initiatives, and legal and international relation areas. Additionally, Mr Farrugia spearheaded the setting up of new teams within the Unit such as the cash limitation supervisory team, the central bank account registry and data analytics team, as well as the strategy, policy and quality assurance teams to cater for new responsibilities assigned to the FIAU by law, and also to enhance the overall governance structure of the Unit. He represented the FIAU in international fora, including the EBA AMLC, FIU Platform and EGMONT, amongst others, and participated in various AML/CFT high-level committees. For nine years up to 2017, he was engaged within the Government of Malta’s Internal Audit and Investigations Department (IAID) where he held various roles, including that of Director General. Mr Farrugia provided support to the Internal Audit & Investigations Board (IAIB) in drafting policies and procedures, implementing and managing the necessary change programmes and served as Secretary to that Board. He also participated in various meetings, seminars and conferences organised by the European Commission in the fields of auditing and financial investigations. Mr Farrugia is currently also the Chairman of the FIAU.
Chief Audit Executive and Director of Internal Audit, European Central Bank
Banafsheh Geretzki
Banafsheh Geretzki is the Chief Audit Executive and Director of Internal Audit at the European Central Bank (ECB), where she leads the Internal Audit and Internal Investigation functions. She also serves as the Chair of the Internal Auditors Committee of the Eurosystem, the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), and the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), promoting strong governance, transparency, and accountability across Europe’s central banking and supervisory community. Before joining the ECB, Ms Geretzki served as EMEA Co-Head of Official Institutions at BlackRock, advising central banks, sovereign funds and European institutions on risk management, regulatory frameworks, and systemic financial stability. She led major European bank restructuring and resolution projects – including Greece’s banking sector stabilisation, the establishment of Spain’s national asset management company SAREB, and the design and implementation of Cyprus’s financial sector bail-in framework – contributing to the restoration of confidence and resilience in Europe’s banking systems. She began her career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley in London, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, and later worked in private equity in London, Frankfurt, and New York further deepening her expertise in financial institutions and complex transactions. Recognised for her contributions to financial stability and governance, Ms Geretzki was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2014. She continues to play an active role in international dialogue on governance, internal audit, and financial resilience, combining strategic insight, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to transparency and innovation in strengthening global financial systems.
ECIIA Board Member & Founder, Risk Audit Professional Development
Sandro Boeri
Sandro Boeri is a prominent leader in the evolution of the internal audit profession. As former President of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (UK), ECIIA Board Member, and founder of Risk Audit, he champions innovative, people-focused approaches to governance, behavioural risk, and organisational culture. With over four decades of experience, he advocates for auditors to move beyond compliance and become strategic partners who drive sustainable growth, cultural integrity, and lasting value.
MFSA Governor and Chairperson MFSA Audit & Risk Committee
Anton Bartolo
Dr Anton Bartolo graduated Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 1986 and following a period in private practice joined the legal department of a leading accountancy firm. In 1994 he was engaged by the Malta International Business Authority (which subsequently became the Malta Financial Services Authority – MFSA) as a manager, and later, senior manager within the legal department and he actively contributed to the formulation of the package of financial services legislation enacted in 1994. Dr Bartolo held various positions within the MFSA, including that of Director International Business, Registrar of Companies, and Director of Enforcement. He also headed a team of anti-money laundering & combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) supervisors, working closely with the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU). He represented the MFSA at several international fora including the Council of Europe MONEYVAL Committee, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities, the European Central Bank Network of Enforcement and Sanctions Experts and the European Commerce Registers Forum. Over the years Dr Bartolo contributed significantly to the drafting of financial services and AML/CFT legislation. He was actively involved in setting up the FIAU and was subsequently appointed member of the Board of Governors of the Unit, a position held for several years, where he served also as Deputy Chairman. For several years he acted as technical expert on company law and anti-money laundering law within the EU Commission TAIEX technical assistance program, and he actively participated and gave presentations during numerous local and international conferences, seminars and meetings on various aspects of AML/CFT. Dr Bartolo was a member of the Maltese delegation to the Council of Europe MONEYVAL Committee for 22 years and held the position of Head of the Maltese delegation for several years. He was elected Vice Chairman of MONEYVAL for two consecutive terms and subsequently served as Acting Chairman and was later elected Chairman of MONEYVAL. He was also active within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) where he headed MONEYVAL delegations and held the position of Co-chair of the Europe Eurasia Regional Review Group of the FATF for several years. Dr Bartolo retired from the MFSA in March 2019. He is currently a member of the MFSA Board of Governors and Co-Chair (Risk) of the MFSA Audit and Risk Committee.
Chief Officer Supervision, MFSA
Christopher P. Buttigieg
Dr Christopher P. Buttigieg was appointed as Chief Officer Supervision in March 2020 following his appointment as Chief Officer Strategy, Policy and Innovation in 2019. During his tenure as Head of Securities and Markets Supervision before 2019, which stretched over four years, Dr Buttigieg was responsible for work in the field of policy, regulation and supervision of securities, markets and FinTech. He joined the Authority in 2000 as Manager in the Investment Services Unit and has gained professional experience in various areas of financial regulation, supervision, the investigation of market misconduct and the enforcement of sanctions. Dr Buttigieg was responsible for implementing various pieces of EU legislation in the field of securities and markets and has led different regulatory and supervisory teams within the Authority. He sits on the Authority’s Supervisory Council and represents the MFSA at various European Fora on financial regulation and supervision. He is the MFSA’s alternate member on the ESMA Board of Supervisors and is the Chair of the ESMA Data Standing Committee. Dr Buttigieg is a lecturer in the Banking and Finance Department of the University of Malta and has published various papers on financial regulation and supervision in academic and professional journals. For a period of two years, up to April 2015, Dr Buttigieg was a director on the board of the Malta Resources Authority, Malta’s energy regulator. In 2015, the President of Malta appointed Dr Buttigieg as a member on the board of the Fund for Voluntary Organisations. Dr Buttigieg is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Academy of European Law (Trier).
Head, Internal Audit, MFSA
Andrew Said
Andrew joined the MFSA in 2012, where he led and managed the Investment Services Team within the Investments Services Supervision function. During his tenure, he was actively involved in the implementation of various regulatory returns and contributed to the implementation of the Capital Requirements Directive IV (CRD IV). In 2017, Andrew transitioned to the Internal Audit function where he has played a key role in strengthening the MFSA’s internal control framework and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) in Banking & Finance from the University of Malta and lectures at the University of Malta, in the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Regulation and Compliance. Andrew plays an active role in shaping to the internal audit profession and regulatory landscape. He serves on the European Central Bank Internal Audit Committee (ECB-IAC), the Institute of Internal Auditors – Malta Chapter and the European Financial Supervisory Authorities (FSA) Internal Audit Forum.
Head, FinTech Supervision, MFSA
Camille Pepos
Camille Pepos was appointed as Head of FinTech Supervision in March 2024 after joining the MFSA in 2020 following the creation of this same function within the Authority. Since joining, he has developed and implemented authorisation and supervisory practices in the field of crypto assets and actively contributed to positioning MFSA as a pioneer in FinTech supervision. Camille represents the MFSA within various Committees of the European Supervisory Authorities and is currently involved in a number of European network groups related to crypto assets. In his capacity as Secretary of the MFSA’s Authorisation Forum and Chair of the MFSA’s Supervisory Forum he has gained extensive knowledge in regulation, supervision and enforcement through his contribution to the implementation of a number of strategic projects within the organisation. Camille has both public and private sector experience in Europe and in the Middle East supporting companies interlinking financial services and technology. At the start of his career he held various roles in private banking, fundraising, fintech advisory and corporate services. An economist by academic background, Camille also possesses two Master degrees in Finance and Wealth Management from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and IAE Graduate School of Management.
Head, Banking Supervision, MFSA
Catherine Galea
Catherine Galea is the MFSA’s Head of Banking Supervision. She commenced her career with the Central Bank of Malta in 1990 before joining the MFSA in 2002 in order to pursue her career within Banking Supervision and in 2010 was assigned the responsibility of setting up the banking section within the Authorisations function. Later, Catherine was appointed as Head of Banking Supervision and was also the Malta member within the SSM Supervisory Board. From 2020 till 2023, Catherine was subsequently entrusted with setting up and heading the Supervisory Quality Assurance function within the MFSA. Throughout her career, Catherine was also responsible for transposing and implementing various pieces of EU legislation in the field of banking supervision and has led various supervisory teams and working groups within the Authority. She actively participates and represents the MFSA in various international fora. Furthermore, she is a frequent lecturer at local educational institutions on various regulatory issues, including the Capital Requirements Regulation/Directive and Risk Management. Catherine is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) and holds an MSc degree in Finance from the University of Leicester (UK).
Head, Investment Services Supervision, MFSA
Ian Meli
Ian Meli was appointed Head of Investment Services Supervision in January 2025. Ian joined the Securities and Markets Supervision Function of the MFSA in 2011, after a short stint with a local fund administration company, and progressed through various roles within the function, eventually being promoted to Deputy Head in 2019. He worked on various policy initiatives and conducted several high-profile investigations in the area of asset management and investment firms. He represented the MFSA in a number of fora and working groups within the European Securities and Markets Authority in the field to asset management. Ian has also been a member of the management committee of the Depositor Compensation Scheme and Investor Compensation Scheme since 2022. Ian holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Banking and Finance and a Master of Arts in Financial Services, from the University of Malta. He further specialised in financial services by completing an Advanced Diploma in Fund Administration from the University of Manchester.
Head, Capital Markets Supervision, MFSA
Lorraine Vella
Lorraine Vella was appointed Head of the newly established Capital Markets Supervision function on 1 May 2022. Lorraine, a certified public accountant, joined the MFSA in 2000 and has worked in a number of areas within the organisation, gaining extensive knowledge in regulation, supervision and enforcement in the financial markets sphere. Having more than 15 years of experience in capital markets, throughout her career she was also directly involved in the transposition and implementation of various EU legislation, including the Prospectus Directive, Transparency Directive, Shareholders Rights Directive and Takeover Bids Directive. Lorraine has represented the MFSA within various Committees of the European Supervisory Authorities and is currently actively involved in European Network Groups related to supervision in financial services. She is also an alternate member on the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority.
Head, Insurance & Pensions Supervision, MFSA
Ray Schembri
Ray Schembri joined the MFSA in February 2019 as Head of Insurance and Pensions Supervision and is responsible for the prudential supervision of insurance companies, insurance intermediaries and pension operators. Throughout his professional career spanning over 30 years, he held various senior executive positions and directorships with major insurance groups operating in Malta. An Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Mr Schembri has specialised in Insurance Broking, Insurance Operations Management, Insurance Projects Management, Insurance Portfolio Transfers, Risk Management and Captive Insurance Management.
Head, Supervisory ICT Risk & Cybersecurity, MFSA
Alan Decelis
Alan Decelis was appointed Head of Supervisory ICT Risk and Cybersecurity in July 2021. Alan brings over twenty years of experience in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), mainly with the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) including ten years in information security. He is a member of the National Cybersecurity Strategy Steering Committee and sits in various groups within the European System of Financial Supervision and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity. He has direct industry experience in ICT operations and service management, quality and security management systems, public key infrastructures, identity and machine-readable travel documents, and electronic signatures. He is also experienced in cyber incident management, forensic investigations, security testing, threat intelligence, and security operations centres. Alan pursued undergraduate studies in Electronics Engineering, Economics, Information Systems and Management and postgraduate studies in Information Security specialising in Security Testing and Digital Forensics. He is also GIAC, CISA, CIPP/E, CIPM, ITIL, and ISO/IEC 27001 certified.
Deputy Head, Internal Audit, MFSA
Sera Underwood
Sera Underwood is the Deputy Head of Internal Audit at the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) bringing a strong background in financial management, regulation, and internal controls. She holds the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and also holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) warrant. Sera began her career with the MFSA in 2008, where she developed a solid foundation in regulatory compliance and financial reporting through her role at the Registry of Companies. In 2011, she transitioned to the Finance Function at the MFSA, further deepening her expertise in financial operations and governance. Her commitment to excellence and internal controls led her to join the MFSA’s Internal Audit Function in 2017, where she has since played a key role in strengthening the organisation’s internal control framework and audit strategy.
Deputy Head, Data Strategy and Innovation, DMBI
Jahangir Mir
Jahangir H. Mir is a seasoned Digital, Data, and AI Transformation Leader with over 18 years of experience in developing and executing enterprise-wide technology strategies across multiple industries. His work focuses on establishing strong data foundations, advancing governance and quality frameworks, and driving the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance business performance and decision-making. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale transformation programs, built collaborative teams, and guided organizations in realizing the value of data and technology as strategic assets. Jahangir is known for his practical and collaborative approach to integrating digital innovation with organizational goals to enable long-term, data-driven growth.
Business Advisor
Frederick Mifsud Bonnici
Frederick Mifsud Bonnici is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and of the Malta Institute of Accountants. He spent his professional career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in London and Malta (between 1969 and 2011). During his time at PwC, he held the position of Audit Partner, Partner responsible for Risk Management and Independence, Head of Assurance, and was a member of the firm’s Management Board. He is currently Treasurer of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He served as Deputy Chairman and subsequently Chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange between 1991 and 1999. Between 2012 and 2013, he served as non-executive Chairman of Bank of Valletta p.l.c. and Mapfre MSV Life. Between 2014 and 2017 he served as a non-executive director and Chair of the Audit Committee of MeDirect Bank p.l.c., and between 2012 and 2016 of Malita Investments p.l.c. and several private companies. He was Chairman of APS Bank Ltd between 2017 and 2021 and non-executive Chairman of Blevins Franks Trustees Limited from 2013 to 2022. He also served as a senior lecturer in Auditing at the University of Malta for 30 years.
Chief Executive Officer, BOV
Kenneth Farrugia
Kenneth Farrugia is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Valletta Group. He sits on the Bank’s Board of Directors, chairs the Executive Committee and is a member of several management committees. Mr Farrugia is also a director on the Board of Directors of BOV Fund Services Limited, BOV Asset Management Limited and MAPFRE MSV Life plc. He is also Chair of the Malta Bankers’ Association. Mr Farrugia began his career at Bank of Valletta in 1985 and has occupied various executive positions covering the bank’s asset management, retail banking, and credit business areas. Over the course of his career, he has also held various financial services related industry positions, including Chair of the Malta Asset Servicing Association, Board Member of the European Fund and Asset Management Association, Chair of FinanceMalta, Malta’s national promotional body for the financial services industry as well as Chair of Malita Investments plc, which is listed on the Malta Stock Exchange. Kenneth Farrugia is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, having completed the General Management Program.
Chief Executive Officer, APS Bank plc
Marcel Cassar
Marcel Cassar is CEO of APS Bank plc since 2016. Across a career which started in 1987 he has held successively senior executive positions in accounting/assurance, financial regulation, banking and management, including stints as Chair of the Malta Bankers’ Association and on the board of the European Banking Federation (2018-2020, and 2022-2024). Marcel is a CPA, fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants and holds an MBA in Bank Financial Management from the University of Wales and Manchester Business School (1995). He has lectured, examined and supervised students studying for FEMA and the M.A. Financial Services degrees at the University of Malta, and is a frequent speaker and writer on banking policy, regulation and management in Malta and overseas.
Director, BNF Bank
Mario P. Galea
Mario P. Galea is a certified public accountant holding a warrant to practice both as an accountant and as an auditor. Currently practising as a business advisor providing governance oversight and advisory services to businesses and corporations. Serves as an independent non-executive director on the boards and audit committees of various listed and licenced companies in the financial and commercial sectors including banks, insurance and investment companies. Mentor and advisor to family businesses. Founder, managing partner and chairman of accountancy and audit firm Ernst & Young in Malta until retirement in 2012. Specialised in auditing and assurance which he has practiced for over 35 years in Malta and abroad. Auditing experience spans over several sectors including banks, insurance and investment companies. Lectured in auditing, assurance and professional and business ethics and led several training courses. Speaker at various business and professional conferences in Malta and abroad. Speaker and producer of various webinars related to auditing, corporate governance and ethics. Assisted businesses in several areas particularly relating to governance, accounting and systems of control. Served as President of the Malta Institute of Accountants and for many years formed part of the Accountancy Board which is the accountancy profession regulator in Malta. Served on various professional committees in Malta and abroad such as the council of the Federation des Experts Comptables (FEE) in Brussels (now Accountancy Europe). Member of the Ethics committee of the Malta Institute of Accountants in Malta.
Dean, FEMA & HoD of Insurance & Risk Management, University of Malta
Simon Grima
Simon Grima is the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, Professor and the Head of the Department of Insurance and Risk Management. Simon is also a Professor at the University of Latvia, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, a visiting Professor at Haxhi Zeka University, Kosovo. He served as the Malta Association of Risk Management (MARM) President and was President of the Malta Association of Compliance Officers (MACO) between 2013 and 2015 and between 2016 and 2018, respectively. He has been the current president of MARM since 2023. Moreover, he is the co-chair of the Scientific Education Committee of the Federation of European Risk Managers (FERMA). He is a Strategic Risk Leaders Association (SRLA) member, previously the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMO). His research focuses on Governance, Regulations and Internal Controls, and he has over 30 years of experience in Financial Services, academia and public entities. He has acted as co-chair and is a member of the scientific program committee at some international conferences. He is a chief editor, editor, and review editor for some journals and book series. He has been awarded Outstanding Reviewer for the Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance in 2017 and 2022 and the Outstanding Author Contribution for the Book Series Contemporary Studies in Economic and Financial Analysis Emerald Literati Awards in 2024. Moreover, Simon acts as an Independent Director for Financial Services Firms, sits on Risk, Compliance, Procurement, Investment and Audit Committees and carries out duties as a Compliance Officer, Internal Auditor and Risk Manager.
Partner & CEO, FORFA Consulting AG
Rolf von Roessing
Rolf von Roessing is a partner and CEO at FORFA Consulting AG, an international consultancy firm specialising in GRC, security and related disciplines. He brings 30 years of experience in governance, risk management and compliance; security and business continuity; and crisis management in a range of sectors, including banking and finance, insurance, wholesale and retail, automotive, and healthcare. He has also been teaching as a senior lecturer in M. Sc. courses at the University for Further Education in Krems (formerly Donau-Universität Krems) since 2005 and is a member of the Academic Council for M. Sc. Management and IT, M. Sc. Information Security Management, and M. Sc. Cybersecurity. Since 2024, he has been co-developing regulatory mentoring programmes with the Cyber Security Centre at Aston University (Birmingham UK). From 2021 to 2024, Rolf was lead developer within the core team developing the ISACA Digital Trust Ecosystem and Framework (DTEF), including the (unpublished) focus areas and the audit and assurance guide document.
Group Chief Internal Auditor, Mizzi Organisation
Giancarlo Millo
Giancarlo is Group Chief Internal Auditor at Mizzi Organisation, one of the largest Maltese organisations spanning a broad portfolio of business interests and industry sectors including automotive, manufacturing, retail, tourism and leisure, real estate, and mechanical and engineering contracting. He has also been appointed as the Group’s Whistleblowing Reporting Officer and as Chairperson of the Group's ESG Steering Committee. Giancarlo previously held the post of Deputy Group Head Internal Audit at FIMBank plc, also responsible for IT assurance and advisory services. This was preceded by management accounting and financial auditing positions with KPMG and Portman International respectively, thus achieving over 30 years’ experience across various industries. In terms of volunteering, Giancarlo presently serves as Chairperson of the Institute of Internal Auditors – Malta Chapter (IIA Malta) and is a Past President of the ISACA Malta Chapter.
Partner, Banking & Capital Markets Leader, PwC Malta
Fabio Axisa
Fabio Axisa is PwC Malta’s Banking & Capital Markets Leader, having been involved in the firm’s assurance and advisory practices for a considerable number of years. He has broad financial services experience, and his client portfolio is wide and varied, comprising various credit and financial institutions, together with other major local groups of companies operating in a diverse range of sectors. Fabio’s professional experience also encompasses involvement in major regulatory and advisory assignments for many leading credit and financial institutions, in significant capital markets transactions and in providing advisory services to public interest companies and their boards on regulatory issues, financial reporting and governance matters. Fabio is also the Malta firm’s lead technical expert, particularly with respect to adoption of the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Independent Non-Executive Director, Audit & Risk Committee Chair
Hilary Galea Lauri
Mr Galea-Lauri is a UK Chartered Certified Accountant and Fellow member of both the ACCA and the Malta Institute of Accountants, holding a CPA warrant and Practicing Certificate in Auditing. During his 38-year career with KPMG Malta and its global network, he served as an audit and assurance partner, besides holding leadership roles on key governance committees. Mr Galea-Lauri currently occupies Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair positions across several financial institutions.
Group Chief Internal Auditor, Bank of Valletta
Elena Dourou
Elena Dourou is the Group Chief Internal Auditor of BOV since 2020. She has vast experience in the financial sector and internal audit and a successful international career. Among other major institutions, she has worked in Deloitte and National Bank of Greece in positions relevant to consulting, internal audit and internal controls and in ABN Amro Bank (Greece & Italy), Piraeus Bank (Greece), and Ferratum Bank (Malta) in Executive Internal Audit positions. Before joining the BOV, she was working at the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations, where she was responsible for monitoring the internal audit departments of its subsidiaries to ensure harmonisation of processes and application of Internal Audit Standards in 15 major Greek Public Sector organisations. Elena is a member of the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors in Malta, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Fellow Certified Chartered Accountant and a Certified Information Systems Auditor and holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University.
Partner, Risk Consulting Advisory Services, KPMG Malta
Giselle Borg
Giselle joined KPMG in 2003 after graduating as an accountant from the University in Malta. She spent the first 13 years of her career working within KPMG Malta’s audit department where she led audit and assurance engagements for various market players, with a focus on the financial services industry. During her time with KPMG, Giselle also worked with KPMG London’s audit department. Today, Giselle advises firms on governance, risk and compliance matters in the areas of corporate governance, regulatory reporting, risk management, internal audit, anti-money laundering and actuarial (including Solvency II and IFRS 17). Giselle also supports firms in their interaction with Regulators and in optimising their organisational structures for current and future regulatory requirements. Giselle also assists clients in establishing their regulated company in Malta. She has assisted entities with their regulatory licence application, including cross-border aspects such as freedom of services and establishment and general good requirements across European countries.
Director, Forvis Mazars
Alicia Vella
Alicia Vella is a Director within the advisory department of Forvis Mazars. She heads the internal audit team that provides tailored internal audit solutions with a particular focus on the insurance and investment services industries. She has also successfully led a number of assignments, particularly in relation to process redesign and improvement, governance risk, and internal control. Alicia is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). She is a member of the Malta Institute of Accountants and serves on the IIA Malta Committee.
Service Line Leader for Strategy, Risk & Transaction Advisory Services, Deloitte Malta
Ian Coppini
Ian leads the Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory business at Deloitte Malta, bringing over 25 years of experience in risk management, assurance, and regulatory advisory. A role he has held since 1 October 2024. Prior to this, he was the Risk Advisory leader. Ian transitioned into the advisory business after 18 years in the firm’s Audit & Assurance business. In his current role, Ian spearheads a team that provides professional services in Risk, Regulatory & Financial Crime, and Strategy & Transaction Advisory. He serves as the engagement director on a diverse range of projects, primarily focusing on regulatory advisory, financial crime advisory, internal audit, and enterprise risk management. During his tenure in Audit & Assurance, Ian acted as the audit director for numerous public and private entities across various industries, with a particular focus on the Insurance and Asset Management sectors. Additionally, Ian serves as the Financial Services Industry leader at Deloitte Malta. His extensive experience and leadership continue to drive the success and growth of the advisory business.
Head of Internal Audit, Sparkasse Bank Malta
Stefan Tanti
Stefan’s career has been centred around the internal auditing profession, with specific financial sector exposure over the past decade. Currently he serves as the Head of Internal Audit at Sparkasse Bank Malta plc where he is responsible for the setting up and oversight of the Bank’s Internal Audit function. Prior to Sparkasse, Stefan formed part of the Internal Audit team at MeDirect Bank Malta plc covering all entities within the group including the Belgian Bank subsidiary, MeDirect Bank SA. Throughout his tenure at MeDirect, Stefan was pivotal in expanding the Internal Audit team at the Bank and into building more robust and comprehensive Internal Audit framework and processes at the Bank. Before MeDirect, Stefan formed part of the advisory team at PwC Malta where he was mostly involved in systems and processes assurance and internal audit assignments across different industries. Stefan holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) from the University of Malta. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), is a member of the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) and is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – Malta. Presently, Stefan is the Vice Chairperson of the IIA – Malta.
Director, Business Consulting, EY Malta
Glenn Cassar
Glenn Cassar is a Director within Business Consulting at EY where he manages a diverse portfolio of local and international clients across industries. His extensive experience within the firm provides him with a combination of professional skills and technical competencies, particularly in enterprise risk and internal audit engagements. Since joining EY, Glenn demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting with cross-border engagements across service lines. Through his role, he continues to lead collaborative projects across offices within the EY network. Prior to transitioning to the Consulting team, Glenn worked within the Assurance service line, where he managed statutory audits for both local and UK-based companies through the London practice.
Partner, Risk Consulting Advisory Services, KPMG
Alex Azzopardi
Alex joined KPMG in 2005 within the firm’s Audit function where he specialised in the external audits of financial services entities. After 8 years, Alex moved to the Advisory function, where he assisted in the setting up of the Internal Audit Services line. Today, he leads engagements mainly focused on the provision of services in enterprise risk, corporate governance, regulatory compliance (including licensing), AML/CFT and internal audit services across the regulated financial services sectors and other non-regulated businesses. Alex is the Immediate Past Chairman of IIA Malta, Fellow of the MIA and a member of ISACA.
Head, Internal Audit Department, Central Bank of Malta
Aidan Massa
Mr Aidan Massa brings decades of experience in central banking and currently serves as Head of Internal Audit at the Central Bank of Malta, a position he has held for the past seven years. His earlier roles within the Bank included key responsibilities in the International Assets Management Office and Monetary Operations Office. Mr Massa holds a first degree in Banking and Finance and a Master’s in Business Administration. He is CISA qualified and a Certified IIA Global Quality Assessor. At the European level, he is a member of the Internal Auditors Committee of the Euro system. Locally, Mr Massa lectures on internal auditing at the University of Malta and serves as Secretary of the Institute of Internal Auditors (Malta) Chapter.
Chief Internal Auditor, MAPFRE Middlesea & MSV Life
Bernard Mallia
Bernard Mallia is an accomplished finance and audit professional with over 15 years of experience spanning accounting, financial services, and internal and external audit. After earning a degree in Accountancy in 2010, he began his career as an external auditor and later enhanced his expertise with a Master’s in Financial Services from the University of Malta. In 2014, Bernard joined MAPFRE MSV Life plc as an accountant, contributing to diverse reporting and operational functions within the Finance department for five years. He then advanced into internal audit at a leading financial institution, where he successfully led audit engagements and strengthened governance frameworks. In 2024, Bernard returned to MAPFRE as Chief Internal Auditor, overseeing audit functions for both general and life operations. That same year, he achieved the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation and was elected Education Officer for IIA Malta, promoting professional development and internal audit education.
Director Internal Audit, BDO Malta
Dhayalaruban Thangaraja
Dhayalaruban (Ruban) Thangaraja is the Director of Internal Audit at BDO Malta, where he leads the firm’s Internal Audit service line and oversees a diverse portfolio of regulated clients across the banking, fintech, investment, insurance and gaming sectors. Before joining BDO Malta, Ruban held leadership roles with Big Four firms in Malta, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, overseeing the delivery of internal audit and risk consulting services within the financial services industry. He has been instrumental in driving the digital transformation of BDO’s internal audit function, integrating AI-enabled automation tools to enhance efficiency and impact. As a mentor and contributor to the internal audit community, Ruban regularly engages in discussions on fintech, crypto, and AI. In 2025, he was honoured with the Young Professional of the Year Award by the Global Institute of Internal Auditors, recognising his leadership, innovation, and contribution to advancing the profession.
