The Malta Institute of Financial Services (IFS) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MESA) recently co-hosted a training seminar for current and prospective directors of investment companies. This event was held at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, St Julian’s.

Paul Vella, director of HR Development, MFSA and Joseph J. Agius of IFS-Malta welcomed the delegates and stressed the importance for directors to keep themselves updated on issues affecting the industry and regulatory implications relative to their role as company directors. This is particularly relevant given the universal accountability directors (including non-executive directors) are being shouldered with in the general management of their respective companies.

David Williams, who has experience in the financial services field spanning more than a decade, conducted the training programme. His company, Haven Risk Management, UK supplies regulatory support and higher-level training to the industry.

The training sessions covered a diverse agenda and included principles of corporate governance, markets in financial instruments directive, money-laundering deterrence, data protection and risk management in asset management companies. The sessions focused on how the knowledge of these subjects could help a director (particularly a non-executive one) have a positive impact on the operational requirements of an asset management company.

The programme was an interactive one with a number of delegates presenting and discussing their views during the training session.

IFS-Malta and the MFSA organised this training programme to encourage continuous professional development among practitioners and promote a wider learning of what is happening in the financial services sector.