FinanceMalta, the public-private partnership set up to promote Malta’s financial services sector, has announced that the fifth annual conference will be held on 18 May. It will give delegates the opportunity to consider the challenges of the recent past, the lessons that can be learnt and the direction the industry and companies will take in the future. This day-long annual conference is a unique opportunity for the industry, government, regulators and, importantly, FinanceMalta’s corporate and affiliate members to discuss developments in international financial regulation, assess new business opportunities for Malta’s practitioners and the industry’s increasing potential for growth as part of Malta’s growing financial services jurisdiction, and network with peers.

FinanceMalta’s annual conference has become an established part of the international financial services calendar and acts as part of the organisation’s remit to build greater visibility and credibility for Malta as a European Financial Centre (EFC). After substantial review and in consultation with stakeholders, this year’s conference will include a number of workshops and panel discussions, building on the positive response to their introduction in previous conferences. The robust interest in the 2012 Conference underpins the continuing growth of the jurisdiction and its establishment as an EFC. 

In recent months, the Malta hedge funds centre has attracted more positive reviews, as the Business Insider has just recommended the jurisdiction as a hedge funds domicile, following hot on the heels of another positive review in Bloomberg Magazine. The article highlights a number of reasons why hedge fund managers should choose Malta as a hedge fund solution. The reasons indicated include: the country’s mild Mediterranean climate, transparency, EU membership, competitive tax rates, low cost base and widespread use of the English language. It is anticipated that this article will further strengthen Malta’s reputation as a well-established hedge fund centre, and increase the attractiveness of the Malta hedge fund solution.

According to leading financial reporter Jeremy Kahn at Bloomberg, “As of early November, the number of funds located in Malta had grown to more than 500 with $10.7 billion under management from 165 funds with less than €5 billion under management in 2006.” This information concurs with a December 2011 report from Digital Publisher of the Year, Hedge Funds Review, who advise, “Malta Hedge Fund Industry continues to expand as low costs and accessible regulator tempt managers”. 

Financial services is one of the key pillars of the Maltese economy along with tourism, manufacturing and business services, providing over €1 billion of revenue to the economy. Its contribution to the national economy is growing, and the sector is benefiting from Malta’s productive labour force. Ranked against other industries such as manufacturing or tourism, the finance sector has been one of the most dynamic. It has expanded by double-digit growth per year on average over the past three years, which is higher than the mean for all industries economy-wide. Malta is a financial gateway to Europe. Its finance industry offers a number of attractions including a stable economy, liquid markets, skilled workforce, cost-efficient business infrastructure, and advanced IT support.

Maltese households and the local business sector enjoy the benefits of a flexible financial services industry that is becoming one of the most recognised in the world. The sector is vibrant and diverse and, as reported by the leading international financial press, is among the fastest growing sectors in the economy and one of its largest contributors to Gross Domestic Product. At the same time the industry maintains a highly responsible approach to ensure its many provider firms remain safe and transparent. This highly responsible approach is having a knock-on effect with young people, particularly students, who are now choosing a career in financial services in larger numbers than ever before.

FinanceMalta’s conference will incorporate a prestigious social event on 17 May, which will give FinanceMalta members and sponsors an opportunity to mix with delegates ahead of the main event. FinanceMalta supports members by building their capability and professional standing and by connecting them to leading content, insights and influential networks. FinanceMalta also plays a vital role in strengthening the financial services industry through policy initiatives and respected credentials that drive rigorous professional standards.

For further information visit www.financemalta.org for updates on speakers, activities and sponsorship opportunities.