The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) held a graduation event in Malta on 4 May celebrating the achievements of the first cohort of 11 ACA graduates to have trained, studied and qualified in Malta.  Over 90 guests were welcomed by Kate Holroyd-Smith and Sophie Hayes from the ICAEW and by John Bonello and Christopher Naudi, the ICAEW Contact Members for Malta. The President of the Institute, Andrew Ratcliffe, travelled to Malta for this landmark event and addressed the students and guests. Louis Farrugia, Chairman of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc (and a longstanding ICAEW member) offered some reflections as a member who spent most of his career in industry. His Excellency, the British High Commissioner, Rob Luke, also attended the ceremony. The event was held at Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Julian's Malta.

The ACA was introduced in Malta in 2012 with support from the large international accounting firms (including Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC). The ACA programme strengthened over the past 3 years and arrangements are in place with the Malta Institute of Accountants to enable ACA students to undertake Maltese tax and law papers to work in public practice, and in audit. ICAEW also works closely with the MIA on sharing technical expertise and organising joint events.  

Andrew Ratcliffe began his keynote speech highlighting the fact that this was the first such graduation ceremony on the island. He said: "You are the first ACA graduate students to become exam qualified in Malta, and your success is an excellent demonstration of the ability and commitment of Maltese students. You are the pioneers, paving the way for a new generation of Chartered Accountants in your country."

The ICAEW President also noted the important role that Chartered Accountants play in the Maltese economy. He said: "As a Chartered Accountant, you will be providing a service that society depends upon. Malta is a growing economy and the best professional skills are in demand across the country. We are delighted that our members in Malta are playing an important role in enabling this growth and that many of you continue to support this for the future by training the next generation of Chartered Accountants. We now have eight authorised ICAEW training employers offering ACA training, and there is an increasing demand to employ more ACA students."

ICAEW's global growth over the recent years has been significant and ACA training is now offered in 18 countries throughout the world including Vietnam, Indonesia, Czech Republic and Greece. ICAEW members are working in 160 countries worldwide and the ACA qualification continues to be recognised internationally as a leading business qualification.