Upcoming Events

In terms of the PLMFTR, subject persons are required to identify and assess the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing their businesses are exposed to. In doing so, subject persons need to reflect these risks in their BRA, taking into consideration any risk exposure identified during the assessments of the JRA and any client risks identified in the CRA. These 3 important documents need to be linked so that a subject person can understand the risk exposures and take mitigating measures as necessary.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) concepts will be covered extensively within financial services entities. This course is designed to familiarise attendees with techniques to detect money laundering. Robust AML policies are necessary to safeguard a business’s reputation. The MLRO (money laundering reporting officer) is a key member of an organisation’s management team and has serious responsibilities to manage and supervise anti-money laundering activities. This course will enable participants to design and influence a compliance culture within an organisation. 

This course will be interactively run online through Zoom allowing active participation. Applicants will receive joining instructions by email and may join the course through their computer, tablet or mobile phone. An internet connection is obviously required.

The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) is an EU Directive regulating managers of Alternative Investment Funds which are either licensed in, or marketed into, the EU. This course seeks to de-mystify the AIFMD, giving a practical account of the Directive, Maltese rules and regulations transposing the Directive, and structural and operational considerations for AIFMs.

Participants will learn the basic investing concepts, the many different variations of traditional investments available and which type of investments are most suitable for their needs. The course will delve into the history of the capital markets, their role in the economy, the different types of markets, and the activities of exchanges. Participants will also learn about the difference between bonds and equities, what they are, their special characteristics and terminology, how they are priced and the risks of owning such investments. Students will also learn about various investment styles such as value, growth, and fund investing. Students will be taught how to and why they should take a critical look at all investing options based on sound risk/reward assumptions.

This course, which will be spread over two sessions, is intended to educate and train professionals within Corporate Service Providers on the role of a risk manager and the main requirements of a risk management function emanating from the MFSA’s CSP Rulebook. The course will look into the practical implementation of the function, highlighting the main areas of risk which should be assessed.

Whistleblowing is one of the largest forms of detection of occupational, fraud, bribery and corruption and one of the best methods for the prevention of commercial crime. Yet, there are still individuals who, due to fear of retaliation, do not report any wrongdoings as there is a perception that these whistleblowers are not afforded enough protection. With the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (also known as the “Whistleblower Protection Directive”, the EU is sending a strong message that those employees seeking protection or retribution from exposing and disclosing wrongdoing, will receive it. The Directive, which was entered into force on 16th December 2019 with an implementation deadline of 17th December 2021, sets out the requirements for EU members states regulations in relation to the protection of whistleblowers and disclosures. Amongst other things that will be impacted by the Directive and its transposition into local legislation, the Directive will be applicable to various entities in the public and private sector. This course is intended to provide some insights on what to expect with the upcoming local legislation, which entities would fall within scope and what procedures should be put in place to ensure entities remain in compliance of the legislation.

The course will examine the key VAT considerations which are relevant for businesses operating in the financial services sector, specifically banks and financial institutions and investment services providers. Most, but not all, services supplied by operators in the financial services sector are exempt from VAT. This requires analysis of definitions and scope of the exemption, and understanding the treatment of outsourced services as well as mixed transactions. In the absence of legislative definitions, these have evolved through case-law of the CJEU, as well as domestic practice and guidelines. As a result of the broad scope of the exemptions, VAT is, to varying degrees, a cost to operators in the sector, with the restrictions on input tax recovery potentially resulting in a competitive disadvantage, in particular for those operating on a cross-border basis.

Participants will be introduced to the ICT and Security Risk Management Guidelines that were issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) late last year. The Guidelines apply to all sectors of industries licensed by the MFSA. The publication of these guidelines has therefore a very wide impact on the businesses and are applicable to companies of any size, from 3-person family TIIs to the larger companies. There is a core understanding that risk will vary according to the size of the business and that the control measures will likewise and proportionately be materially different. As a result, a consistency of outcomes and a strong security posture is always expected. This course will explain the fundamentals of performing a risk-based assessment, how to identify critical assets and apply security controls, and how to establish and maintain an operational governance framework that must include ICT Governance and Risk Mitigation as an intrinsic part, even if solutions are based on Software as a Service (SaaS) such as XERO, GMAIL and Office365.

This course aims to offer participants an overview of the regulatory and compliance landscape by introducing elements of the AIFMD, MIFID, and UCITS directives. Students will be provided a foundation to be able to understand financial regulation and compliance requirements of an MFSA licensed company. The course will explore the optimal compliance structure of a fund or management company including their basic legal structure, the fiduciary duties of a board of directors, investment committee, MLRO, and compliance officer. Furthermore various AIFMD policies will be discussed including risk management, remuneration, valuation, insider dealing polices, etc.

The aim of this course is to provide participants with an overview of the fundamental precepts of Maltese company law. Following an analysis of the distinction between the various types of corporate vehicles available in terms of Maltese law, the course will focus on private and public limited liability company, from creation to dissolution. Fundamental doctrines such as separate legal personality, limited liability, and the lifting or piercing of the corporate veil will be analysed. The various types of share capital, the increase, reduction and transfer of share capital, and the doctrine of capital maintenance will also be discussed. This is followed by an analysis of the regulatory and practical implications of the governance of companies, in the context of a global trend towards more regulation and the need of companies to adhere to strict ethical and legal business practices so as not to jeopardize their corporate brand and business in general. Particular focus will be laid on the duties and responsibilities of directors and, specifically in respect of listed companies, the need to instil a governance culture aligned with the Code of Principles of Good Corporate Governance set out in the Listing Rules. In the final part of the course the substantive and procedural aspects of dissolution, winding up and insolvency, as well as the procedures of company rescue and corporate recovery will be examined.

Open-ended funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a very popular, cost effective and efficient way for investor to build diversified portfolios. Funds are widely used by investors and include a wide variety of assets including bonds equities, real-estate and commodities. This course will focus primarily on the different types of funds available to investors ranging from Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), to open-ended and closed-ended funds. The course will contrast ETFs versus traditional funds, differentiate between active and passive management, explain the prospectus, expense ratios and other key points.

This course, which will be spread over two sessions, is intended to educate and train professionals within Corporate Service Providers on the role of a risk manager and the main requirements of a risk management function emanating from the MFSA’s CSP Rulebook. The course will look into the practical implementation of the function, highlighting the main areas of risk which should be assessed.

This course is an introduction to understanding how to use financial information to value and analyse companies. The course focuses on the practical application of financial statements analysis. Students will learn how to create and analyse financial ratios such as debt to equity, profit margins and more. Participants will gain analytical skills involved in reading and interpreting the financial health and profitability of a company through quantitative and qualitative techniques. A number of case studies and financial statements of actual companies will be analysed.

This course aims to offer participants an overview of  the regulatory and compliance landscape in relation to  Company Service Providers (CSPs) in Malta. Attendees  will be provided with a foundation to be able to understand  the plethora of requirements imposed by law, regulations  and other rules in force. This course will tackle the duties  of key officers of a CSP such as the Compliance Officer  and the Money Laundering Reporting Officer. The course  will suggest approaches as to how one may draw up a  sustainable CSP practice.

The Compliance Officer is the regulator’s invisible arm in that it ensures that the institution’s business is being conducted in line with regulations, internal policies and procedures.  Checks are carried out primarily through compliance monitoring programmes; be they on-site or desk based reviews. The fulcrum of the findings prompted by the reviews is in bringing these to the attention of senior management. Senior management is ultimately responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the compliance function and in ensuring that the business is carried out in line with regulatory requirements.

Participants will gain a clear and focused understanding of the key role of directors and corporate secretaries in the management and administration of the company. Today, directors are being constantly evaluated and scrutinised by regulators and shareholders and is therefore essential directors appreciate the responsibility of the office, their duties, rights, obligations and the relationship with other stakeholders within the company. Participants will also be exposed to the liability directors face in the event of a breach or non-compliance with any applicable law. Recent judgments will also be considered. this course will also emphasise on corporate governance principles, best practices and the interpretation of various provisions of the Companies Act.

Students will learn how trusts are legal relationship created by one party and places assets under the control of another party referred to as the trustee for the benefit of the beneficiary. Participants will learn the intricacies of trusts, and the legal and tax ramification of their setup. There will also be discussions related to how to properly craft trust deeds and articulate the powers of trustees. Also students will learn why trusts are formed such as for the protection of assets or estate planning and why trustee independence helps avoid any suggestion that the settlor  continues to have control of the trust assets.

The Covid-19 pandemic has placed significant pressures on the finances and income of households and businesses, with many banks allowing moratoria and credit arrangements in order to compensate for these challenging circumstances. We also witnessed government guarantee programmes to support credit provision to firms through the banking system. This course will present the latest evidence on, and discuss the consequent impact of, publicly supported credit guarantee schemes, used extensively after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, on firms’ debt and liquidity levels, and banks’ balance sheet strength in the Euro area. This evidence helps frame better the challenges that the corporate and bank sectors will face as economies continue emerging from the economic recession caused by the pandemic of 2020.

This course aims at providing attendees with the  necessary tools and techniques aimed at identifying  money laundering machinations and in combating the  funding of terrorism. The course has been developed  in an engaging and comprehensive format in order to  provide attendees with the appropriate training to meet  the regulatory requirements of subject persons whilst  providing a practitioner’s insight. The course shall focus  both on the applicable legislative framework as well as  on practical case studies.

Participants will learn the basic investing concepts, the many different variations of traditional investments available and which type of investments are most suitable for their needs. The course will delve into the history of the capital markets, their role in the economy, the different types of markets, and the activities of exchanges. Participants will also learn about the difference between bonds and equities, what they are, their special characteristics and terminology, how they are priced and the risks of owning such investments. Students will also learn about various investment styles such as value, growth, and fund investing. Students will be taught how to and why they should take a critical look at all investing options based on sound risk/reward assumptions.

This course offer students an introduction into Islamic Finance which refers to a system of finance that is consistent with the principles of Sharia Law, which emphasises moral and ethical values in all dealings. Sharia prohibits the payment or acceptance of interest charges (Riba) for the lending and accepting of money, as well as carrying out trade and other activities that provide goods or services considered contrary to its principles. Islamic finance has the same purpose as conventional finance except that it operates in accordance with Islamic rules. Individuals taking this course will be provided with an introductory level to the principles and the modus operandi of this alternative system of finance.

Open-ended funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a very popular, cost effective and efficient way for investor to build diversified portfolios. Funds are widely used by investors and include a wide variety of assets including bonds equities, real-estate and commodities. This course will focus primarily on the different types of funds available to investors ranging from Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), to open-ended and closed-ended funds. The course will contrast ETFs versus traditional funds, differentiate between active and passive management, explain the prospectus, expense ratios and other key points.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) concepts will be covered extensively within financial services entities. This course is designed to familiarise attendees with techniques to detect money laundering. Robust AML policies are necessary to safeguard a business’s reputation. The MLRO (money laundering reporting officer) is a key member of an organisation’s management team and has serious responsibilities to manage and supervise anti-money laundering activities. This course will enable participants to design and influence a compliance culture within an organisation.

This course will focus on differing bond trading strategies such as yield curve and credit strategies. Participants will learn about bond pricing mechanisms and the structure of fixed income markets along with various analytical concepts for identifying fixed income trading opportunities. The lecturer will review the most important challenges facing fixed income portfolios in this new environment and the asset allocation implications that ensue from this dynamic environment.

Securitisation legislation was introduced in Malta under the Securitisation Act of 2006 but has recently become a fast-growing niche within the country’s financial sector. This course will give participants an understanding of securitisation as a means of alternative finance and the basics of a securitisation transaction, the relevant Maltese and European Union legal framework and examples of how Maltese securitisation structures have been successfully used in practice.

This course will offer participants a foundation as to what best practices are in regards to sound corporate governance principles for both limited and publicly traded companies, and their boards and management. The course will offer a basic framework for sound, long-term oriented corporate governance. Discussions will revolve around director and manager governance duties, formulating effective governance cultures, shareholder rights, public reporting, board leadership and independence, succession planning and management compensation, among other topics. Case studies, high profile governance mishaps and successes, along with methods for aligning stakeholder interests will be discussed thoroughly.

The course aims at providing participants with the fundamentals of income tax regulations in order to enable them to understand the process of arriving at the chargeable income for tax purposes. It will look into allowable and disallowable deductions, reporting obligations as well as an overview of the refund mechanism for companies. It will also address VAT which is bound to affect us at some point in our business lives; what may seem as straightforward often hides unexpected complications. The session will seek to address the basic concepts that underpin the application of Value Added Tax in a day to day context. It will delve into various aspects of VAT which include the place of supply rules and the application of the reverse charge mechanism; recovery of input VAT and partial attribution as well as other practical aspects including invoicing, reporting obligations and applying for VAT refunds.

Shareholders of private companies often may encounter difficulty when it comes to establishing a value of their business. This course will address the concept of valuations, through company and goodwill analysis, financial modelling and valuation based on net asset values, all of which may come up with different results! This is an interesting and thought provoking course for 'non accountant' shareholders who are interested to learn more about company financial analysis with special focus on how to value a company.

This course aims to give participants a practical approach to trading foreign exchange, futures and options.   It will cover the futures and foreign exchange markets in depth, along with trading tactics used by professional traders, including directional, option trading, delta neutral positioning, risk and money management principals, the psychology of trading, and portfolio management.  The course will cover technical and fundamental analysis, inter and intramarket spread trading, and other trading strategies. The course also focuses on advanced option trading themes such as various option trading strategies, the Greeks, and managing an options trading book.   Behavioural finance will be introduced to thoroughly  discuss the psychology of trading. Learn what’s going  on inside your head (and others) to make you a better  and more confident trader.

Participants will learn the basic investing concepts, the many different variations of traditional investments available and which type of investments are most suitable for their needs. The course will delve into the history of the capital markets, their role in the economy, the different types of markets, and the activities of exchanges. Participants will also learn about the difference between bonds and equities, what they are, their special characteristics and terminology, how they are priced and the risks of owning such investments. Students will also learn about various investment styles such as value, growth, and fund investing. Students will be taught how to and why they should take a critical look at all investing options based on sound risk/reward assumptions.

The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) Administrative penalties issue several administrative measures related to contraventions on AML/CFT shortcomings. The aim of this course is to highlight the main findings stemming from the administrative measures enforced on subject persons who contravened their AML/CFT obligations emanating from the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLFTR) and the FIAU Implementing Procedures issued thereunder, taking also into account the FIAU enforcement factsheet published in May 2021.

This course, which will be spread over two sessions, is intended to educate and train professionals within Corporate Service Providers on the role of a risk manager and the main requirements of a risk management function emanating from the MFSA’s CSP Rulebook. The course will look into the practical implementation of the function, highlighting the main areas of risk which should be assessed.

The Compliance Officer is the regulator’s invisible arm in that it ensures that the institution’s business is being conducted in line with regulations, internal policies and procedures.  Checks are carried out primarily through compliance monitoring programmes; be they on-site or desk based reviews. The fulcrum of the findings prompted by the reviews is in bringing these to the attention of senior management. Senior management is ultimately responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the compliance function and in ensuring that the business is carried out in line with regulatory requirements.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) concepts will be covered extensively within financial services entities. This course is designed to familiarise attendees with techniques to detect money laundering. Robust AML policies are necessary to safeguard a business’s reputation. The MLRO (money laundering reporting officer) is a key member of an organisation’s management team and has serious responsibilities to manage and supervise anti-money laundering activities. This course will enable participants to design and influence a compliance culture within an organisation.

This course, which will be spread over two sessions, is intended to educate and train professionals within Corporate Service Providers on the role of a risk manager and the main requirements of a risk management function emanating from the MFSA’s CSP Rulebook. The course will look into the practical implementation of the function, highlighting the main areas of risk which should be assessed.

The Compliance Officer is the regulator’s invisible arm in that it ensures that the institution’s business is being conducted in line with regulations, internal policies and procedures.  Checks are carried out primarily through compliance monitoring programmes; be they on-site or desk based reviews. The fulcrum of the findings prompted by the reviews is in bringing these to the attention of senior management. Senior management is ultimately responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the compliance function and in ensuring that the business is carried out in line with regulatory requirements.

This course aims at providing attendees with the  necessary tools and techniques aimed at identifying  money laundering machinations and in combating the  funding of terrorism. The course has been developed  in an engaging and comprehensive format in order to  provide attendees with the appropriate training to meet  the regulatory requirements of subject persons whilst  providing a practitioner’s insight. The course shall focus  both on the applicable legislative framework as well as  on practical case studies.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) concepts will be covered extensively within financial services entities. This course is designed to familiarise attendees with techniques to detect money laundering. Robust AML policies are necessary to safeguard a business’s reputation. The MLRO (money laundering reporting officer) is a key member of an organisation’s management team and has serious responsibilities to manage and supervise anti-money laundering activities. This course will enable participants to design and influence a compliance culture within an organisation.

Whistleblowing is one of the largest forms of detection of occupational, fraud, bribery and corruption and one of the best methods for the prevention of commercial crime. Yet, there are still individuals who, due to fear of retaliation, do not report any wrongdoings as there is a perception that these whistleblowers are not afforded enough protection. With the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (also known as the “Whistleblower Protection Directive”, the EU is sending a strong message that those employees seeking protection or retribution from exposing and disclosing wrongdoing, will receive it. The Directive, which was entered into force on 16th December 2019 with an implementation deadline of 17th December 2021, sets out the requirements for EU members states regulations in relation to the protection of whistleblowers and disclosures. Amongst other things that will be impacted by the Directive and its transposition into local legislation, the Directive will be applicable to various entities in the public and private sector. This course is intended to provide some insights on what to expect with the upcoming local legislation, which entities would fall within scope and what procedures should be put in place to ensure entities remain in compliance of the legislation.

The course will examine the key VAT considerations which are relevant for businesses operating in the financial services sector, specifically banks and financial institutions and investment services providers. Most, but not all, services supplied by operators in the financial services sector are exempt from VAT. This requires analysis of definitions and scope of the exemption, and understanding the treatment of outsourced services as well as mixed transactions. In the absence of legislative definitions, these have evolved through case-law of the CJEU, as well as domestic practice and guidelines. As a result of the broad scope of the exemptions, VAT is, to varying degrees, a cost to operators in the sector, with the restrictions on input tax recovery potentially resulting in a competitive disadvantage, in particular for those operating on a cross-border basis.

The aim of this course is to provide participants with an overview of the fundamental precepts of Maltese company law. Following an analysis of the distinction between the various types of corporate vehicles available in terms of Maltese law, the course will focus on private and public limited liability company, from creation to dissolution. Fundamental doctrines such as separate legal personality, limited liability, and the lifting or piercing of the corporate veil will be analysed. The various types of share capital, the increase, reduction and transfer of share capital, and the doctrine of capital maintenance will also be discussed. This is followed by an analysis of the regulatory and practical implications of the governance of companies, in the context of a global trend towards more regulation and the need of companies to adhere to strict ethical and legal business practices so as not to jeopardize their corporate brand and business in general. Particular focus will be laid on the duties and responsibilities of directors and, specifically in respect of listed companies, the need to instil a governance culture aligned with the Code of Principles of Good Corporate Governance set out in the Listing Rules. In the final part of the course the substantive and procedural aspects of dissolution, winding up and insolvency, as well as the procedures of company rescue and corporate recovery will be examined.

Participants will learn the basic investing concepts, the many different variations of traditional investments available and which type of investments are most suitable for their needs. The course will delve into the history of the capital markets, their role in the economy, the different types of markets, and the activities of exchanges. Participants will also learn about the difference between bonds and equities, what they are, their special characteristics and terminology, how they are priced and the risks of owning such investments. Students will also learn about various investment styles such as value, growth, and fund investing. Students will be taught how to and why they should take a critical look at all investing options based on sound risk/reward assumptions.

This course aims to offer participants an overview of the regulatory and compliance landscape by introducing elements of the AIFMD, MIFID, and UCITS directives. Students will be provided a foundation to be able to understand financial regulation and compliance requirements of an MFSA licensed company. The course will explore the optimal compliance structure of a fund or management company including their basic legal structure, the fiduciary duties of a board of directors, investment committee, MLRO, and compliance officer. Furthermore various AIFMD policies will be discussed including risk management, remuneration, valuation, insider dealing polices, etc.

This course covers the fundamentals of securitisation and key features of structures typically adopted, following a brief introduction setting the context for the prevailing state of affairs over a decade after the global financial crisis from which securitisation as an alternative method for financing emerged severely bruised. The course will delve into the different types of securitisation transactions and the players involved, as well as provide an overview of the relevant regulatory framework at both European and local levels. The lecturer will then explore the more intricate elements of securitisation, including the advantages inherent in securitisation transactions, such as true sale, bankruptcy remoteness and the possibility of forming securitisation cell companies and innovative structures, such as reinsurance special purpose vehicles. The course will conclude with a commentary on what the future holds for securitisation in Malta.