On 9 October, FinanceMalta held a networking reception at a local restaurant in Floriana for its members and a number of guests. Some 100 persons from senior managerial positions in the financial services sector met to network and discuss ways of collaboration and to update themselves with recent trends in this growing sector.

FinanceMalta believes that domestic networking is an equally important ingredient within the context of the various promotional initiatives that it organises. Such initiatives are ultimately aimed at increasing the visibility of the financial services industry outside our shores and at the same time the creation of networking opportunities for its members. “Through such events, we hope to contribute to the organisation of the various initiatives whose main scope is to increase cooperation between the various practitioners and service providers” said Mr Kenneth Farrugia, Chairman of FinanceMalta. Mr Farrugia went on to say that “Malta is a small island and it is imperative that we foster a culture of cooperation with competitors as it is, in my view, an excellent way through which business is attracted to Malta”.

The event organised by FinanceMalta also had a noble cause. “Not just finance” said Mr Farrugia. FinanceMalta is also conscious of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage which is a critical component of Malta’s value proposition”. Prospective investors are invariably impressed with what Malta has to offer, and this, not only in terms of workforce and the legal and regulatory framework, but also the history and culture which gives us our national identity and in itself is a competitive differentiator. It is for this reason that FinanceMalta decided to contribute the proceeds of this networking event to Heritage Malta. Special thanks are surely due to Regus, the main sponsor for this event, for making this networking reception possible.

The proceeds of the event were subsequently presented to Mr Frank Mifsud, Board Secretary and Acting CEO of Heritage Malta. These funds served to purchase a 42” LCD screen and DVD player for the National Museum of Fine Arts in South Street, Valletta. “It is indeed most heartening when institutions such as FinanceMalta, aware of the extent of resources required, take the initiative to contribute towards the conservation and awareness of our National Heritage” said Mr Mifsud while thanking the Board of Governors of FinanceMalta and all those members who contributed towards this project.