Minister for Finance Addresses FinanceMalta Annual Conference

Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana addressed the 18th FinanceMalta Annual Conference on Thursday 20 November, where he set out the country’s latest economic performance and the challenges and opportunities ahead for the financial services sector specifically.

The Minister highlighted the stability Malta offers as a key strategic strength and advantage that he intends to preserve. “If there is something that everyone across the globe is after, that is stability… The certainty that tomorrow is not going to deliver an unpleasant surprise.”

He pointed to the findings of the recent EY survey, which demonstrated a surge in the proportion of investors that view the country as an attractive place for Foreign Direct Investment, up from 54% in 2024 to 79% in 2025, as well as the increasing number of new international companies choosing to set up a base or office in Malta year-on-year.

Despite the continued strong performance and growth projections, which remain well ahead of the average for the EU, the Minister cautioned against complacency. “We shouldn’t take anything for granted. Now is the time to redouble our efforts,” he told delegates.

The Minister stated that throughout history the societies that have embraced innovation are the ones that have flourished. Looking back at the achievements of recent years, the Minister struck an optimistic note as he concluded his speech, conveying his conviction that the country can achieve much more still if it commits to going further.

Following his keynote speech the EU Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union Maria Luís Albuquerque delivered a virtual address. "Malta is a country that knows how to adapt and innovate… Malta has built a financial ecosystem that is outward looking and full of potential,” she stated as she set out her ambition to revitalise Europe’s competitive spirit for the benefit of all. 

The Commissioner’s address was followed by a speech from the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Enterprise Hon. Jerome Caruana Cilia which underscored strong cross-party support for efforts to boost the financial services sector. “The sector is too important to be dragged into partisan games,” Hon Caruana Cilia told delegates. He recognised the “visible strides” the country has made and noted the important work and efforts of the Malta Financial Services Authority Council (MFSAC). In concluding, the shadow minister called for a willingness to pilot new solutions and for Malta to ensure it offers a “testing ground for responsible innovation.”