The Malta Advantage: The financial hub built on stability, substance, and collaboration
The Citco group of companies (Citco) recently hosted The Malta Advantage at our London office – a panel event bringing together distinguished industry experts to explore Malta as a premier European jurisdiction in the financial services arena.
The event featured an expert panel moderated by Leila Szwarc, Head of Corporate Clients and Financial Institutions, Citco Corporate Management (Madrid) S.L., and hosted by Nick Trapani Galea Feriol, Director of Citco Malta. Joining them were Nick Captur, International Tax Director at Deloitte Malta, alongside Robert Taylor-East and Leonard Bonello, Partners at Ganado Advocates.
In today's environment of rapid regulatory evolution and heightened global scrutiny, financial centres must focus on demonstrating stability, sophistication, and genuine economic substance as opposed to just tax advantages. Malta has firmly established itself as a prominent European jurisdiction, offering compelling benefits for international investors, corporations, and innovators seeking growth opportunities. The jurisdiction's distinctive appeal lies in its unique combination of attributes: an English-speaking EU member state with a familiar legal and business framework that aligns with major financial centres, supported by an accessible, collaborative, and service-focused ecosystem.
Malta's regulatory authorities embrace an open-door philosophy, fostering communication while maintaining strict standards—a balanced approach that has significantly enhanced the jurisdiction's maturity. With strong economic fundamentals and a GDP growth consistently outperforming the EU average, Malta has successfully diversified its economy across industries such as manufacturing, maritime, aircraft leasing, pharmaceuticals, financial services and emerging technology sectors to name a few. The right levels of substance with active local decision-making, combined with proper governance and operational presence, coupled with a beneficial taxation system focused on attracting international business, makes Malta an ideal business destination.
Nick Trapani Galea Feriol notes: "Malta's collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit, grounded in a 'can-do' culture, has created an environment where professionals, regulators, and policymakers work together to address challenges, adapt swiftly, and implement efficient legislation."
For investors and corporations seeking European market access, Malta stands out as a sophisticated and dynamic financial centre. It offers a compelling combination of innovative regulations that provide benefits extending well beyond traditional advantages, positioning itself as a leading jurisdiction for financial services.