The Human Algorithm: Chris Sultana on why your data’s greatest asset is your people

In the heart of Malta’s dynamic business landscape, where digital transformation is a constant buzzword, the human element can often be overlooked. MaltaCEOs.mt sat down with Chris Sultana, Head Technology at CLA Malta, who brings the conversation back to people – how they use data, how they thrive within secure systems, and how technology should ultimately serve them.

For Mr Sultana, the foundational challenge for any organisation is not a technical specsheet, but a cultural one: data maturity.

“If I had to pick one challenge that cuts across all sectors, it is data maturity – how organisations collect, connect, and act on their data,” he states. “Every industry, from iGaming to Healthcare, is sitting on valuable data but often lacks the integration and governance needed to extract real insight. The opportunity lies in transforming that raw data into actionable intelligence – driving automation, compliance, and faster decision-making. At CLA Malta, we are helping clients move from static reports to predictive, real-time analytics that inform strategic action.”

Mr Sultana is equally focused on dismantling a common barrier to progress: the perceived trade-off between safety and speed.

“We often hear that secure systems slow innovation, but at CLA Malta we take a different view: security is a design principle, not a limitation,” he explains. “We build frameworks where experimentation is possible – through sandboxed environments, cloud testing, and proof-of-concept pilots – while ensuring all systems meet strict compliance, especially in Finance and iGaming. This approach lets us innovate responsibly: safe, scalable, and compliant.” 

This pragmatic mindset extends to his view of technological trends. Reflecting on what has truly delivered value, Mr Sultana shares a balanced perspective.

“I was initially cautious about cloud adoption in Malta – data sovereignty and regulatory comfort were big concerns. But the cloud’s resilience and scalability have made it indispensable, especially post-pandemic. Conversely, blockchain was overhyped as a panacea of sorts. It is powerful for specific use cases like audit trails or identity management but often added complexity where simpler solutions worked better.”

At the core of Mr Sultana’s philosophy is the belief that data’s true power is unlocked only when it is translated into a clear narrative that people can use.

“My approach to Business Intelligence is simple: understand the business question before touching the data. Once we know what the client needs to decide, we build dashboards that connect operational and financial data – turning reports into narratives that guide action. For example, in retail or hospitality, we go beyond revenue by product; we analyse customer trends, peak times, and staffing patterns. That is when data starts shaping real strategy.”

This people-first approach is most critical at the very start of any project, Mr Sultana argues.

“The most critical phase is always the requirements and design stage. Most issues arise when the initial objectives are not fully understood. We take time to align on the ‘why’ behind every project. Once that is clear, execution becomes efficient and predictable. At CLA Malta, our iterative delivery model – small, validated milestones – keeps clients engaged and ensures what is delivered matches what is envisioned.”

Looking ahead, Mr Sultana is most excited about AI not as a job replacer, but as a human empowerer.

“The most exciting shift ahead is how AI will embed itself in everyday workflows. We are already using it internally to automate reconciliations, enhance audit analytics, and speed up reporting. The next step is personalised AI assistants – tools that help both our teams and clients interpret data faster and make smarter decisions. It is not about replacing people – it is about freeing them to focus on judgment, insight, and relationships.”

This sentiment brings him back to his central thesis, a closing note that resonates with any leader aiming to build a more capable and confident organisation.

“For me, technology is only meaningful when it enhances human capability – whether that is helping a client make a faster decision, an employee learn faster, or a business operate with more confidence. That is the balance we are building at CLA Malta,” Mr Sultana concludes.