‘Our greatest asset is our people’ – Promethean Corporate Services CEO and Managing Director

Dr Jonathan De Giovanni, CEO of Promethean Corporate Services, is spearheading the firm’s transformation from a local entity into a global powerhouse within emerging markets and fintech. Heading into 2025, Jonathan’s focus is on expanding Promethean’s footprint in the global mobility sector, all while navigating complex regulatory shifts and embracing digital transformation. With a leadership style that balances technological innovation and a people-first approach, Jonathan is positioning Promethean as a key force in the evolving financial services industry.

Like many Maltese lawyers, Dr Jonathan De Giovanni, CEO of Promethean Corporate Services, began his studies at the University of Malta. His journey from the lecture halls to leading Promethean reflects his enduring commitment to growth and professional excellence. After completing his studies in Malta, Jonathan pursued a Master of Arts in Financial Services and an Advanced Diploma in International Taxation in London, with a memorable graduation ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall. This relentless drive for knowledge and strategic thinking has underpinned his path to becoming a CEO known for dynamic leadership, foresight and innovation.

“My role demands careful organisational management and planning with a focus on long-term goals, particularly in this era of rapid technological advancement, from Artificial Intelligence (AI) developments to emerging social media platforms,” Jonathan remarks. His ability to navigate and adapt to complex market changes is critical in today’s fast-paced, competitive business environment, where he applies the same dedication that defined his early career.

Central to Jonathan’s leadership is a deep respect for people, which drives much of his decision-making. “Our greatest asset is our people,” the CEO emphasises, affirming that even in the age of AI and automation, human connection remains the foundation of any business, and that companies are built on more than just technology – a belief that was reinforced last year when Jonathan broke his ankle and was unable to travel for three months. He used the setback as an opportunity to exemplify persistence in the face of challenging circumstances. “I used that time to fortify Promethean’s culture, increase corporate governance standards, and inspire and motivate the team. It’s important to show resilience and lead by example,” he shares.

Work is far more than just a job for Jonathan. “It’s an integral part of my identity and lifestyle. Rarely do I go out and not talk about work, because that is just what I do,” he says. “I am, by nature, a closer of deals, and I love when an informal encounter with a stranger turns into a business relationship with a new client.” Jonathan’s ability to seamlessly integrate professional interactions into his personal life reinforces his commitment to building strong client relationships. Whether through personal or professional channels, nurturing meaningful connections is central to his approach and Promethean’s success.

Under his leadership, the entity has evolved from a small, local firm into a significant player on the global stage. The company’s mission was clear from the start: internationalise the business and diversify its service offerings. Over the years, the firm has successfully expanded into a profitable enterprise within a larger international group focused on financing projects in emerging markets. “We grew the business into a much larger piece of the puzzle,” Jonathan reflects, highlighting Promethean’s role within the wider global framework. Today, Malta serves as a strategic and foundational hub, enabling the firm to broaden its reach across multiple markets.

A defining milestone in Promethean’s journey was the acquisition of WDM Lex Advisory, a move that led to the company’s rebranding and accelerated growth. “This acquisition was pivotal in positioning Promethean for future success,” Jonathan explains. The recent partnership with ICA Consulting in London further marks a significant alliance between the business and financial sectors in Malta and the UK, strengthening Promethean’s international connections.

As the company continues to evolve, Jonathan highlights AI’s increasing role in Promethean’s day-to-day operations, particularly in compliance, due diligence and client onboarding. “The potential for AI adoption in a law firm is substantial, but it’s up to us to decide where and how to implement these processes,” he says, stressing the need to carefully balance AI with human oversight. He adds, “AI lacks the emotional nuance sometimes required in writing or conveying certain arguments.”

Reflecting on 2024, the CEO acknowledges that it was a year of adaptation for Promethean. “We’ve experienced a technological shift – or disruption – in terms of our need to innovate and integrate AI and automation in our systems and daily lives. As a result, we have embraced AI and digital tools more than ever, with a heightened focus on cybersecurity, as the need to protect sensitive information continues to grow,” he shares. “Overall, we’ve achieved significant growth this past year and, despite global challenges, have maintained our resilience as we continue to expand and strengthen our position in the market.”

Jonathan adds that this resilience reflects Malta’s status as one of the most stable economic jurisdictions in the EU, which has withstood several crises over the past few years, ranging from the 2008 mortgage collapse to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commenting on the challenges facing Promethean and the sector, Jonathan notes, “the need to attract, train and retain talent to bridge the skills gap remains a prevalent issue. Increased regulatory requirements also present difficulties, though to their credit, they’ve pushed us to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.”

The company has also carved out an important role in Malta’s startup ecosystem, offering services that extend beyond its initial focus on high-net-worth individuals. Jonathan predicts an influx of global mobility clients drawn to Malta’s residence and citizenship programmes, especially as digital nomadism grows, necessitating strong management and financial planning support. Within the context of Malta’s Startup Residence Programme and its Digital Nomad and Global Residence Programmes, Promethean now provides global mobility services that bolster the firm’s impact and support Malta’s drive to attract diverse talent to the island. “I foresee these programmes gaining even more traction as Europe imposes curbs on them and as individuals seek alternatives to larger jurisdictions like the United States. This will hopefully drive Malta to innovate in financial and tax planning,” he says.

Jonathan also sees continued growth prospects in Malta’s gaming and real estate landscapes, which he anticipates will continue to have ripple effects across sectors. “The demand for healthcare services is increasing, which creates opportunities in telemedicine and health tech innovations,” he says, adding that Malta’s established digital gaming and eSports markets remain robust and continue to thrive despite limitations on Malta’s licensing framework.

To maintain competitiveness, Jonathan believes Malta must hone its expertise in digital innovation, technology, AI, and FinTech. “We need to introduce courses on machine learning in schools to prepare the next generations for the future of work. It’s much easier for a teenager to master new concepts in technology than it is for a seasoned professional with decades of experience,” he explains.

In the year ahead, Promethean’s drive remains closely tied to the broader vision of its parent group. “We are intensifying efforts in areas like securitisation and financial services, entering into more intricate structures within these initiatives. We’re also focusing on regulatory compliance services and niche legal practices, particularly in FinTech and cryptocurrency law,” he explains. With these targeted initiatives, aligned with current market demands, Promethean is well-positioned not only to meet but to capitalise on the challenges ahead, ensuring the company’s continued growth and innovation in the coming year.

This article is part of the serialisation of 50 interviews featured in Malta CEOs 2025 – the sister brand to MaltaCEOs.mt and an annual high-end publication bringing together some of the country’s most influential business leaders