The Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) has welcomed 168 new members, bringing its total membership to just over 4,500 professionals. Their achievement was celebrated during the Institute's New Members Ceremony held at the Hilton Malta, honouring the newest professionals joining Malta's accountancy community.
A common theme emerging during the event was the importance of upholding integrity, strengthening public trust and safeguarding the reputation and credibility of the accountancy profession.
MIA President Dr Jonathan Dingli urged the new members to act as ambassadors for accountancy, stressing that their work reflects on the entire profession and beyond. "Reputation is built over time, but it can be lost overnight. Every time we sign a report, provide advice or interpret a regulation, we represent not only ourselves but the entire profession and, by extension, Malta's credibility on the international stage", he explained.
MIA Chief Executive Officer Maria Cauchi Delia reaffirmed the Institute's role as the voice of the profession, highlighting its close collaboration with the Accountancy Board and its active participation in national and European fora, including constant dialogue with institutions such as the MFSA, MBR, FIAU and Accountancy Europe. "Every voice matters. We work to ensure that the profession is heard and that decisions taken at national and EU level reflect the realities in Malta", she said.
Cristina Gutu, Vice President of ACCA International reaffirmed ACCA's commitment to its partnership with the MIA and its Joint Examination Scheme. She noted that organisations increasingly require accountancy expertise in areas such as green and sustainable finance and ethical conduct, adding that while technical competence remains essential, integrity and trust are more valuable than ever.
Prof Lauren Ellul, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy at the University of Malta congratulated the new members and highlighted the importance of continuous learning as AI, technology and sustainability transform the profession. She emphasised that while technology can increasingly perform technical tasks, professional judgement, integrity, scepticism, communication and empathy remain essential qualities. Stressing that the profession is built on trust, Prof Ellul encouraged members to remain curious, challenge assumptions and consider the human consequences of their decisions.
The ceremony also recognised Malta's top-performing ACCA affiliates during the past twelve months' examinations. Marco Sbrana, Zach Ohayon and Julia Gafa' placed first, second and third respectively in September 2025; Shirley Abdilla, Maxell Muscat and Joseph Rizzo in December 2025; Amy Gauci, Dea Rodrigues Fernandes and Mirea Vella in March 2026; and Mariah Agius, Alexander Camilleri and Kurt Gulia in June 2026.
The top three University of Malta accountancy students for 2026 were also honoured. Nikita Pisani received the award for Best University of Malta Accountancy Student, followed by Erica Falzon and Yasmin Spiteri in second and third place respectively.
The Kevin Mahoney Award for exceptional voluntary work and altruism was presented to Anatole Baldacchino. As founder and President of the Thalidomide Survivors Association Malta, he used his accountancy, governance and regulatory expertise to help secure state recognition and compensation for survivors, addressing a decades-old historical injustice.
During the event, the Institute also recognised several long-serving members of staff for their valuable contribution over the years.
Those honoured included Jacqueline Mamo, who has served the Institute for over 11 years; Catherine Mallia Bonavia and Dorianne Formosa, who have each been part of the MIA team for more than 10 years; and MIA Chief Executive Officer Maria Cauchi Delia, who has served the Institute for over 13 years, including 10 years as CEO.