19:30 - 21:30
Cocktail Reception, Quarterdeck Bar, Hilton Hotel
Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking and socialising at the renowned Quarterdeck Bar at Hilton Malta. Step into the grandeur of the Quarterdeck Bar, where the sophisticated ambiance and breathtaking views of the Portomaso Yacht Marina await. Indulge in a delectable selection of exquisite cocktails and savour the culinary delights that have earned Hilton Malta its renowned reputation for exceptional hospitality.
08:30 - 09:15
Registration
The start of an exciting and informative two days. Join us to register for the conference and start the day with a coffee and snack.
09:15 - 09:30
Welcome Address
Opening the Malta Stock Exchange Governance, Risk, Compliance and ESG Summit, this session will be addressed by Joseph Portelli, Executive Chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange. It sets the tone for the summit by outlining the key themes, priorities, and focus areas that will shape the discussions ahead.
09:30 - 09:45
Keynote Address
This keynote will be delivered by Hon. Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance.
09:45 - 10:00
Fireside Chat
The Convergence Point: Transforming Supplier Due Diligence into ESG Intelligence
As sustainability and supply-chain transparency requirements continue to evolve, organisations must strengthen their supplier due diligence practices to meet growing regulatory expectations. This session explores how supplier ESG data can be transformed into strategic intelligence, enabling better decision-making, enhancing reputation, and building long-term business resilience.
10:00 - 10:15
Keynote Address
TBA
10:15 - 11:00
Moderated Session
The Challenges of Creating an Effective ESG Culture in Today's Workplace
Creating an effective ESG culture requires organisations to move beyond policy and embed ESG principles into everyday decision-making. This session explores the challenges of balancing ESG objectives with commercial priorities, establishing clear accountability, and fostering collaboration across HR, compliance, sustainability, risk, legal, and operations to drive meaningful and lasting impact.
11:00 – 11:45
Coffee Break
12:00 - 12:45
Moderated Session
AML and Financial Crime: Challenges and Practical Solutions
As financial crime threats continue to evolve, organisations face increasing pressure to strengthen their AML frameworks while maintaining operational efficiency. In this session we will explore key challenges in applying a risk-based approach, conducting effective customer due diligence and ongoing monitoring, managing sanctions compliance, and leveraging technology and data to enhance detection and prevention efforts. Participants will also examine the growing risks posed by cross-border financial crime and gain practical insights into proven solutions and best practices for building a more resilient compliance framework.
12:45 - 13:00
Fireside Chat
Technology and Cyber-Incident Response: Preparedness and Regulatory Notification Obligations
Cyber resilience requires more than reacting to incidents. This session explores how organisations can strengthen cyber resilience by developing effective response plans, defining clear responsibilities, testing preparedness through simulations, and applying lessons learned to enhance incident response and operational resilience.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 1
Compliance Programme Gap Analysis: A Practical Diagnostic Tool
This breakout session will explore how compliance gap analyses can be used to assess programme effectiveness, identify control weaknesses, and enhance monitoring, testing and reporting processes through the use of technology and data analytics.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 2
The Tokenization Spectrum: From Stablecoins to Real-World Asset Tokens
This breakout session will explore how stablecoins and tokenized assets are reshaping financial markets, highlighting the benefits of greater efficiency, transparency and liquidity, while addressing the challenges of cross-border adoption and regulatory recognition.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 3
Risk Management: Inherent vs Residual Risk – Getting the Distinction Right in Practice
This breakout session will explore the practical differences between inherent and residual risk, highlighting how a clear understanding of both can strengthen risk assessments, improve reporting, and support more effective decision-making.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 4
AI Governance in Practice: Policies, Controls and Accountability
This breakout session will explore how organisations can establish effective AI governance frameworks, implement practical policies and controls, and use assurance mechanisms to ensure AI systems are deployed responsibly and in line with regulatory expectations.
15:00 - 15:15
Fireside Chat
Operational Risk Management, Resilience and Business Continuity
This session examines how organisations can identify and manage operational risks, strengthen resilience, and enhance business continuity arrangements to effectively respond to disruptions and maintain critical operations.
15:15 - 16:00
Moderated Session
Finance and Audit: Internal Audit’s Expanded Mandate in a Volatile Risk Landscape
As organisations navigate an increasingly complex risk environment, internal audit is evolving beyond its traditional assurance role. This session explores how internal audit can address emerging risks, leverage AI and data analytics, strengthen governance and culture, support regulatory readiness, and build multidisciplinary capabilities to become a more strategic advisor to boards and senior management.
16:00 - 16:15
Fireside Chat
Director Liability in the Age of Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny
As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, directors face increased accountability for governance, oversight, and compliance. This session will examine key liability risks and practical measures for balancing strategic objectives with regulatory obligations while reducing exposure to personal liability.
16:15 - 17:00
Moderated Session
How Boards Can Transform Governance, Conduct and Ethics Frameworks Within an Organization
Strong governance starts at the top. This session will explore how boards can shape organisational culture, strengthen conduct and ethics frameworks, and provide effective oversight beyond compliance. Panellists will discuss the challenges of governing founder-led and family-owned businesses, balancing entrepreneurial vision with independence, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
17:00 - 17:10
Closing Remarks
In the closing remarks, our speaker will summarise key points from the days discussions, and emphasise the importance of the topics covered. The remarks may include a call to action, encouraging the audience to apply the insights gained and implement relevant strategies.
17:10 - 18:15
Evening Networking Drinks
Time to relax after an intensive couple of days, spend time with new friends and contacts and enjoy a lovely cocktail hour.
08:30 - 09:15
Arrive & Welcome Coffee
Participants are welcomed to the second day of the Summit with a light breakfast and fresh coffee, offering an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, exchange perspectives, and prepare for the day’s discussions in a relaxed and engaging setting.
09:15 - 09:30
Welcome Address
Strengthening Regulatory Governance: The Enhanced Supervisory and Risk Oversight Framework of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)
Kicking off the second day of an exciting agenda at the Malta Stock Exchange Governance, Risk, Compliance and ESG Summit, this opening session sets the tone for the discussions ahead by highlighting the key themes and priorities that will shape the day’s conversations and insights. It also examines key trends in financial regulation and supervision from the Malta perspective, exploring how ongoing regulatory developments are influencing compliance, risk management, and market resilience within Malta’s evolving financial services landscape.
09:45 - 10:00
Keynote
Navigating Regulatory Change and Market Integrity Challenges
This keynote address will examine the evolving regulatory landscape and the growing importance of market integrity in maintaining investor confidence and trust. Attendees will gain insights into emerging challenges, regulatory priorities, and the key principles needed to navigate change while fostering transparent, resilient, and well-governed markets.
10:00 - 10:15
Keynote
Building a Resilient Savings and Investment Union: Governance, Risk and Supervisory Priorities
This keynote address will examine the governance, risk, and supervisory priorities shaping the future of the Savings and Investment Union, with a focus on building resilient markets, strengthening investor confidence, and supporting sustainable growth.
11:00 – 11:45
Coffee Break
10:15 - 11:00
Moderated Session
Advancing EU Capital Markets Integrity: The Role of Governance, Risk and Compliance
As EU capital markets continue to evolve, strong governance, effective risk management, and robust compliance frameworks are essential to maintaining market integrity and investor confidence. This session will explore the critical role these functions play in promoting transparency, resilience, and sustainable market growth.
11:45 - 12:00
Keynote
TBA
12:00 - 12:45
Moderated Session
Supervisory Governance in the EU: Balancing Centralised Oversight and Supervisory Convergence
This session will explore how EU supervisors can achieve greater consistency and effectiveness in oversight, balancing centralised supervision, national responsibilities, and the management of emerging cross-border risks.
12:45 - 13:00
Fireside Chat
Regulatory Reform without Compromising Governance, Risk and Compliance Standards
As regulatory frameworks evolve, organisations must adapt while maintaining strong governance, risk management, and compliance standards. This fireside chat will explore how regulatory reform can drive innovation and efficiency without undermining accountability, resilience, or market integrity.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 1
Malta: A Strategic EU Platform for Family Capital
This session will showcase Malta as a jurisdiction for establishing and supporting family office structures. Participants will gain an overview of the legal, regulatory, and operational framework applicable to family offices in Malta, together with key considerations for structuring family wealth and governance arrangements.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 2
Governance and Risk Considerations in Tokenised Financial Markets
This session will explore the key governance and risk considerations shaping tokenised financial markets, with a focus on accountability, regulatory and legal compliance, operational and technology risks, and market integrity. It will also examine the safeguards needed to support investor protection and responsible market development as tokenisation becomes more widely adopted.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 3
The Envisaged Impact of Market Integration and Supervision Package on the Asset Management Sector
This session will examine the potential impact of the EU’s Market Integration and Supervision Package on the asset management sector, including proposed changes to UCITS, AIFMD and MiFID II, cross-border fund distribution and ESMA’s supervisory role. It will provide an update on the latest state of negotiations, highlight the key provisions that remain under discussion, and consider practical steps firms can take to prepare for the possible outcomes and upcoming regulatory milestones.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 4
Building Financial Capability for Modern Markets: Making Better Financial Decisions in an Age of Information
This session will explore what it means to be financially capable in today’s fast-moving and information-rich markets. It will consider how consumers assess financial information, build trust and make decisions, while examining the behavioural and structural factors that influence saving, investing and market participation. The discussion will also look at how regulators, industry and educators can help strengthen financial capability and support better long-term outcomes for Malta.
15:00 - 15:15
Fireside Chat
Simplification and Burden Reduction in Sustainable Finance
As sustainable finance frameworks continue to evolve, policymakers and market participants are seeking ways to reduce complexity while maintaining transparency and accountability. This fireside chat will explore how regulatory simplification can support sustainable investment objectives without compromising market integrity or investor confidence.
15:15 - 16:00
Moderated Session
Cybersecurity: The Role of Governance and Internal Controls
As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity, strong governance and effective internal controls are essential to organisational resilience. This session will explore the role of boards and senior management in overseeing cybersecurity risk, strengthening control frameworks, and fostering a culture of cyber awareness and accountability.
16:00 - 16:15
16:15 - 17:00
Moderated Session
Emotional Intelligence in the Boardroom: Strengthening Board Dynamics, Leadership and Governance
This session will explore how emotional intelligence can strengthen board effectiveness, risk oversight and decision-making under pressure. It will examine how directors can manage differing perspectives, communicate difficult messages, maintain constructive relationships and respond effectively to crises, while fostering the trust and psychological safety needed for strong governance.
17:00 - 17:10
Closing Remarks
This session concludes the event by highlighting the key insights and themes discussed throughout the day, reflecting on emerging risks, regulatory developments, and innovation in financial services. It reinforces the importance of collaboration, resilience, and forward-looking governance in navigating an increasingly complex financial and technological landscape.
17:10 - 18:15
Evening Networking Drinks
Time to relax after an intensive couple of days, spend time with new friends and contacts and enjoy a lovely cocktail hour.
19:00 - 22:00
Farewell Dinner, (Venue TBC)
Join us for an exclusive dinner and an evening of networking in a luxurious setting. This exclusive event promises great company, delectable cuisine, and meaningful conversations. We look forward to sharing this memorable experience with you.