The FinTalks - A chat with FinanceMalta

Stepping into the role of CEO at the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) a year ago, Kenneth Farrugia faced a pivotal moment demanding swift and resolute leadership. As he took the reins, it marked the beginning of a journey marked by decisive action in navigating critical challenges.

Speaker Bio

Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of the MFSA, holds a Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons), an MA in Business Ethics, and is a Certified Public Accountant and a fellow member of the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA). Throughout his career, Mr Farrugia held audit positions both within private audit firms and the public sector.

Prior to joining the MFSA, Mr Farrugia was the Director of the FIAU, Malta’s financial intelligence and single AML/CFT Supervisor and Enforcement Unit in Malta, for six years until April 2023. During his tenure he implemented major policy, system and procedural reforms within the various sections of the FIAU, including intelligence analysis, AML/CFT supervisory and enforcement initiatives, and legal and international relation areas. Additionally, Mr Farrugia spearheaded the setting up of new teams within the Unit such as the cash limitation supervisory team, the central bank account registry and data analytics team, as well as the strategy, policy and quality assurance teams to cater for new responsibilities assigned to the FIAU by law, and also to enhance the overall governance structure of the Unit. He represented the FIAU in international fora, including the EBA AMLC, FIU Platform and EGMONT, amongst others, and participated in various AML/CFT high-level committees.

For nine years up to 2017, he was engaged within the Government of Malta’s Internal Audit and Investigations Department (IAID) where he held various roles, including that of Director General. Mr Farrugia provided support to the Internal Audit & Investigations Board (IAIB) in drafting policies and procedures, implementing and managing the necessary change programmes and served as Secretary to that Board. He also participated in various meetings, seminars and conferences organised by the European Commission in the fields of auditing and financial investigations.

Mr Farrugia is currently also the Chairman of the FIAU.

In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Kevin Plumpton, Group CEO, Kyrrex about the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), and the benefits of having a crypto company licenced in Malta. 

Speaker's Bio

Kevin Plumpton is currently Group CEO at Kyrrex, an international digital finance firm, providing fiat and crypto products and services within an integrated Web 3 ecosystem. Kevin is also a warranted lawyer and boasts a decade of experience collaborating with local and international organizations, offering business management solutions, legal counsel, and regulatory expertise. He's a seasoned entrepreneur who founded successful startups, the latest of which was Diligex. As a practicing advocate, Kevin specialized in Finance, Business, Corporate Governance, Risk, and Compliance Legislation. He's a pioneer in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing Terrorism (CFT) compliance and is better known for his brainchild Due-Diligence platform, KYCMATIC. Kevin's interests also extend to finance and digital market technologies.

In this #FinTalks episode, we sit down with Dr. Beppe Sammut, Senior Associate within the insurance and pensions team of Ganado Advocates. Our conversation delves deep into the fascinating realm of 'Insurtech' and its profound influence on the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry. Dr. Sammut offers us a comprehensive overview, shedding light on the innovative technologies revolutionising insurance practices. Tune in as we explore the disruptive potential, challenges, and exciting opportunities that Insurtech brings to the forefront of the insurance sector.

In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Daniela Pace Bonello, the Director of Compliance at Integra Private Wealth Ltd. We delve into the crucial topic of 'Evaluating the Impact of Compliance and Risk Management,' exploring its significance and implications in the financial landscape.

In this episode, we met with Pier Massa, Programme Office Leader of the Malta Financial Services Advisory Council (MFSAC) to discuss the one-year update on the strategy document. Join us as we explore the progress, challenges, and future plans shaping Malta's financial services sector.

In a 30-minute special edition #FinTalks podcast, FinanceMalta had the unique opportunity to sit down with Ambassador Marlene Bonnici, the Permanent Representative of Malta to the European Union. Join us as we discuss the role of the permanent representation in Brussels and the importance of consensus building. 

 

Speaker Bio: 

Ambassador Marlene Bonnici has been in office as the Permanent Representative of Malta to the European Union since July 2020. She also served in the same office between July 2012 and July 2018 and led the first Maltese Presidency of the EU Council in 2017. She is the first Maltese female diplomat to occupy the position (twice) of Permanent Representative of Malta to the European Union. 

 

Ambassador Bonnici is a seasoned career diplomat. Prior to returning to Brussels in July 2020, she served as Ambassador to Germany as well as Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and to the International Organisations based at The Hague. During the same period, Bonnici was also acting as the Permanent Representative of Malta to the OPCW.

 

Ambassador Bonnici has also served in key senior positions within the Government of the Republic of Malta, most of which relate to Malta-EU relations. Prior to her posting to Brussels in 2012, her name was synonymous with the management of EU funds in Malta, starting in 1999 as a Counsellor and Executive Secretary of the EU Assistance Coordination Task Force dealing with the Malta-EU Protocols and the first pre-accession instruments. In 2001 she set up the directorate to manage EU Structural and Cohesion Funds within the Office of the Prime Minister. In 2004 she became the Director General of the Planning and Priorities Co-Ordination Division and in 2011 she became Permanent Secretary for EU funds at the Office of the Prime Minister – responsible for the co-ordination of all EU Funds and other external financial instruments. Prior to that she served as a diplomat in the Embassies of Malta in Bonn and Brussels. Ambassador Bonnici’s career began in 1989 as a Teacher of German within the Ministry for Education in ​Malta. 

In this episode, we have a chat with Jesmar Halliday, Senior Investment Manager, MZ Investments Services about Discretionary Portfolio Management. Join us as we explore insightful perspectives and invaluable expertise in the realm of investment strategies and financial management.

In this episode, we have a chat with Togay Çınlarses, Global Sales & Partnerships Director, Innovance about "Decoding Digital Transformation in Banking and Financial Services: Trends and Insights" 

Togay has been in fintech since the times when fintech was not a thing. From banks to vendors, digital channels to core banking, server rooms to clouds, Türkiye to The Netherlands, he has gathered hands on experience in a vast ecosystem and geography of financial services solutions. Today he is distilling all of these in our Global Sales and Partnerships role at Innovance, promising new markets and opportunities in the horizon

In this episode, we have a chat with Dr. Jonathan Galea, CEO of BCAS and Chair of the VFA Business Unit about "Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA); What is it and why does it matter?" 

Dr. Jonathan Galea is a lawyer with involvement in the crypto industry since 2013, and the founder of BCAS, a crypto regulatory consultancy firm with clients ranging from crypto exchanges to layer-1 blockchains and major DeFi projects. Jonathan has consulted numerous regulatory entities across multiple jurisdictions on crypto-related matters, including the European Banking Authority as part of the crypto AML/CFT technical expert group in relation to the Transfer of Funds Regulation. Furthermore, he has also taken an active interest in MiCA since its earliest days and is regarded as a thought leader on this Regulation. 

Join us as we sit down with Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), to gain exclusive insights into the pressing issues surrounding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Fresh from her participation in the Governance, Risk, Compliance, and ESG Week 2024, hosted by the Malta Stock Exchange, Nandini shares her expertise on the current state of ESG practices.

Discover the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities as we delve into this crucial aspect of global finance, tailored to Malta's unique landscape.