The Corporate Times

Trade War Turbulence: A Strategic Outlook for Malta’s Logistics Sector

By David Fleri Soler, Chair – Logistics Business Section, The Malta Chamber Global trade tensions continue to ripple across economies, redrawing long-standing trade routes and altering the rhythms of global…

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Time To Shift Malta’s Land Registry Onto A Blockchain-Based System?

By Danyil Poliakov Over the past decade, technological innovation speed has broken any limits we could imagine before. Fresh advancements now emerge monthly, and sometimes even weekly. Breakthroughs in generative…

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Corporate Cybersecurity Facing Increasing Pressures

A dramatic escalation in the scale and sophistication of global cyber threats has been revealed recently by Microsoft, whose Threat Intelligence systems are now processing 84 trillion signals every day,…

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Banking’s Next 5 Years Will Match the Transformative Shifts of the Past 30 Years

“The banking sector has experienced huge transformational shifts over the past 30 years however, the industry needs to be prepared because in just the next five years, the changes are…

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Brussels Unveils Sweeping Plan to Cut Green Bureaucracy for Businesses

In a major move aimed at easing pressure on European businesses, the European Commission has announced plans to streamline key sustainability regulations under the EU Green Deal, pledging to cut…

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Corporate Commentary: Safeguarding the integrity of the financial industry

Last month’s Banking & Payments seminar, organised by Ganado Advocates, highlighted a growing concern in the financial industry: the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to keep pace with the rapid…

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Immunities and Inequality Before the Law: Reflections on Recent Events

By David Fabri Equality before the law did not always exist. Quite the contrary. Equality before the law is a massive human achievement secured over hundreds of years of idealism, clear thinking,persistence, and a couple of revolutions. There is however increasing inclination for government officials…

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“Sustainability, Digitalisation, and Regulation Are Reshaping Maritime Logistics”

The maritime and logistics industry is undergoing rapid change due to environmental regulations, geopolitical tensions, digitalisation, and supply chain disruptions. But while innovation and sustainability remain key priorities, the speed and cost…

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Voluntary Pension Scheme: “More Needs To Be Done” – EIOPA Chair

Malta’s pension reform is a step in the right direction but greater efforts are needed to drive the take-up of voluntary pension schemes according to Petra Hielkema, Chair of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA).…

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BusinessEurope President Visits Express Trailers

Frederik Persson, President of BusinessEurope, visited Express Trailers on March 25 for a high-level discussion on the unique challenges facing Malta’s transport and logistics sector. The visit, facilitated by The Malta…

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Blockchain in Government: Enhancing Security, Transparency, and Digital Trust

By Danyil Poliakov Designing DLT-blockchain solutions for the last decade, I have encountered numerous misconceptions and confusion regarding the role of distributed ledger technology in complex IT systems. As a technology, my…

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Truth and the Casualties of War

By Tonio Galea, Senior Editor, The Dispatch-CDE News There is an old saying: “In war, truth is the first casualty.” This has never been more relevant than it is today.…

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Tariffs: A Predictable Dilemma For Markets

By Jordan Portelli For those being market participants in 2018, today is no different. Trump’s tariff threats are the natural outcome of market volatility. Today is a déjà vu of 2018 where unpredictability prevails,while markets succumb to selling…

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CORPORATE COMMENTARY: TACKLING THE TRAFFIC ISSUE

Malta's ongoing traffic congestion problem has long been one of the country’s most pressing issues. Way back in 2014, a public service official rose to stardom when she famously stated that “heavy traffic…

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Five Years Since COVID

As Malta marked five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this month, the business landscape continues to reflect the long-term impact of this unprecedented global crisis. THE CORPORATE…

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EU Trade Rises as US Market Shrinks

Amid escalating trade tensions and rising U.S. protectionism, European businesses are poised to refocus on intra-EU trade to offset declining exports to the United States according to a recent study by the…

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Europeans call for a stronger, more united EU to tackle global challenges

European citizens are increasingly looking to the European Union to protect them from global crises and security risks. Citizens across Member States, including Malta,are calling for a more united EU with wider access to resources…

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Tourism: Are We Truly Ready To Go For Quality?

Malta’s national tourism strategy needs to be refined and experience-driven offering that prioritizes excellence and sustainability to attract more discerning travellers. “The country needs to understand that quantity does not always equate to quality,” warn Sven von der Heyden and Samuel Santos, two leading figures…

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FinanceMalta Sponsors STEP Malta Conference 2025

Following the success achieved by the last edition of the STEP Malta Conference in 2022 which welcomed over 140 attendees from all over Europe and the Far East, FinanceMalta is…

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Migration Policy: “More Tailored Solutions, Less Bureaucracy”

The proposed Malta Labour Migration Policy has drawn ample criticism namely for its ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that fails to address the unique challenges faced by different industries. “A lot is being said and criticised, but not openly,”…

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Over-Regulation And The Dangers Of Deregulation

By David Fabri Over-regulation is not a mere hypothetical or academic concern, but it may be a grim reality. One cannot always tell exactly when a proper degree and quality of regulation…

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Ganado Advocates’ 10th Annual Banking and Finance Law Seminar

Ganado Advocates will be hosting the 10th edition of its widely anticipated Banking and Finance Law Seminar on the 27th of March 2025, organised in collaboration with the Malta Bankers’ Association and bringing together legal experts, regulators, and financial professionals to discuss the latest developments in banking and finance…

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CORPORATE COMMENTARY: Re-Thinking The Dual Agency Conundrum

The property market is built on the fundamental relationship between buyers and sellers, each with their own expectations. Buyers who enlist a property agent expect guidance and advocacy in securing the best…

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“Promotional Banks Play A Key Role In Europe’s Competitiveness” – AECM

Promotional banks and guarantee institutions play a key role in supporting SMEs across Europe, particularly as they face a major digital transition in the years ahead. At the heart of this…

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New Directive Mandates Online Platforms To Pay VAT

Member states will recoup €11 billion in lost VAT revenues every year for the next 10 yearsas the European Parliament has approved an update to the VAT directive requiring online platforms to…

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Towards a New Era in International Affairs

By Tonio Galea, Senior Editor, The Dispatch - CDE News Donald Trump sees politics through a business lens focusing on deal-making. He aims to secure agreements that put American interests first…

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“Malta’s Financial Sector Is Strong and Trusted”

Today, Malta’s financial sector is very robust, yet it is sometimes unfairly criticized by broad statements that fail to acknowledge the real improvements. “Contrary to recent allegations, no bank in Malta grants automatic…

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EU NEWS ROUNDUP

New Directive Mandates Online Platforms To Pay VAT The European Parliament has approved an update to the VAT directive requiring online platforms to pay VAT on services offered through them by 2030, particularly when…

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Malta’s Imports, Exports Set To Expand By 5% Annually

Malta’s economy continues to show resilience amid global challenges or the transport and logistics sector with imports and exports expected to expand by around 5% annually. Addressing the Association of the Tractor and Trailer Operators (ATTO)’s first international conference…

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Empowering SMEs Through Digital Transformation

SMEs drive economic growth and innovation, but rapid business evolution brings challenges like rising competition and demand for personalized customer experiences. In this dynamic landscape, digital transformation is vital for…

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“Corporate Bonds Driving Record Growth In Malta’s Capital Markets”

The local corporate bond market has grown exponentially over the past few years driven mainly by more knowledgeable investors, who are more confident to invest. According to NICK CALAMATTA, Co-CEO at Calamatta Cuschieri Moneybase, “this new breed…

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Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical legislation reform for a healthier, more competitive Europe

The European Union (EU) is undertaking its most significant reform of pharmaceutical legislation in two decades, targeted at advancing the life sciences industry, and supporting healthcare systems. The EU pharmaceutical package aims to address critical matters such as equitable access to medicines, market availability,affordability, supply shortages, and…

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ATTO urges less bureaucracy on TCN permits to address driver shortages

The Association of Tractor and Trailer Operators (ATTO) is calling for reduced bureaucracy in the work permit process for third-country nationals to tackle the critical shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle…

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“Our Aim: Strengthening Malta’s Business Voice In The EU”

“Regulations that apply for businesses should not be viewed as obstacles but as frameworks that, when used effectively, can enhance competitiveness and open new opportunities," says MARIO XUEREB, the newly appointed CEO of…

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EU Adopts Law to Transform Access to Health Data

The Council of the European Union has approved the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation, a new law designed to enhance the exchange and access to health data across member…

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Malta’s Role in Europe’s Greener Tourism Strategy: Cutting Carbon for the Future

Dr Anne Marie Thake, University of Malta In recent years, Europe’s tourism industry has faced challenges to its sustainability and competitiveness. The EU’s commitment to a decarbonized economy by 2050…

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EIOPA Chairperson to Address MFSA’s First Insurance Conference

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is hosting its first Insurance Conference, on February 6th, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands bringing together leading figures in insurance regulation and industry experts to…

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America First, World Second: Trump’s Bold Gambit Set To Replace Global Order

In recent history, few individuals have wielded such a profound influence over the destinies of so many nations. The change of power in Washington can already be felt in Ukraine,…

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Non-Profit Companies: A Contradiction or a Practical Tool?

Written by Christine Borg and Rebecca Micallef When one thinks of a company, trading activities and profit-making typically come to mind, with dividends eventually distributed to shareholders. The trading “purposes”…

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Over A Coffee With…Sina Bugeja

Sina Bugeja’s career in public health and social welfare began with a foundation in nursing—a role she describes as her “first step into the real world.” While she found her…

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Mergers & Acquisitions: Are We In For A Rebound?

The recent announcement of Goldman Sachs’ proposed acquisition of a significant stake in Melita plc marks a pivotal moment for Malta’s corporate landscape. “Having one of the world’s largest financial…

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The Academy of Givers: Transforming Corporate Responsibility in Malta

Two years ago, the Academy of Givers was set up in response to a gap where businesses were often willing to contribute but lacked the knowledge or structured guidance to maximise…

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CC Global Balanced Income Fund Doubles Net Asset Value and retains Top Quartile Ranking

The CC Global Balanced Income Fund has maintained its strong momentum in the second half of the year, solidifying its position as a top-performing global fund. The fund remains in…

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Companies get an extra year to comply with deforestation ban

Companies will have one more year to comply with new EU rules to prevent deforestation that will ban the sale in the EU of products sourced from deforested land. The…

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The Proliferation of Administrative Fines -A Controversial Legal Technique?

by David Fabri This column today looks at the imposition of fines being imposed by various public agencies,and reviews recent judicial decisions which provide guidance and direction as to what…

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Navigating Malta’s Blue Economy: A Pathway to Sustainable Growth

by Karl Aquilina, Associate Director, Advisory Services, KPMG in Malta As an island state, Malta has always drawn strength and identity from the sea, with its waters shaping the nation’s culture, traditions, and economy. Encompassing…

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Family Businesses Face Skills Shortage, Financial Strains, and Technology Gaps, Forum Finds

A seminar hosted by Ganado Advocates and Zampa Debattista highlighted the unique challenges facing Maltese family businesses. Findings from a misco survey presented at the forum revealed that family businesses…

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Average Salaries in Malta Increased by 4.2% in 2023

Average salaries in Malta grew by 4.2% in 2023, driven by organisations enhancing compensation to retain talent, according to misco’s 11th HR Developments Survey. Sector-specific growth included 6% in Legal…

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ICT firm Computime Holdings ligns Executive Succession With New Equity Share Opportunity

Leading ICT company, Computime Holdings p.l.c. is offering equity shares that present significant investment opportunity, not only for those seeking financial returns, but also for individuals and institutions interested in becoming part of…

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43% Of Maltese Firms With No Employees In Green Roles

64% of Maltese firms employing at least ten persons believe the local labour force is not adequately equipped to support the transition to carbon neutrality, with only 16% expressing confidence…

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Challenging the Status Quo: Neobanks Transforming Financial Services

For the past years, technology has revolutionised our idea of traditional banking. The fact is that customers continue to move away from traditional banking as we used to know it.…

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Microsoft’s CoPilot: A Big Opportunity for Small Businesses

The more fast-paced today’s digital world becomes, the more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are finding it tough to compete against larger corporations. This landscape is changing with the arrival of Generative AI such as Microsoft’s CoPilot, where SMEs can now bridge the…

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