Antonio Abdilla Zerafa / LinkedIn

Antonio Abdilla Zerafa, Head of Financial Crime Compliance at the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), on Wednesday called for greater collaboration between organisations to stand firm and effectively tackle financial crime.

This came after the financial crime compliance teams of both the MGA and Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) held a one-day bilateral meeting last week. The aim of this was to enhance collaboration and facilitate the exchange of experiences and challenges faced by both authorities in the field of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).

Mr Abdilla Zerafa described the session as “insightful”, and it also featured discussions by members of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit Malta (FIAU).

“This gathering was not just about sharing knowledge, it was about weaving the fabric of a unified front against financial crime,” he added.

He explained that during the meeting, the teams “delved deep into specific procedures, dissected common challenges, and ignited discussions on pain points” that the entities face.

“The spirit of cooperation was palpable as we critiqued each other’s processes, brainstormed potential solutions and areas of future collaboration,” Mr Abdilla Zerafa said.

He highlighted that such events underscore the importance of “inter-agency cooperation”.

“In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, standing together ensures we remain resilient, informed, and always a step ahead,” he remarked, before thanking MFSA Head of Financial Crime Compliance Matthew Scicluna and the rest of the MFSA’s team for their hospitality.

In recent months, the MGA has collaborated with multiple entities to enhance the skills of its financial crime compliance team, including joint-workshops with the FIAU.

Mr Abdilla Zerafa has worked at the MGA for more than eight years, having initially joined as an Intern in the Enforcement Directorate in 2015. He has since served in various financial crime compliance and due diligence roles at the authority, and has led its financial crime compliance department since the start of 2022. He was also named Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at the MGA in October 2022.

Featured Image:

MGA Head of Financial Crime Compliance Antonio Abdilla Zerafa / LinkedIn

Related

Paul Mifsud appointed Head of Lettings at Alliance Real Estate Group

12 February 2025
by Nicole Zammit

He was officially welcomed during a management meeting of the Lettings Division.

‘Employers should normalise conversations about menstrual issues’ – Fast Track CPO Jenny Arnell

12 February 2025
by Lyndsey Grima

Fast Track is now setting an example for private companies worldwide, reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking employer in the ...

The joy of giving: The Children in Need Foundation delivers giant teddy bears to children’s homes

12 February 2025
by Lyndsey Grima

The Point Shopping Mall made this generous donation, reaching out in early January to offer the gifts.

Chef at Corinthia Attard cooks for King Charles at royal Italian-themed dinner

11 February 2025
by Nicole Zammit

He curated a menu that showcased Italian culinary techniques while incorporating British ingredients.