MFSA Chairman honoured in New York with IFNY Free Enterprise Award

MFSA Chairman Jesmond Gatt has been recognised on the global stage after receiving the distinguished Free Enterprise Award from the Insurance Federation of New York (IFNY), one of the international insurance sector’s most respected honours.

Presented during a ceremony at the historic Union League Club in New York City, the award highlights Mr Gatt’s role in strengthening Malta’s standing as an innovative, credible, and internationally engaged financial centre.

The accolade places him among a select group of past recipients who have shaped modern industry and commerce, including Henry Ford II, Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg, Dame Inga Beale, and Malcolm Forbes.

For Malta, the award serves as a powerful endorsement of the jurisdiction’s progress in recent years, particularly in the areas of insurance, fund services, fintech, and cross-border investment frameworks. Under Mr Gatt’s leadership, the MFSA has continued to promote a regulatory environment that encourages growth while upholding robust standards.

In his acceptance address, Mr Gatt emphasised Malta’s evolving role in the global financial landscape, noting the country’s unique ability to foster international connectivity. “Malta is not merely a point on the map, but a bridge: a bridge between continents, between cultures, and between markets,” he said.

Mr Gatt was accompanied at the ceremony by Ray Schembri, Head of Insurance and Pensions Supervision, and Luciano Micallef, Deputy Head within the same division –  an indication of the Authority’s commitment to deepening its global engagements and strengthening relationships with international partners.

With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, Mr Gatt’s recognition marks a significant milestone for Malta’s principal regulator. It underscores the MFSA’s ambition to position Malta as a forward-thinking, well-regulated, and outward-looking jurisdiction led by individuals who are gaining acknowledgment on the world stage.

For the country’s financial ecosystem, the award is more than a personal achievement. It signals Malta’s readiness to continue engaging in international dialogue, attracting investment, and championing high standards across the sector.