‘It’s all about communication, trust and transparency’ – Storton Fund Management’s Janice Fenech

A culture of communication, trust and transparency – these are the three values that have set Janice Fenech, General Manager at Storton Fund Management, in good stead for the past few years. Now, with the organisation set to scale up operations globally, she shares her leadership journey and looks forward to what’s next.

It’s been a particularly successful year at Storton Fund Management, characterised by sustained growth in its assets under management and a strategy centred on residential rental properties, which have delivered long-term capital appreciation for the company’s investors. And an even more exciting 2026 is shaping up, as the company has embarked on a process to expand its operations on a global level.

At the heart of this growth is General Manager Janice Fenech, who has remained firmly committed to the safe and solid approach that has already served the organisation well.

“We have welcomed new investors, and we’ve also seen growing interest in the residential rental market,” she says. “With housing demand rising in many European capitals, rental properties are becoming the go-to option for millennials. We’re excited about what the future holds for our investors,” she says.

Of course, this level of success doesn’t just happen. Rather, it is the result of intentional decisions that have reinforced the funds’ core strategy of investing in residential rental properties in Ireland and the UK.

“This will continue to be our priority for the foreseeable future,’ she says. “We remain highly confident in our chosen segment and believe that both the macro and micro dynamics in these locations favour supply, with demand outpacing it considerably. Part of our model involves using technology to ensure that we can be agile when reacting to changes in regulations and market conditions. This is possible because we’re totally focused on long-term real estate investments, which gives us the ability to plan ahead with conviction,” Janice explains.

It’s a strategy that she has successfully implemented since she took over the role at Storton Fund Management, helping grow the business from its infancy. She describes her leadership journey as one of continuous learning, both personally and professionally.

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is the value of staying authentic, particularly when working in a space that’s traditionally male-dominated. I have come to embrace my own management style, to be adaptable, and to find common ground with others, regardless of our different approaches.

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of gaining visibility across all areas of fund management, from compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) to risk and portfolio management. I make it a point to work closely with senior management and authorities, and I manage relationships with various service providers. This practice has broadened my perspective, helping me lead with more clarity and purpose,” she elaborates.

Of course, the journey has not been without its challenges. But it’s the rewards that are first to spring to mind.

“I have deepened my expertise and strengthened my outlook, which has enabled me to become a more strategic, inclusive and confident leader,” she says.

These strengths are all invaluable for such a high-pressure role in a complex industry. With the financial services sector set for significant shifts, increased regulatory oversight and a growing focus on digital transformation, the upcoming year looks to be an exciting one for the company.

“We’re seeing a trend towards greater governance and compliance. To adapt, we’ve been concentrating on enhancing our internal operations with artificial intelligence (AI), strengthening compliance with new regulatory standards and diversifying our investor base. These initiatives help us stay competitive and responsive to the changing environment,” she acknowledges.

Part of staying competitive also involves attracting – and retaining – top talent. With many EU countries complaining of a brain drain, how is Storton Fund Management faring?

“I’m not going to lie – sourcing and keeping the right talent has certainly become more challenging, both here in Malta and globally. My strategy revolves around building authentic relationships based on empathy and being flexible to the different needs of each team member. This really helps the retention part. The reality is that people want to feel valued and understood, no matter what generation they are.”

But she is also pragmatic about human nature, adding that “work is work, and people will move on when the right opportunity comes along – and that’s perfectly okay.”

The key, she adds, is to ensure there are strong systems in place to keep driving the company goals forward, no matter what.

Meanwhile, Janice is quick to flag the importance of technology. She notes that AI, in particular, is often underestimated, as is data-driven decision-making. “The ability to analyse vast amounts of financial data in real-time is transforming how we assess risk, optimise portfolios and forecast market trends. Companies that invest in building robust data analytics capabilities are undoubtedly ahead of the curve,” she asserts.

There have been unexpected challenges too – such as the implementation of DORA, a European Union regulation that required financial entities to improve their digital operational resilience. Ensuring compliance with this regulation was a demanding undertaking, particularly given the need to maintain smooth day-to-day operations.

“The implementation certainly created pressure and stretched resources, but it also reinforced a vital lesson: organisation is key, with clearly defined roles, tasks and deadlines. Regular catch-ups ensured the team remained aligned and on track, meeting all deadlines without compromising other priorities,” Janice explains.

And it’s not only EU regulations that can throw a curveball. Malta’s own regulatory framework has evolved significantly in recent years. Navigating the balance between regulatory compliance and entrepreneurial agility must surely create a few occasional hiccups in a boutique fund management environment?

“Absolutely. Keeping up with constant regulatory updates, circulars and new regulations is a real challenge for a specialised firm like ours. The evolving framework requires considerable attention and resources to ensure compliance while maintaining agility. We must remain fully abreast of these changes without losing sight of the entrepreneurial flexibility that drives our business. Once again, it’s all about clear organisation, effective prioritisation and a team that’s ready to adapt quickly,” she elaborates.

The secret weapon in her arsenal? Not being afraid to bring in expert consultants.

“Sometimes engaging external specialists is a more effective approach, particularly for new or complex areas in financial services. It’s a more strategic use of resources and ensures the work is handled with precision,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s all about communication, trust and transparency.”

These are three values that she applies even with investors, and this methodology has enabled the company to scale up while preserving the high-touch, specialised expertise that institutional investors increasingly demand.

“Maintaining strong relationships with institutional investors is a top priority for us. We invest heavily in building and maintaining these connections, and we take them very seriously.”

What does Janice expect the company to achieve in the next year?

“Looking ahead, I hope to see our operations expand globally, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth. It’s an exciting opportunity to enter new markets while further strengthening our presence in Europe. On a personal level, I aim to continue developing as a leader and inspiring others, all while balancing the commitments that give my life purpose – including spending quality time with my son and supporting him as he grows into a strong, values-driven young man.”

This article is part of the serialisation of 50 interviews featured in MaltaCEOs 2026 – the sister brand to MaltaCEOs.mt and an annual high-end publication bringing together some of the country’s most influential business leaders.