FinanceMalta’s 18th conference promises to ‘shape next chapter in Malta’s financial story’ 

FinanceMalta has announced its lineup of distinguished speakers and thought leaders for its 18th Annual Conference, titled “Redefining Finance: A Quality-Driven Future for Malta”, taking place on 19th to the 20th November 2025 at the Hilton Malta.

FinanceMalta Chief Strategy Officer Bernice Buttigieg, who will deliver the closing remarks, lauded the shared commitment of the speakers and delegates “to shape the next chapter of Malta’s financial story.”

Together, we’re redefining what quality means for our industry, one that is competitive, forward-thinking, and built on trust.”

FinanceMalta Chairman George Vella echoed her sentiments: “This year’s edition brings together exceptional speakers who represent the strength and diversity of Malta’s financial ecosystem. Their insights will help shape a quality-driven, future-ready financial sector.”

The conference, which is expected to host some 600 delegates, will open with a keynote address by Mr Vella followed by a presentation on “EnVision 2050: Quality as the Pillar of Malta’s Financial Future” by Jonathan Spiteri, member of the Malta Vision 2050 team.

A high-level panel on “The Future of Malta’s Financial Services – Raising the Bar on Quality” will feature leading voices including Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of the Malta Financial Services Authority; John Mcilwaine, EIF Senior Regional Representative for Italy and Malta; Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of Bank of Valletta plc; Joseph Zammit Tabona, Chairman of the Malta Financial Services Advisory Council; and Jürgen Kreuz, Founder and Cyber Security Consultant.

The first day will also include fireside chats with prominent international figures, among them Lord Ed Vaizey of Didcot, member of the UK House of Lords and business adviser, together with Dimitris Litsikakis, Director at Profile Software; and Christopher Buttigieg, Chief Supervision Officer at the MFSA discussing Geo Economics and the Future of Finance with Dan Hanqvist, Deputy Director at Helsinki Geoeconomics School. 

Presentations will also be given on Malta and the crypto landscape by Giovanni Cunti, CEO Europe of Gate, while Daphne Grech Cumbo, executive coach and trainer, is expected to steer some movement in the room.

Spotlight sessions will feature key contributors from the Malta Financial Services Advisory Council (MFSAC) and other industry representatives, highlighting Malta’s leadership in areas such as ESG, fintech, AI in finance, aircraft leasing, pensions, and family offices.

The second day will open with a panel discussion on “Unlocking Growth Through Specialisation”, moderated by Trudy Kerr, featuring Michael Xuereb (MFSA), Charlotte Crosswell (Raidiam), Louis de Gabriele (Camilleri Preziosi), and Mike Wardle (Z/YEN Group).

Addresses will also be delivered by Hon. Clyde Caruana, Malta’s Minister for Finance; Hon. Jerome Caruana Cilia, Malta’s Shadow Minister for the Economy and Enterprise; and a video message from EU Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque, highlighting the European perspective on financial services.

Breakout sessions on ESG, asset management, capital markets, and insurance will bring together experts from across Europe. 

The closing sessions will then focus on attracting investment with contributions from Geraldine Spiteri Lucas (Malta Business Registry), George Gregory (Malta Enterprise), Gareth Genner (Trust Stamp), Alfred Zammit (FIAU), and Alison Micallef (Malta Development Bank) to be moderated by Jochen Biedermann, MD at the WAIFC. 

A talk on tax reform that will be moderated by Juanita Brockdorff with the participation of Joseph Caruana (Tax Commissioner) and Aldo Farrugia from the MTCA, Prof. John Vella (University of Oxford), and Benjamin Angel (European Commission).

For registration and a full programme of the conference, one may visit https://financemalta.org/conferences/fmconf18