Malta Stock Exchange promotes capital markets in London

The Malta Stock Exchange (MSE) organised an event at the High Commission in London on Wednesday 4 November 2015, with the aim of introducing the jurisdiction and in particular the services available from the Exchange to the UK advisory community. Over 40 corporate advisors, financial intermediaries and company representatives attended this event to learn more about the Maltese capital market.

The Event was opened by the Malta High Commissioner Norman Hamilton, who gave an overview of the close historical, cultural and commercial links that have existed and developed between the UK and Malta. Reference was also made to the CHOGM event that will be happening soon in Malta, and that should put Malta on the Commonwealth map, and increase our visibility and international profile.

The Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna expressed satisfaction at the state of the Maltese economy, and the fact that we have managed to achieve significant levels of growth in spite of the difficulties surrounding us. The Maltese economy and overall business environment offers high levels of stability, with skilled employees, cost effective support services and high connectivity to Europe and elsewhere. 

Kenneth Farrugia, Chairman of FinanceMalta, outlined the development of the financial services sector in recent years, and the growth of the various sectors that resulted from a well-run, robust and disciplined jurisdiction that has managed to register positive growth in spite of various difficulties.

Alfred Fabri, Company Secretary of Corinthia plc spoke about the efficient access to the capital market and how this helped the Corinthia group to grow so significantly.

Nicholas Curmi from Ganado and Associates outlined the legal framework that governs the financial services sector and the increased interest in securitised products which are a specialised product that make use of a legal structure that protects the investor from risk whilst still allowing a return on investment.

Eileen Muscat, CEO of the Malta Stock Exchange gave an overview of the Maltese capital market. She also explained the post-trading infrastructure and custodial services.

Cliff Pace, Product and Business Development Manager of the Malta Stock Exchange introduced Prospects, the new SME oriented capital market that is expected to be launched in early 2016, and that will offer cost effective access to capital to SMEs in Malta and abroad, through the issue of bonds or equities. This product is expected to satisfy the need for capital by SMEs, a factor that is often highlighted as being a serious problem faced by SMEs, as well as address succession planning concerns that tend to exist in many family run business in Malta and overseas.

The Chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange, Joseph Portelli, said that he was encouraged by the level of attendance and that this was the first of various initiatives being undertaken by the Exchange to increase international business.  Besides looking towards Italy and Spain for Prospects related business, the Exchange was actively looking towards the Middle East to investigate Islamic Finance potential, and Turkey and the far East in respect of new opportunities.  He thanked the Malta High Commission in London for hosting the event as well as sponsors, Ganado and Associates, Corinthia Hotels and FinanceMalta.