Small and medium-sized businesses will now be able to raise capital by issuing bonds, new shares, or selling existing shares to a pool of investors far greater than their own family or business partners, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna announced today.

Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates will be acting as the licensed and recognised cooperate advisor. The firm will ensure transparency and corporate governance efficiency is achieved and retained before, during, and after the admission process.

The SMEs will be able to receive a maximum of 5 million euros on the stock exchange. Minister Scicluna also said that there are already discussions underway with the European Commission in order to establish a prospectus directive across the European Union.

The directive should be finalised and approved during Malta’s EU Presidency next year. Minister Scicluna did say that there was a possibility that this could achieved by the end of the year.