As part of its initiatives to promote Malta as an ideal and fast-growing jurisdiction for the setting up of investment funds and related fund services, VFS, in conjunction with Bank of Valletta’s Milan Representative Office, recently organised a seminar in Milan. The seminar was addressed by a panel of speakers representing the major players in the financial sectors in Malta and Italy.

Charles Borg, Chief Officer – Financial Markets & Investments at Bank of Valletta spoke about the group’s operations in the financial services scenario and about the banking group’s contribution to Malta’s economic growth.

Dr Andrew Chetcuti Ganado, legal adviser at BOV’s Trustee Services Unit highlighted the concept of Trusts and spoke about the legal infrastructure in Malta being an ideal jurisdiction where to set-up trusts.

Dr Andre Zerafa, a lawyer at Ganado & Associates, addressed the legal and regulatory framework for the setting up of UCITS III schemes in Malta.

Joseph Camilleri, Head of VFS Business Development Unit spoke about the competitive advantage Malta offers to fund promoters for the setting up of Professional Investor Funds, ideal investment vehicles for structuring of hedge funds, real estate funds, private equity funds and others. The support services VFS provides to the growing number of fund promoters, ranging from turnkey solutions to fund administration was also highlighted.

The highlight of the event was presented by Dott. Cristiano Carraroli, Head Risk Management at GDP SIM SpA, an Italian financial institution. Dott. Carraroli spoke about his company’s positive experience in Malta, the general pro-business environment in the industry, ranging from the approachability of the Regulator, to the professionalism and level of efficiency of Valletta Fund Services and various other service providers based in Malta.

The seminar came to a close with a debate between with the various speakers and the floor, which was chaired by Ivan Gaffiero, manager of Bank of Valletta’s Milan Representative Office.