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
Kicking off a packed and exciting agenda, this opening session sets the tone for the Malta Stock Exchange Governance, Risk, Compliance and ESG Summit. It brings together key themes, priorities and insights that will shape the discussions ahead. Attendees will gain a clear overview of the summit’s focus and what to expect over the days to come.
09:30 - 09:45
Keynote
Address by the Hon. Clyde Caruana Minister for Finance.
09:45 - 10:00
Keynote
The Future of Defi: How can Cryptocurrency Transform the Global Economy
Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is redefining the global economy by enabling open, transparent and intermediary-free financial systems. This session explores how cryptocurrency can drive innovation, efficiency and financial inclusion, while addressing the regulatory and risk challenges ahead.
10:00 - 10:15
Fireside Chat
Leading Through Trust: Where Regulation Meets Culture
This session explores how effective leadership builds trust at the intersection of regulation and organisational culture. It highlights the role of values, transparency and accountability in driving compliance beyond rules. Attendees will gain insights into fostering cultures that support sustainable governance and ethical decision-making.
10:15 - 11:00
Moderated Session
Boardroom Effectiveness: Building the Right Compliance Culture from the Top
This moderated session explores the critical role boards of directors play in setting the tone for a strong culture of compliance. It examines how effective board leadership can embed governance, accountability and transparency into corporate strategy to support long-term resilience. The discussion will highlight practical ways to align governance structures with organisational values and risk frameworks in a complex regulatory environment.
11:00 – 11:45
Coffee Break
11:45 - 12:00
Fireside Chat
Cybersecurity & Human Capital: Building a Secure and Informed Workforce
This session explores how organisations can build a cybersecurity-aware culture by empowering staff at every level. It highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration and behavioural change in strengthening cyber resilience. Attendees will gain practical insights into turning people into the first line of defence.
12:00 - 12:45
Moderated Session
The Role of the MLRO in Managing AML Risks
This session explores how the role of the MLRO is evolving amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and more complex financial crime risks. It examines how MLROs can balance compliance and reporting duties with a more strategic role in financial crime prevention, supported by collaboration, data and technology. Attendees will gain insight into how the MLRO function is becoming central to organisational trust, integrity and resilience.
12:45 - 13:00
Fireside Chat
The Future of ESG
This session examines how artificial intelligence is transforming risk management, productivity and compliance in modern organisations. It also explores the ethical boundaries and governance challenges that arise as AI becomes more embedded in decision-making.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 2
How to Foster a Positive Workplace Culture
Discover strategies to create and sustain a workplace culture that promotes employee well-being, engagement, and collaboration, driving both organisational success and personal fulfilment.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 3
Cyber Security Risks in the Digital Age
Explore the evolving landscape of cyber security threats and learn strategies to protect your organisation against risks in an increasingly digital world.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 4
Customer Screening and AML Risk Assessment
Gain insights into effective customer screening processes and anti-money laundering (AML) risk assessment strategies to strengthen compliance and mitigate financial crime risks.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 1
Challenges and Opportunities Within Internal Audit
This session explores how internal audit functions are adapting to increasing regulatory demands, technological change and evolving business priorities. It highlights both the challenges auditors face and the opportunities to add greater value through data, forward-looking risk approaches and stronger board engagement.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 2
Governance in Gaming: Managing Ethical and Compliance Risk
This session examines the governance and compliance challenges facing the gaming industry amid rapid growth, digital innovation and increased regulatory scrutiny. It explores how operators and regulators can collaborate to uphold ethical standards, protect consumers and strengthen integrity, while managing key areas such as responsible gaming, AML and data protection.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 3
Banking vs. Blockchain: How Will Stable coins and Crypto Evolve?
This session explores the growing convergence of digital assets and traditional finance, focusing on the role of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies in the future of money. It examines opportunities for innovation and efficiency alongside regulatory, stability and systemic risk considerations, and considers whether banks and crypto will compete, coexist or integrate.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 4
AML Protocols and Business Risk Assessments: Mitigation Best Practices
This session explores best practices for designing effective AML frameworks and conducting robust business risk assessments in a complex regulatory environment. It focuses on integrating risk assessments into operations, using data and technology to enhance monitoring, and strengthening collaboration across teams to build resilient and trusted organisations.
15:00 - 15:15
Fireside Chat
Developing a Comprehensive Compliance Plan: Standards and Controls that Work
This session explores best practices for designing and implementing robust compliance frameworks in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments. It focuses on balancing regulatory requirements with operational efficiency and effective governance.
15:15 - 16:00
Moderated Session
Defining, Detecting & Managing Workplace Bullying
This session examines workplace bullying as a critical governance and compliance issue that impacts culture, performance and organisational resilience. It explores how clear policies, leadership accountability and effective reporting mechanisms can help prevent and address bullying while promoting ethical conduct and psychological safety.
16:00 - 16:15
Fireside Chat
How will AI Displace Workers: How to Reskill
This session explores how AI is reshaping the workforce by automating tasks and redefining job roles across industries. It focuses on practical reskilling and upskilling strategies that help organisations and professionals adapt to change and remain competitive.
16:15 - 17:00
Moderated Session
Financial Stability in Gaming: Protecting Players, Licensees, and the Ecosystem
This session explores the financial safeguards that underpin a stable and trustworthy gaming ecosystem. It focuses on the protection of player funds, regulatory oversight and capital requirements, highlighting how strong financial practices enhance transparency, resilience and long-term sustainability while supporting innovation and growth.
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
09:15 - 09:30
Welcome Address
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. It highlights the key themes and priorities that will shape the day’s conversations and insights.
09:30 - 09:45
Keynote
Trends in Financial Regulation and Supervision: The Malta Perspective
This session examines key trends in financial regulation and supervision from the Malta perspective. It explores how regulatory developments are shaping compliance, risk management and market resilience within Malta’s evolving financial services landscape.
09:45 - 10:30
Moderated Session
Governance, Risk and Compliance: Supervisory Trends from Capital Market Regulators
This panel session examines current supervisory trends in governance, risk management and compliance across capital market regulators. It explores emerging regulatory frameworks, market oversight approaches and the impact of technological developments, highlighting the role of supervisors in promoting market integrity, resilience and transparency.
10:30 - 10:45
Keynote
This keynote will be delivered by the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, offering insights into national priorities and policy directions shaping sustainability, energy and regeneration initiatives.
10:45 - 11:00
Keynote
The Future of Sustainable Finance in the Era of Simplification
11:00 – 11:45
Coffee Break
11:45 - 12:30
Moderated Session
Supervising Sustainable Finance: Is this still a priority for Europe?
This panel session will examine whether supervising sustainable finance remains a key priority for Europe amid evolving regulatory landscapes. Topics include the latest developments in ESG disclosure requirements, green taxonomy, and risk management frameworks. The discussion will also cover challenges in ensuring transparency, consistency in green claims, and the role of supervisory authorities in enforcing sustainable finance regulations. Additionally, panelists will explore Europe's strategic goals for aligning financial supervision with climate and sustainability objectives, and how these efforts support the broader transition to a sustainable economy.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 2
The Future of the Capital Markets
Explore the evolving landscape of capital markets, including the role of technology, changing regulations, and the growing emphasis on sustainability. This session will discuss emerging trends, opportunities, and the challenges that will shape the future of investment and financial markets.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 3
Strategies for Combatting Financial Crime: Innovation and Best Practices
This session will explore innovative approaches and best practices in the fight against financial crime. Discuss cutting-edge technologies, regulatory frameworks, and strategies that organisations can adopt to detect, prevent, and mitigate financial crimes effectively.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 4
Managing Risk in Gaming, Crypto and Finance
Explore the unique risks at the intersection of the gaming and financial sectors. This session will focus on strategies for managing regulatory, operational, and financial risks in both industries, highlighting best practices for ensuring compliance and mitigating potential threats.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 1
Defending the Digital Perimeter: Emerging Cybersecurity Challenges
As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, protecting the digital perimeter has become a critical priority for organisations across all sectors. This session will examine the emerging challenges in cybersecurity, from ransomware and phishing to supply chain vulnerabilities and insider risks. Panellists will discuss how evolving threat landscapes demand stronger governance, cross-functional collaboration, and investment in both technology and human capital. The conversation will also highlight practical strategies for building resilience, strengthening incident response, and fostering a culture of security awareness. Attendees will gain actionable insights into safeguarding their organisations in an increasingly complex digital environment.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 2
Challenges in HR: Teleworking, Diversity, and Women in Leadership
Human resources leaders are facing new pressures as workplaces evolve in the wake of shifting expectations and global change. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by teleworking, workforce diversity, and the advancement of women in leadership roles. Panellists will discuss how organisations can adapt policies to balance flexibility with productivity, foster inclusive cultures that attract and retain talent, and create pathways for equitable career progression. Attendees will gain insights into how HR can serve as a driver of resilience, innovation, and long-term organisational success in today’s dynamic environment.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 3
Embracing Regulation: Building a Proactive Compliance Culture
In today’s fast-changing regulatory environment, compliance cannot be treated as a reactive exercise. This session will explore how organisations can embrace regulation as an opportunity to build a proactive compliance culture that supports both resilience and growth. Panellists will discuss strategies for integrating compliance into business planning, leveraging technology for smarter monitoring, and fostering accountability across all levels of the organisation. The conversation will also highlight how a forward-looking approach to regulation can enhance trust with stakeholders and create a competitive advantage. Attendees will leave with practical insights on turning compliance into a catalyst for sustainable success.
14:00 - 14:50
Breakout Session 4
Operational Resilience: Creating an Effective Operational Risk Management Framework
Operational resilience has become a key focus for organisations seeking to withstand disruptions while maintaining compliance and stakeholder trust. This session will explore how to design and implement effective operational risk management frameworks that identify vulnerabilities, strengthen controls, and support business continuity. Panellists will examine lessons learned from recent disruptions, the role of technology in monitoring risks, and the importance of governance in driving resilience strategies. Attendees will gain practical guidance on building frameworks that not only meet regulatory expectations but also enable organisations to recover quickly and thrive in an uncertain environment.
15:00 - 15:15
Keynote
From Artificial Intelligence to Artificial Wisdom
15:15 - 16:00
Moderated Session
Supervising Artificial Intelligence
This panel session will focus on the supervision of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services, addressing the evolving regulatory landscape and key supervisory challenges. Topics include the development of AI-specific guidelines and frameworks, risk management and ethical considerations, and ensuring transparency and accountability in AI algorithms. Panelists will discuss the implications of AI for consumer protection, market integrity, and financial stability, as well as strategies for effective oversight in a rapidly advancing technological environment. The session will also explore international coordination and best practices for supervising AI-driven innovations in finance.
16:00 - 16:15
Keynote Speech
Crypto Asset Regulation and Supervision: Malta’s Experience
16:15 - 17:00
Moderated Session
Payment services, Emerging Consumer Protection Concerns
This panel session will explore the emerging consumer protection concerns related to crypto assets, highlighting the risks faced by investors in this rapidly growing market. Topics include safeguard challenges such as fraud, misrepresentation, and lack of transparency, as well as issues related to custody, volatility, and access to reliable information. The discussion will also cover regulatory responses to enhance consumer protections, the role of disclosures, and mechanisms to prevent abuse and misconduct. Panelists will examine how to balance innovation with safeguards to ensure consumer confidence and market integrity in the evolving crypto landscape.
17:00 - 17:10
Closing Remarks
Summary of key takeaways.
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, Aqua Terra e Mare
Join us for an exclusive dinner at the Aqua Terra e Mare, Portomaso Marina, St. Julians. We invite you to enjoy 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.