Malta’s private equity sector urged to seize opportunities at high-level CEO seminar

Senior executives, fund managers, and institutional investors gathered in Malta for a masterclass organised by the Malta Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (PEVCA Malta).

The masterclass included a seminar which focused on the future of private equity and venture capital, moderated by private equity specialist Gavin Ryan, the panel featured Albert Cilia of Trident Trust, Francesco Scotto of Zarattini International, Eric Mackay of PwC Malta, and Ian Meli of the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Key discussion points included fund structuring, fundraising, fund lifecycle management, and exit planning. The panellists highlighted Malta’s potential as a destination for private capital, citing its English-speaking workforce, regulatory accessibility, and strategic location.

A prominent theme throughout the discussion was the possibility of establishing a fund of funds. Panellists described this as a promising step to attract both local and international investors, which could help strengthen Malta’s growing private equity and venture capital ecosystem.

Apart from that, the four-day training masterclass included four modules;

The first module focused on Private Equity and Venture Capital Foundations, examining the role of private equity as an asset class within the current financial system. Participants explored how value is created in private equity, how to identify and target the right investors, the critical steps to successful fundraising, and the nuances of fund structure and investment terms.

The second module delved into Fund and Performance Analysis, equipping professionals with the tools to evaluate fund performance, select appropriate funds, and understand valuation principles. It also explored the full lifecycle of a deal, from sourcing and screening opportunities to building value across venture, growth, and buyout stages.

Portfolio management strategies were examined in detail, allowing attendees to grasp how successful funds optimise returns and mitigate risks.

The final module addressed Deal Assessment and Exit Strategy, guiding participants through strategic due diligence processes and negotiation techniques.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and FinanceMalta, with support from PwC Malta, Trident Trust, and Zarattini International.