This session will provide an in-depth look at the continuing disclosure obligations emanating from Chapter 5 of the Capital Markets Rules applicable to Issuers in terms of the said Rules. This session will cover both periodic financial reporting as well as ad hoc disclosure obligations, and should be particularly relevant to equity and debt issuers listed on the main market of the Malta Stock Exchange as well as entities contemplating listing.

This course examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and data protection with a focus on European frameworks, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Students will explore how AI systems interact with data privacy laws, addressing challenges such as algorithmic accountability, automated decision-making, and data minimization. Through case studies and practical insights, the course emphasizes designing AI solutions that align with EU data protection principles, ensuring ethical innovation while maintaining compliance with strict legal standards.

This course has been tailored to provide attendees with a best practice approach in designing an organization’s business risk assessment. The course will explore how risk managers can apply an enterprise-wide risk management approach and transpose this into a business risk assessment, ensuring the organization’s risk profile factors in all the risks which may impact its operations and achievement of objectives.

This module will give a comprehensive overview of property valuations and reports, showing what a good quality and realistic valuation should assess, and explaining the methodology of creating a good quality property valuation. It will also address the common mistakes and errors commonly found in valuations and the importance of having a good standard of valuation since this is often the basis of investment decisions.

This four-hour course is perfect for individuals seeking to enhance their investing expertise and build a well-rounded understanding of key investment concepts. Participants will gain practical insights into constructing a diversified portfolio tailored to their financial goals. Topics include an introduction to asset classes like stocks, bonds, and funds; the importance of diversification to minimize risk and maximize returns; and strategies for creating balanced portfolios. The course also explores the advantages of ETFs and index funds, diversification across geographies and sectors, and ways to avoid common investment pitfalls. Practical examples and virtual trading exercises will reinforce the concepts learned.

Once a subject person forms a business relationship with a customer, the PMLFTR states that ongoing monitoring obligations shall need to be adhered to. The extent and level of ongoing monitoring shall vary from subject person to subject person based on the services provided, the risk ratings of the customer population and any trigger events which may materialize. 

This course focuses on the pivotal role, duties and obligations  of the company secretary.  The company secretary is an important link between the board of directors and the management arm of the company.  There is also a duty to ensure good corporate governance. It is important that company secretaries are familiar with their obligations to the board, shareholders and management.  The lecturer will also outline best practice and real-life case studies.

A Customer Risk Assessment (CRA) is a tool used to evaluate the risk level of customers to prevent financial crimes. Being a critical component of customer due diligence at onboarding and thereafter, it is the foundation of every risk-based AML control framework. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of a CRA and the impact on the level of due diligence measures conducted . We will be delving into the regulatory requirements emanating from the IPs and PMLFTR as well as sharing best practices on CRA models. Additionally, the course explores how the CRA influences and shapes the application of CDD/EDD measures in line with regulatory obligations , w ith a particular focus on how to translate CRA findings into actionable due diligence measures . Through practical examples and scenarios , participants will gain the tools to conduct an effective CRA and CDD/EDD in a manner that can treat the risks identified in the CRA. This includes guidance on evaluating risk factors, asking the right questions, identifying gaps in information, and implementing appropriate measures to ensure compliance and effective risk management.

Throughout this course, we will explore and navigate through the key aspects of the three dimensions of ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance. The main themes to be discussed encompass the importance of aligning ESG considerations with the overall business strategy, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and adherence to sustainability standards by adopting the ‘Systems Thinking’ approach. Integrating systems thinking into the ESG framework enhances the ability to navigate complexity and develop sustainable solutions. By understanding the intricate web of relationships and interdependencies within systems, ESG professionals can create more effective strategies that address the multifaceted challenges of sustainability.

Cyber security is a key issue that affects everyone in the digital environment we live and work in. The aim of this course is to ensure that the end user has enough security awareness to turn them into a strong last line of defence in identifying cyber-attacks and protecting your organisation. This interesting and practical course will help you and your staff in an interactive course. The key benefits will be the change in users’ behaviour to reduce risk from phishing and other cyber attacks, prioritisation and improvement of incident response and reporting of incidents and ultimately the reduction of successful phishing attacks and malware infections.

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.

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.

Complying with the AML/CFT framework is an increasingly important regulatory requirement for all subject persons. This course, two-part session will outline the applicable Maltese AML/CFT laws and regulations, provide in-depth coverage of key ML/TF obligations of subject persons and discuss the effective implementation of risk-based policies, procedures, controls and measures. Following this course, participants should have a much better understanding of the key concepts of ML/TF, typologies, trends, safeguards and measures.

Raising capital is a difficult but essential part of running Capital markets - practical issues any business. Even the most creative ideas or business plans can only get you so far. It is therefore inevitable that businesses will need funding in order to grow. Although one of the biggest challenges businesses face is raising finance, various options exist and businesses can raise capital through capital markets, bank finance, private placements or business angels amongst others. The training session will give an overview of all sources of finance, focusing more on the capital markets available in Malta, and the practical issues encountered when raising finance and how business go around them.

The Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a previously  existing role that has been rendered mandatory in certain  instances by the General Data Protection Regulation  (GDPR).  DPOs are responsible for overseeing data protection  strategy and implementation to ensure compliance with  GDPR requirements. Now that the GDPR is in force, it is  important that organisations are compliant with the many  regulations and operational requirements provided by  the GDPR.  This course is designed to help DPOs fully understand  their role, assisting them in setting up of the right  processes and procedures as well as control measures  and helping DPOs determine whether the appointment  of a DPO is mandatory for their organisation. In view of  this and the significant possible consequences of noncompliance,  it is recommended that DPOs attend  this course.

Whether at top executive, middle management or even  junior administrator level, conveying information, a message  or even intent clearly, flawlessly and in appropriate detail  is critical for getting the message across, establishing  attention, winning business and building continued success.  Business writing must form a credible basis upon which  sound decisions may be taken. In this regard, besides  communicating information accurately in an appropriate  format, effective business writing demonstrates rationale,  enhances credibility, carries influential impact, and conveys  suitable courtesy. All powerful determinants for maintaining  interest, rapport and enhancing sustainable achievement in  the world of business.  This short course gives practitioners, managers and  administrators insights into sharpening and enhancing their  business writing and communication skills in multiple and  varied business contexts such as writing with impact and  garnering results, drawing up reports as a sound basis for  decision-making and outcome reporting, minute taking as  well as delivering and presenting to an audience.  

Overview of the financial planning process and financial planning subject areas covering the fact-finding process, good practices, client needs, protection, borrowings, saving and investment, pension planning, estate and inheritance planning. Latest guidance regarding requirements to include client sustainability preferences in the fact-finding and advice.

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.

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 to bring 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.

Immerse yourself in the innovative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with this engaging 2-hour course, “AI: An Exploration into ChatGPT and Midjourney.” This course aims to provide a robust understanding of the fundamental concepts of AI, with a special focus on Generative AI. Participants will gain valuable insights into the transformative power of Generative AI algorithms such as ChatGPT by OpenAI and Midjourney through the examination of the latest advancements and future trends. These ground-breaking technologies are shaping diverse professional fields, from Human Resources and Marketing to Education. The interactive session is designed to foster a deeper comprehension of how Generative AI can be tailored to address specific professional requirements of our participants. Attendees will depart with an enriched understanding of Generative AI, its real-world applications, its opportunities, risks, and challenges.