MFSA CEO Calls For Innovation and Regulation to Go Hand-in-Hand

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) this week convened a high-level public conference bringing together regulators, policymakers, and market leaders from across the globe to discuss the evolution of the financial services sector.

Delivering the opening address, Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Dr Ian Borg framed the conference as “empowering and forward-looking”. However, he stressed that resilience does not happen by accident, but is the product of deliberate action, cooperation and reform. Collaboration was a recurring theme throughout the day’s sessions and speeches, with Dr Borg recognising the importance of international organisations such as IOSCO and the role they play in developing and setting standards, as well as Europe’s supervisory authorities. “I commend the MFSA for its longstanding engagement with these bodies, reaffirming our conviction that cooperation is a necessity,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

The MFSA this week convened a high-level public conference bringing together regulators, policymakers, and market leaders from across the globe to discuss the evolution of the financial services sector.

Minister of Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana, who addressed the conference virtually, underscored Malta’s continued strong economic performance and the Government’s commitment to a future that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient. The Minister highlighted measures from the recently delivered 2026 budget to support both businesses and families to sustain growth, noting that today’s success is also about the country’s long-term prosperity. At the same time, he emphasised the importance of maintaining Malta’s position as a dynamic and well-regulated financial centre that balances innovation with integrity and financial stability, as well as continued cooperation between the MFSA and its international peers to maintain regulatory consistency and credibility.

Keynote speeches were also delivered by EUROFI President David Wright, Chair of the Growth and Emerging Markets Committee of IOSCO Mohamed Farid Saleh, and CEO of World Federation of Exchanges Nandini Sukumar, among others.

MFSA CEO Kenneth Farrugia closed the conference by highlighting the importance of innovation and regulation moving forward together. “It is very important that they go hand-in-hand”, Mr Farrugia stated.

“At MFSA it is very important that we are agile, transparent, compliant and that we work hand-in-hand with our partners,” he continued as he called for industry and regulators to join forces, share perspectives and learn from one another.

The conference will be followed by IOSCO Growth & Emerging Markets (GEM) and European Regional Committee meetings (November 19-21).