The Corporate Times

EU Crypto Rules Pose Challenges for National Bans on Service Providers

Two local analysts have cautioned that any attempt by EU Member States to block or restrict the passporting of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) authorised under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)…

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Six Women Shaping Malta’s Financial Services Sector

Marina Grech, Partner, Ganado Advocates As a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ investment services and funds department, Marina Grech has built a career advising clients across Malta’s financial services industry. Her expertise…

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Captive insurance market in Malta reaches new highs

“Insurance was never the most glamorous of financial sectors. In fact, it is broadly seen as an industry quietly ticking away in the background, a necessity, but hardly an exciting topic of…

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The New Credit Review Office Bill – An Analysis

Today’s column examines the new Credit Review Office Bill, which has received its first reading and has just been published. Bill 156 of 2025 purports to establish a Credit Review Office. Upon a first glance, my reaction was one of perplexity at the unfamiliar…

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Reforms, Resilience and the Road Ahead for Malta’s Capital Market

Maltese companies continue to launch corporate bonds that are often oversubscribed within hours. Once seen as opaque and bureaucratic, Malta’s capital market now appears to be thriving. At the forefront…

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M&A’s: A Question of Readiness and the Courage to Evolve

By James Vella Clark At first glance, the surge in mergers and acquisitions across Malta over the past two years might suggest a maturing market finally finding its rhythm. But,…

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Tech helps, but accountability in Pharma must remain human

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping global healthcare but, for the pharmaceutical sector, this represents not only a technological leap but a call for stronger regulatory alignment, ethical oversight, and human accountability. The draft EU…

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AMLA Proportionality To Boost Europe’s Competitiveness

By Christoper Buttigieg The EU’s new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) is still taking shape, with governance structures and operational capacity being built from scratch. Yet from its inception, the agency faces…

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Building Better Boards: How Good Directors Strengthen Corporate Culture

“Directorship is not simply a title but a profession, and today’s aspiring directors need to commit to lifelong learning, ethical leadership, and accountability,” says Dr ETIENNE BORG CARDONA, chair of IFSP’s…

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The Digital Literacy Imperative: “Digital financial capability must be a pillar of national wellbeing”

With bank branches closing, financial services moving online, and digital financial literacy lagging, ordinary citizens risk being left behind. “This is a world where money is increasingly invisible and decisions…

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Independent regulator to govern English football

By David Fabri FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND - A NEW STATUTORY REGIME A new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has been set up under English law - literally a 'game-changer'. Indeed, the game of…

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EU Rules Need To Consider Malta’s Geographical Realities- ATTO Chair

As part of the EU’s Green Deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Emissions Trading System (ETS) will, from January 2026, impose a full 100% charge on emissions. “To Malta’s…

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Agility And Forward-Looking Mindset Will Be Key To Malta’s Success – WAIFC Managing Director

“Malta’s reputation as a financial hub is increasingly defined by its agility and forward-looking mindset,” says Dr JOCHEN BIEDERMANN, Managing Director of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC). Representing 27…

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Malta’s Tapestry Of Financial Services

Next year, Malta will open the doors to a brand-new museum, giving a permanent home to its priceless collection of Flemish tapestries, donated to the island in 1702. Today, these…

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Malta’s VAT Gap Over Twice EU Average

Malta’s tax authority faces a VAT gap of 24.2% in 2023, more than double the EU average of 9.5%, highlighting significant revenue shortfalls and compliance challenges for businesses and the…

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Logistics Sector To Face ETS’ 100% EU Charges On Emissions From January 2026

As part of the EU’s Green Deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Emissions Trading System (ETS) will, from January 2026, impose a full 100% charge on emissions. ATTO, the association…

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Deal or No Deal? The Realities of M&A Negotiations in Malta

By Stuart Firman, Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates' corporate finance team Mergers and acquisitions are rarely straightforward. Even in bullish markets, deals hinge on negotiation and the delicate balancing act…

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TWO NEW LAWS – Good News, Bad News

By David Fabri 1. Various Laws relating to the Establishment and Jurisdiction of the Commercial Court (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Bill no. 133) Bill no. 133 purports to re-establish a Commercial…

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EIF chief: “Europe must build the financial ecosystem its innovators deserve”

Last year, the European Investment Fund (EIF) committed some €14 billion to European SME’s. With borrowing costs still high and private capital scarce, EIF Chief Executive MARJUT FALKSTEDT, who will…

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Building Trust Through Tax Transformation

Joseph Caruana, Commissioner for Tax and Revenue The Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA) is closing the final chapter of its Strategic Plan, Delivering Transformation, and preparing for the next…

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EU Commission Rejects Calls to Pause AI Act Amid Industry Pressure

The European Commission has firmly dismissed calls to delay the implementation of the landmark Artificial Intelligence Act, despite mounting pressure from industry and political quarters. In July, several leading European…

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The Other Africa

By Tonio Galea, Senior Editor, The Dispatch - CDE News When most people hear "Africa" in the news, it’s usually in the context of crisis: migrant boats capsizing in the…

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GO Introduces Malta’s First Wi-Fi Calling Service

GO plc has become the first Maltese telecoms operator to launch Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), commonly known as Wi-Fi Calling. The technology, formally known as Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), follows…

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The EU Pay Transparency Directive: “An Opportunity for HR to Lead Meaningful Change”

By Joanne Bondin, Director at misco The adoption of the EU Pay Transparency Directive marks a pivotal moment across Europe, including Malta, reinforcing the long-standing Maltese principle of equal pay…

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Malta’s New Bridge To Japan: “When We See High Standards, That Is When You Win Our Trust”

Last month, Malta signed an MoU with Japan’s fintech industry, an important milestone is stepping up efforts to secure a coveted double taxation agreement. The Corporate Times met TADAHIKO YAMAGUCHI,…

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FinanceMalta Signs MoU On Fintech With Japan As Talks Advance On Double Tax Deal

During this week’s current trade mission in Japan, FinanceMalta signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Fintech Association of Japan, marking a major step in deepening financial ties between…

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Cugó Gran Collection Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence in Heritage Luxury

This year, the Cugó Gran Collection is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of redefining heritage luxury through authenticity, elegance, and an uncompromising dedication to excellence. Since opening…

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“APS Is No Longer A Secondary Option”

APS Bank chief on shifting ownership, digitalisation and why investor appetite remains strong Two weeks ago, APS Bank launched a rights issue to raise €45 million in fresh equity, accelerating…

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EU Looking At Reviving Decades-Old Idea Of Euro-Med Free Trade Area

Several European Union countries are advocating for the elimination of trade barriers with select Mediterranean partners, aiming to foster deeper economic integration through the upcoming Pact for the Mediterranean. This…

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Focal Maritime To Consolidate Under One Group

Focal Maritime Services will, this coming November, consolidate all its businesses under a single unified brand, Focal Logistics Group, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the maritime and…

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“Time For Serious And Structured Review Of Malta’s Corporate Tax Framework.”

Shadow Minister for Finance HON GRAHAM BENCINI believes that while foreign investment needs to increase, this should not happen at the expense of local businesses. “Maltese businesses deserve fairer treatment,…

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CORPORATE COMMENTARY

Malta stands at a critical juncture. Despite years of economic growth, record tax revenues, and a resilient private sector, the country's rising public debt casts a long and increasingly dark…

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More Than Vision, Malta’s Maritime Strategy Needs Collective Action

Godwin Xerri, Chairman, Malta Maritime Forum Malta’s maritime sector faces a defining moment. Pressures from EU green regulations, the global push for cleaner fuels, accelerating technological disruption, geo-political tensions, and intensifying…

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“Malta’s Direction in Financial Services Should No Longer Be About Rehabilitation But Strategic Repositioning.”

George Vella, Chairman of Finance Malta FinanceMalta’s upcoming 18th Annual Conference, set for November 2025 under the theme “Redefining Finance: A Quality-Driven Future for Malta” arrives at a pivotal moment, a time when…

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MDB Financeing Education, Sustainability and Culture

With over 30 years’ experience in the local and international financial services sector, Alison Micallef’s appointment as the Malta Development Bank’s new CEO comes at a time of important growth…

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M&A Outlook in a Year of Tariffs, Tech and Shifting Rules

Having attended the 22nd Annual International Mergers & Acquisitions Conference in New York earlier this month, DR SIMON SCHEMBRI reflects on the current global M&A landscape and its implications for Malta ahead of the first Malta M&A Summitby Ganado…

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The Duties Of Directors

by David Fabri My last two columns in May and June highlighted important overseas developments and court cases relating to company law. Today we briefly examine recent legislative changes in the field of directors’ duties in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The discussion is also relevant to…

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Express Trailers Marks 10 Years of Sustainable Growth

Express Trailers is proudly celebrating a decade of sustainable growth, marking ten years since launching its green journey with a firm commitment to environmental responsibility and investment in cleaner, more…

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Proposed “Return of Vehicle” EU Directive Could Have Driven Transport Costs, Consumer Prices Up by 11%

Maltese transport companies narrowly avoided a major cost increase, thanks to ATTO’s successful lobbying efforts against a proposed EU directive requiring international trailers to return to their home base every eight weeks. Had…

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“Level the Playing Field for Maltese Businesses”

Shadow Finance Minister Calls for Urgent Tax Reform Shadow Finance Minister Hon. Graham Bencini has called for a “serious and structured review” of Malta’s corporate tax framework, warning that the…

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“Our Mantra: Grow Sustainably, Serve Shareholders and Continue to Innovate and Invest” – GO CEO Nikhil Patil.

Last month, GO plc marked its 50th anniversary reporting record-breaking revenues of €244.9 million and a stable net profit of €15.7 million for 2024 during its annual general meeting. “This is probably one of the most exciting times for GO as…

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Malta’s Cautious Stance on the Russian Oil Price Cap Reflects a Wiser EU Maritime Strategy

By Dr Matthew Attard The EU’s proposed new oil price cap on Russian exports has reignited a familiar tension between sanction enforcement and maritime competitiveness. While the intention behind the…

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Pfizer’s $1.25B China Deal Highlights Biotech’s New Trade Dilemma

Pfizer has entered a $1.25 billion partnership with Chinese biopharmaceutical firm 3SBio Inc. to expand its oncology portfolio amid rising global trade tensions. The agreement centres on SSGJ-707, an experimental…

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Rebalancing Digital Power: Why We’re Deepening Our Commitment to Europe

By Kyle Anastasi, Microsoft Malta At Microsoft, we believe the future of technology must be shaped through partnership, trust, and a steadfast respect for local laws and values. In an…

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Overseas Developments Relevant to the Local Legal Landscape

by David Fabri ITALY CONSUMER AND COMPETITION LAW: Proceedings against electric vehicle advertisingAccording to a Reuters Milan report dated 21 February 2025, the Italian competition Authority initiated investigation proceedings against four major electric car…

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