Mapping Malta’s Financial Services Talent

Malta's financial services sector is on course to become one of the most significant drivers of the country’s economy, with projections showing it could contribute between €4.8 billion and €5.3 billion to the country's GDP by 2035. Realising that ambition, however, will depend on building a skilled workforce equal to the opportunity.

The Malta Financial Services Advisory Council (MFSAC) has commissioned a landmark talent mapping study, the first comprehensive assessment of the sector's workforce, to help chart the path forward. The initiative reflects a growing consensus that human capital, not just policy or regulation, will determine Malta's long-term competitiveness as an international financial hub.

Dr Bernice Buttigieg, FinanceMalta's Chief Strategy Officer, has stressed that without a coordinated strategy to attract, train, and retain top talent, Malta risks slowing growth in one of its most strategically important industries. The workforce mapping exercise is designed to address that directly, examining recruitment trends, retention pressures, and emerging skills gaps across the finance talent pool, from accounting and audit professionals to compliance officers and senior analysts.

Encouragingly, the policy environment is moving in the right direction. Malta has established dedicated immigration pathways that are specifically designed to support global workforce mobility and help attract the international talent the sector needs to grow. These structured routes for expat professionals reflect a deliberate effort to position Malta as a destination of choice for finance professionals operating across borders.

Financial services are identified as one of seven strategic sectors crucial to Malta's future economic resilience, with the 2050 Vision placing strong emphasis on innovation, competitiveness, and attracting international talent. With the right upskilling investment and hiring strategies in place,  including growing demand for fintech, AI, and digital finance expertise, Malta's finance sector looks well-placed to deliver on its considerable promise.