As the financial landscape continues undergoing a seismic shift, the MFSA’s Financial Supervisors Academy (FSA) recently organised two high-profile conferences on the topics of crypto-assets and sustainable finance. These were held as part of the Authority’s efforts to promote knowledge-sharing among financial supervisors and competent authorities, while at the same time strengthen its engagement with industry stakeholders.
The Sustainable Finance Conference
The MFSA is committed to promoting sustainable finance and taking a leading role in green transition initiatives. In October the FSA hosted a conference on this subject, which saw some of the most brilliant minds in the financial sector debating several salient issues in sustainable finance.
Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of the MFSA, set the stage for the conference, emphasising the pivotal role of the financial system in steering investments toward sustainability. The conference featured engaging panel discussions on Malta's effort to move towards a green economy as well as on disclosure and reporting. The panellists shared their insights and recommendations on how Malta can leverage its strengths and address its weaknesses in achieving its green goals.
The conference also discussed the implications of new EU regulations on sustainable finance disclosures. More insights were provided by Iñigo Arruga Oleaga Adviser at DG Legal Services of the European Central Bank who discussed the Bank's transparency initiatives, and Steve Ellul, CEO of Project Green who emphasised the importance of transforming Malta into a green hub. The conference also shed light on the importance of enhancing the awareness and skills of financial supervisors and industry players on sustainable finance issues and tools.
The MiCA Conference
The most recent event organised by the Financial Supervisors Academy was the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation Conference in mid-November. The conference featured speakers from the various European Supervisory Authorities as well as representatives from several regulators and national competent authorities, as well as the industry. The conference discussed the challenges and opportunities for the crypto-asset sector in Malta and the EU, and drew over 500 stakeholders from 17 countries. Over 30 speakers addressed the conference, including 12 foreign experts from Europe and the US including ESMA’s Chair Verena Ross.
The speakers delved into various topics including investor protection and regulatory convergence. Additionally, the conference explored the impact of this regulation on traditional banking and efforts to address Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) concerns within the crypto industry.
A Convergence of Minds
NewsHub spoke to Kenneth Farrugia, MFSA’s Chief Executive Officer : “These events foster and encourage a much needed discussion in the financial sector. They also embody the MFSA’s commitment to a financial future that's not only resilient but socially and environmentally conscious. These conferences stand out not merely because of the topics discussed, but for enabling the convergence of minds and ideas – bringing together regulators, the industry, and scholars under one roof, which engagement is at the crux of the Authority’s strategy.”
