Collaboration is ‘paramount’ in crypto-asset regulation – MFSA Chief Officer Supervision

Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) Chief Officer Supervision Christopher Buttigieg has called for increased collaboration between all stakeholders in order to ensure the regulation of crypto-assets.

His comments came in the announcement of Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, a conference organised by the Financial Supervisors Academy (FSA) within the MFSA in collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU). The event will bring together industry experts under one roof on 16th November 2023 at Hilton Hotel Malta, focusing on MiCA, which is part of the broader European Union’s digital finance strategy aimed at creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto-assets.

Featuring a keynote address by Verena Ross, Chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), this event is part of the MFSA’s aim to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among regulatory authorities, industry players, and academics.

Dr Buttigieg, who is also FSA Strategic Director, said: “In the rapidly evolving landscape of crypto-assets, collaboration and understanding are paramount.”

“We firmly believe that the future of crypto-asset regulation depends on the active involvement of all stakeholders,” he added.

“Hence, this event is designed to cater to a diverse audience to bridge any existing gaps in knowledge for all those involved,” Dr Buttigieg concluded.

Dedicated to unravelling the complexities of the forthcoming MiCA regulation, the conference seeks to set in motion open dialogue, knowledge exchange on investor protection, supervisory convergence, enforcement actions, and the impact on other traditional financial services sectors.

The conference has an impressive lineup of speakers which includes leading figures in the field of crypto-assets regulation. Among the notable speakers, MFSA CEO Kenneth Farrugia will open the conference with a focus on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). He will also participate in a panel discussion on the impact of MiCA on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and the traditional banking industry. Alfred Zammit, FIAU Acting Director, will address a keynote speech on AML/CFT within the crypto space, with a focus on Malta’s risk assessment.

Dr Buttigieg, together with MFSA Chief Officer of Enforcement Michelle Mizzi Buontempo and Head of Fintech Supervision Herman Ciappara as well as other MFSA officials, will also share their insights and expertise.

Furthermore, the conference will feature several esteemed international speakers, such as Chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commision (CySEC) George Theocharides, Financial Market Authority of Liechtenstein Member of the Executive Board Reto Degen, US Commodity Futures Trading Commission Deputy Director Kevin C. Piccoli, Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) Director and Head of Innovation and Digital Finance Charles Moussy, CONSOB Director Carlo Comporti, European Banking Authority Supervisory Expert in Crypto-Assets Sarah Gramber, as well as University of Malta’s Joshua Ellul, who will all contribute to the discussions.

For more information on the event, click here.