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.

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.

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.

This course aims to follow on from Course 315 - An Introduction to Securitisation, to further develop learning about the principal commercial drivers behind the issuance and structuring of and investment in asset-backed securities, using examples of both high performing and troubled transactions. The course will also examine demand from investors in the post-Credit Crunch and EU capital markets union environment where a significant proportion of transactions are both unlisted and unrated. In particular, the Lecturer will look at what sort of deals are most likely to get off the ground and which transactions are better suited to the commercial banking or private equity markets, rather than securitisation. There are important synergies between the ABS market and the Fintech sector; so the opportunities and challenges for P2P loan deals, for example, will be examined in more detail. The course will close with a short multiple choice test that will examine critical thinking as well as knowledge around securitisation.

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 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.  

Most Maltese financial institutions have some exposure  to the US capital markets, whether directly or indirectly.  Any Maltese financial institution that receives US sourced  income on behalf of its clients is directly subject US  Internal Revenue Code Chapter 3, also known as the QI  regulations. QI regulations dictate how clients must be  documented, how US sourced income must be taxed and  reported depending on the status of the firm as either a  qualified intermediary (QI) or non-qualified intermediary  (NQI). The US government assumes that non-qualified  intermediaries are facilitators of tax evasion. Across the  world, and including Malta, there is  increasing pressure for  NQIs to convert to QI status in order to be able to maintain  access to the US markets. QI status brings many benefits  but also includes compliance obligations for which financial  firms should be prepared.  This short course seeks to give an explanation of the main  differences between NQI and QI status, the benefits of  being a QI and the practical issues QIs need to handle.  Following this course it is expected that participants will be  able to make an informed decision about the benefits and  impact of applying to become a QI for their business.

The two fundamental roles of the Compliance Officer is to advise and monitor the business being undertaken by the Licence Holder. The Compliance Officer is the regulator’s invisible arm in that it ensures that the institution’s business in 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 reporting same to 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 covers material relating to structured products also known as market linked investments or synthetic investment instruments which are designed to facilitate highly bespoke risk and return objectives. Students will learn how investment banks pre-package financial instruments using derivatives, a basket of securities, single securities, and other capital market products. Participants will learn that structured products are normally used as a low cost alternative to a direct investment as part of the asset allocation process or to hedge risk found within an investment portfolio.

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.

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 offers students an introduction into the exciting and complex world of derivatives, securitisations and asset-backed securities. Students will learn about the pros, cons and structure and operations of the securitised bond markets. Fixed-income securities, credit risk, securitised lending, and asset-backed securities will be covered extensively. The basic processes of structuring ABS deals, including how to value them as well as the risk management process required to manage a portfolio of these instruments, will also be covered.

All organisations have customers and therefore rely on their front line as well as support staff to ensure that these customers receive the right level of service and attention.  It is critical that the customer experience is provided, and received, in line with expectations, brand and industry standards for those customers to show loyalty, and to pass on any positive recommendations to their family and friends. This course will outline the key principles of good customer care, how to ensure that service delivery is in line with the organisational goals, how to manage the processes, and how to measure the quality of service and level of customer care that your organisation is actually delivering.

This course will explain the characteristics and differences between the various assets classes available to investors, and how these are expected to perform over time. The different types of return on investment that can differ quite significantly between asset classes, as well as other important factors such as liquidity and risk will also be explained. Attendees will also learn about the principle of correlation and how this can affect the value of investments in asset classes as compared to investments in particular instruments. The lecturer will explain the distinction between value and productive asset classes. The participants will learn the importance of diversification by structuring their portfolio that is based on asset class strategies.

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 emphasize on corporate governance principles, best practices and the interpretation of various provisions of the Companies Act.

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 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. 

This course covers material relating to the understanding of the theoretical foundations that underpin modern investment and risk management techniques. Participants will gain a solid foundation in risk management by learning how to identify, asses and to mitigate risks. They will learn how risk managers manage risk relating to equity, fixed income and other financial products, and appreciate the evolution of derivatives as risk management instruments. Financial and operational risk will be covered extensively as will hedge techniques using futures, forwards and options.

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.

The President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, together with the Countess of Wessex and the Hon Minister for Civil Liberties and Equality Helena Dalli, will visit the Exchange on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The President and the Countess are expected to ‘ring the bell’ to commemorate this occasion.

The WFE is at the forefront of the industry debate on SME markets with its vibrant SME Working Group (SMEWG) consistently working on different issues in partnership with WFE Research, in addition to showcasing the considerable work that exchanges are doing worldwide. The WFE SME Conference will take place in Malta, starting on the evening of Sunday 25 February 2018, followed by the conference on the afternoon of Monday 26 February 2018, and concluding with a Gala Dinner that evening. At the Malta meeting, in addition to other SME topics, the WFE will launch its forthcoming research on the challenges and opportunities around listing family-owned businesses which are a key component of all thriving equity markets. Family firms have unique characteristics that impact the way they take decisions, conduct their business, and relate to their stakeholders and other companies. The WFE’s research will highlight some of these attributes; outline how these impact on financing decisions (including use of public equity markets); and identify steps market operators can take to enhance the attractiveness of markets for these firms. The WFE will also hold an in-person meeting of the WFE SME Working Group (SMEWG) on the morning of Monday 26 February, for members of the SMEWG only.

This Forum is going to focus on the Investment Managers’ role in the fund and asset management industry, and will seek to highlight the challenges and opportunities that currently exist in the Financial Markets. The changing role of the investment management industry will also be discussed. The Forum will be addressed by the Hon Minister for Finance Prof Edward Scicluna, and boasts a very distinguished array of speakers coming from Thomson Reuters, Interactive Brokers, AQA Capital, Heptagon Capital, BOV, HSBC, and AUM Asset Management.

Early booking to attend this high profile event is strongly recommended.

Companies that have a more diverse board and leadership outperform in their industry. Amanda Pullinger will discuss trends and research in leadership and why diversity matters, as well as the issues and some practical solutions at the company level with remarks from Joseph Portelli and Hervé Delpech on successes in boosting gender diversity and women’s advancement in Malta. Bring your questions and what if scenarios to learn what best practices are. Review the discussion with your colleagues while networking over drinks.

This annual dinner is an opportunity for the stakeholders in the Maltese capital markets to meet and network in a relaxed environment. The dinner will be held under the Patronage of the Hon. Minister for Finance and attended by the Heads of the Regulatory bodies, Members, professionals in the financial services sector, representatives of the many listed organisations, amongst others. It is planned that this event will be used as an opportunity to recognise outstanding performance by selected stakeholders.

Announcing the 3rd MSE Investor Education Conference that will be held on Saturday 4th November at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard. Listen to expert practitioners and speakers, and learn more about the investment world. Attendance is just EUR12 per person including coffees and standing lunch.

The MSE will be organizing a morning conference in order to officially launch the new Institutional Financial Securities Market (IFSM). The Conference will include a keynote speech by the Hon Minister for Finance Prof. Edward Scicluna as well as a panel involving significant stakeholders from the legal, capital and banking sectors. Key speakers will be Mr Richard Ambery, from the Managing Partners Group, who have significant experience in this line of business, and Dr Nick Curmi, from Ganado Advocates, who are considered to be experts in this field and were heavily involved in the creation of the new legislation governing this interesting area of the capital markets. The event will explore the opportunities created by this first fully Maltese operated securities market.

The Malta Association of Small Shareholders (MASS) and the European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users (Better Finance), with the support of the European Commission Representation in Malta, will be organising this conference about the New EU Shareholder Rights Directive. ((EU) 2017/828) which was adopted by the EU Parliament on 14 March this year and by the European Council on 3 April. This Directive has been described “a milestone in the EU corporate governance framework” helping to bring up to date corporate governance in the EU. The event is supported by the Malta Stock Exchange.

The Malta Stock Exchange (MSE) attended the 21st Annual Global Asset Backed Securities Conference in Barcelona.  The 2-day conference held between June 6-8 was attended by over 3500 professionals in the global ABS market, making it the largest annual European structured finance gathering. A contingent of Maltese professionals participated in the event led by Finance Malta and Ganado Advocates. The Malta Stock Exchange will soon be unveiling the Institutional Securities Market (ISM) which will cater to the listing of whole sale ABS securitized products. Mr. Cliff Pace Head of Compliance and Market Operations represented the Exchange at the conference and noted the real interest many participants had in Malta as a capital markets destination. The MSE is again expecting to participate next year, this time as Associate Sponsor, with a number of MSE staff participating.

Participants will learn how the Malta Stock Exchange offers a well-regulated and highly cost effective listing solution. The seminar will offer an opportunity for iGaming executives to delve into the regulatory, tax and financing aspects of listing and raising capital in Malta. Participation for this seminar is free, however advanced registration is required.

Thompson Reuters, in partnership with the Malta Stock Exchange, is pleased to invite you to attend a breakfast briefing to discuss the implications of MiFID II.

MiFID II represents a fundamental change for financial markets across a range of areas, requiring major implementation efforts, and a combination of comprehensive data and powerful analytics to comply.

Join Thompson Reuters to examine their leading solutions available to answer the key challenges around MiFID II

For the second year running the Malta Stock Exchange, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility obligations is sponsoring an art exhibition within the Exchange building at the Garrison Chapel, Castille Place in Valletta. The Exhibition was officially opened by the Hon. Edward Scicluna MP - Minister for Finance on Friday 10 March 2017. The event was also addressed by the Chairman of the Exchange, Mr Joseph Portelli and by the Artist Curator, Mr Adrian Scicluna.

The Exhibition will run through to Friday 21 April 2017 and is open free of charge to the General Public on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 16:00hrs until 19:00hrs.

Following the enormous success of the first Art Exhibition organised at the Exchange between April and June 2016, the Malta Stock Exchange shall be repeating this on an annual basis, creating a unique and prestigious venue through which artists may exhibit their creations in line with the theme that will be chosen for the exhibition.

This event will be an opportunity for stakeholders in the fund industry to get together and identify options that will lead to a better value-creating framework for the listing of funds on the Malta Stock Exchange.

If you would like to be kept informed about the events organized by the Malta Stock Exchange please send an email to events@borzamalta.com.mt

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