The Malta Business Weekly
How Malta made its pension reform work
chief economist of the Central Bank of Malta and a long-standing member of the Pensions Strategy Group, speaks to about why the pension reform has proven politically divisive across Europe – and how Malta has managed to implement major changes with...
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Malta’s listed companies face governance gap ahead of June 2026 Board Diversity deadline
As listed companies prepare for the EU Women on Boards Directive deadline of 30 June 2026, international business mentor and C-suite strategist Nadia Pace is calling attention to governance gaps facing Malta’s business community. The directive,...
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MFSA launches international journal to shape the future of financial supervision
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has taken a decisive step to cement its role in international regulatory discourse with the launch of the Journal of the Financial Supervisors Academy (JFSA), an academic publication dedicated to research...
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Housing affordability in Malta: What the data really shows
As public debate over rising property prices intensifies, new data and analysis from the Central Bank of Malta (CBM) suggest that recent claims of a housing affordability crisis may not align with underlying market realities. Speaking to The Malta...
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MMF believes maritime sector must expand beyond any single area of activity
As the Malta Maritime Forum marks its tenth anniversary, the organisation’s role as the unifying voice of Malta’s maritime industry has never been more relevant, the MMF leadership told The Malta Business Weekly. Over the past decade, the Forum has...
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€8,000 in stamp duty saved on average on property purchases for a total of €69m, PM says
Families benefiting from reduced stamp duty on property purchases saved an average of €8,000 each in the first nine months of the year, with total savings reaching €69 million, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced at a conference organised by KPMG and...
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MDB leverages EU funds into €6.25 million for students
Malta’s approach to educational financing is becoming increasingly refined. The launch of Malta Development Bank's StudentAssist, reflects the need to rely more on blended financial instruments that leverage limited public resources to create broader...
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Six Senses Comino project approved by tribunal as NGOs vow to continue legal fight
The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) has rejected an appeal by ten environmental organisations and several individuals against the redevelopment of the Comino hotel and bungalows into the Six Senses Comino resort. The ruling upholds the...
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ATTO calls on Maltese authorities to take a stronger stand in EU debate on zero-emission truck mandates
The Association of Tractor and Trailer Operators (ATTO) is urging Malta’s authorities and representatives to show stronger leadership in defending the interests of Maltese transport operators at the European level. As the European Commission debates...
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Government outlines economic and tourism vision for Malta’s next 25 years
Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ian Borg, as well as Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, on Wednesday spoke about the government's plans for sustainable growth, stronger investment quality, and improved quality of life. In a joint press...
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79% of foreign investors view Malta as attractive for business, up from 54% last year
Investor confidence in Malta has surged to its highest level in years, according to the EY Attractiveness Survey - Malta 2025, with 79% of foreign direct investment (FDI) companies - up by 25%, now describing the country as an attractive location for...
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Overlooking the 4-day week implications risks damaging Malta’s economy – Malta Chamber
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry noted Wednesday that while the concept of a reduced work week is a topic of global debate, it is essential to move beyond brief statements that raise more questions rather than give answers and...
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‘An opportunity for HR to lead meaningful change at the workplace’ – Joanne Bondin
The EU Pay Transparency Directive will come into force on the 24th of December 2025 and by the second half of 2027, the Directive mandates that employers with over 100 employees across the EU must also submit their first report on pay...
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Europe’s top central banker says economy holding up better than expected in face of Trump tariffs
Europe's economy is holding up better than expected in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs - in part because the European Union didn't retaliate with self-defeating tariffs of its own, the head of the European Central Bank said...
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CrediaBank to acquire majority stake in HSBC Bank Malta in €200 million deal
CrediaBank has agreed to buy HSBC Continental Europe’s 70.03% stake in HSBC Bank Malta for €200 million, a move that will double its balance sheet and mark its first expansion outside its home market. The transaction, announced on Tuesday, follows a...
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EU leader calls for sanctions against Israel over the war in Gaza
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday she will seek sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel over the war in Gaza. The 27-nation EU is deeply divided in its approach to Israel and the Palestinians, and it’s...
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Malta climbs global FDI rankings as it sharpens focus on fintech, skills and ESG
Over this past year, Malta has made a significant leap in the international investment landscape, rising 50 places to rank 33rd in the 2025 Greenfield FDI Performance Index, according to fDi Intelligence. This outstanding progress positions Malta as...
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A US tariff exemption for small orders ends Friday
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the United States this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods and resetting global trade with tariffs. An executive order signed last...
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Malta’s digital leap: AI strategy reset and the coming ‘Malta Wallet’
As Malta charts its digital trajectory, two major developments spearheaded by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) are shaping the roadmap ahead. MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat has signaled a strategic recalibration of the country’s AI policy...
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MFSA endorses tokenisation of investment funds in new position paper
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has released a position paper outlining its stance on the tokenisation of units in Collective Investment Schemes (CISs), in a move seen as further reinforcing Malta’s ambitions to position itself as a...
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Business activity slightly above average, CBM says
The Central Bank of Malta's Business Conditions Index shows that in June, annual growth in business activity rose slightly, thereby remaining moderately above its historical average. The Bank's Economic Policy Uncertainty Index, an indicator that...
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Local resilience shines as Malta outpaces Eurozone – PwC report
PwC Malta has published two new editions of its flagship barometers this month: the first CEO Confidence Tracker for 2025 and the second instalment of the Economic Outlook for the year. These publications offer decision-makers timely analysis of...
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The tariff-driven inflation that economists feared begins to emerge
In#flation rose last month to its highest level since February as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs push up the cost of everything from groceries and clothes to furniture and appliances. Consumer prices rose 2.7% in June from a year earlier,...
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MFSA launches consultation on proposed framework for the introduction of Sukuk
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Capital Markets Rules, marking a significant step in the development of a dedicated regulatory framework for sukuk – Shariah-compliant...
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Sustainable finance products expected to increase in demand, according to MFSA study
The Malta Financial Services Authority has carried out a study to obtain insight on the public’s awareness, attitudes, and behaviour towards sustainable finance and related services or products in Malta. As Malta’s financial regulator, the MFSA is...
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Malta’s small market ‘creating unique regulatory challenges’ for pharma sector
Malta’s small market is creating unique regulatory challenges for the pharmaceutical sector, The Malta Business Weekly has been told. The pharmaceutical industry is often associated with innovation, research, and commercial strategy. The industry,...
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‘What’s on your table?’ EUIPO calls out counterfeit food and beverages in the EU
Authorities seized counterfeit food products worth € 91 million in a single EU-wide operation Wines and spirits face one of the highest counterfeiting rates compared to other products, with annual losses in sales of €2,289 million and nearly 5,700 jobs...
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EU Startup and Scale-up Strategy is promising, but national competences must be respected
In response to the European Commission’s recently unveiled Startup and Scale-up Strategy, the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) has welcomed the initiative as a bold and timely step towards strengthening Europe’s standing as a global hub for innovative...
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Majority of CEOs report high workload and stress, study reveals at leadership wellbeing conference
A staggering 90% of CEOs report experiencing a high workload, while 77% acknowledge high stress levels in the workplace, according to a recent study conducted among employers and employees across multiple sectors. These findings were unveiled during...
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Trump drafts America’s business titans to burnish his image at home and abroad
President Donald Trump isn’t the only one who wrapped up a Middle East tour in recent days. A private jet carrying Nvidia’s CEO trailed Air Force One across the region. Oil executives and bankers followed, too, as American executives dropped everything...
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Maltese property market rebounds with €3.5 billion in value
Grant Thornton Malta, in collaboration with Dhalia, organised a conference to launch the findings of the fourth edition of its highly anticipated report on the Maltese property market. The latest edition of “The Malta Property Landscape” report offers...
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MDB expands support for key sectors driving Malta’s economic growth
The Malta Development Bank (MDB) is stepping up its strategic mission to support Malta’s economic transformation, with an intensified focus in supporting access to finance for the country’s most critical sectors. The Bank is positioning itself as a key...
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42% of Gozitan establishments report better business performance
Forty-two per cent of Gozitan establishments have reported better business performance in 2024 when compared to the previous year, the Gozitan Tourism Association said. During the past fortnight, the GTA conducted an online survey among its members,...
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Malta receives 16 offers for first utility-scale battery storage systems
Malta is taking a significant step forward in its clean energy transition, receiving 16 offers for the development of the country’s first large-scale utility battery energy storage systems (BESS). The initiative is part of a broader government strategy...
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Blanket subsidies on energy promote waste, Chamber of Commerce president says
Blanket subsidies on energy promote waste, newly-elected Chamber of Commerce president William Spiteri Bailey said. In an interview with this media house, Spiteri Bailey said such subsidies hide actual costs. He continued that the chamber calls for...
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‘Navigating market volatility by staying focused amid economic uncertainty’ – Jordan Portelli
“Market volatility can feel unsettling, especially in today’s fast-paced news environment. However, it's important to remember that fluctuations are a natural part of the investing journey. What truly matters is not the market’s short-term movements,...
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31.8m invested since 2017 to reduce homeownership costs and enhance housing quality
The Housing Authority has released the final report in a three-part series, offering a comprehensive analysis of its schemes. This publication is part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to provide up-to-date insights and ensure transparency in the...
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BOV announce profit before tax of €302.4m and gross dividend payout of €130.7m
Bank of Valletta achieved a record performance for financial year 2024, with profit before tax of €302.4 million, representing a growth of 20.2% when compared to FY2023. This was announced during a press conference hosted by BOV Chairperson Dr Gordon...
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Vjal Kulħadd: An opportunity for a national shift in mindset
Vjal Kulħadd is a bold initiative that will challenge the status quo by prioritising people over vehicles and a meaningful transformation of public space to enhance urban life in Malta. Many may be quick to dismiss Vjal Kulħadd as just another...
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PM announces €22 million investment by Lufthansa Technik Malta
Lufthansa Technik Malta will be investing €22 million in a new hangar for wide-body aircraft maintenance, adjacent to its facilities in Luqa, the government said Wednesday. This investment is also the result of the Government’s support through Malta...
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The return of Moneyval – not a Damocles sword
Media reports that a team from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will soon visit have made regulators optimistic about the progress achieved since the initial removal from the Grey List.
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MIA to invest €345 million in 5 years, terminal set to be expanded
Malta International Airport has unveiled an updated investment programme totalling €345 million, which it said will deliver significant operational, commercial and sustainability-related improvements between 2025 and 2029. Addressing a press...
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HSBC Malta posts record 2024 results, dividend to be highest in the last decade
In 2024, HSBC Malta said it achieved record financial results due to revenue growth, recoveries on expected credit losses and focused investments. As a result, the bank is proud to report a profit before tax of €154.5m. The bank's strong capital...
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Malta sees record-breaking 3.5m tourists in 2024, up 19.5% from 2023
Tourism in the Maltese Islands grew by 19.5% from 2023 to 2024, according to Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) CEO Carlo Micallef. He announced that Malta welcomed over 3.56 million visitors in 2024, marking an increase of more than 500,000 compared to the...
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HSBC Malta renews commitment to supporting Maltese businesses’ global expansion with TradeMalta agreement
HSBC Malta has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the international growth of Malta-based businesses by renewing its long-standing agreement with TradeMalta which is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. This renewed partnership further...
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Persistent employee shortages a major concern for businesses
Entrepreneurs have highlighted three main issues that, for them, are of major concern. Responding to questions as part of a survey carried out by the Chamber of SMEs in the last quarter of 2024, businesses said that late payments, persistent employee...
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Gen Z and the four-day workweek: Challenge or opportunity for Europe?
The working world seems to be undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by a shortage of talent and increasing global competition.
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Residential property market shows resilience in December 2024
Official figures released yesterday from the National Statistics Office indicate the residential property market in Malta continued to show robust activity in December 2024, with final deeds of sale rising compared to the same month in 2023. Promise of...
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TCNs entrance in Maltese labour market to be regulated by new policy
The government yesterday presented a labour migration policy which, in the words of the Prime Minister, is aimed to regulate how workers from outside the European Union could enter the Maltese labour market. Addressing the media, PM Robert Abela said...
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PwC Malta’s CEO Confidence Tracker reveals general lack of enthusiasm around 2025 budget measures
The latest PwC CEO Confidence Tracker which was carried out following the announcement of the 2025 Budget, captures the sentiment of Malta’s top business leaders in the last quarter of year and the reaction to the measures announced in the same Budget....
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Agreement on EU fishing quotas for 2025
Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, attended the final 2024 meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in Brussels. The meeting addressed several critical topics affecting...
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EU Commission says Malta’s Draft Budgetary Plans ‘not fully in line’ with Council recommendations
The European Commission said that Malta’s Draft Budgetary Plans are “not fully in line” with the Council Recommendation of 21 October 2024, as emergency energy support measures were not expected to be wound down before winter 2024-2025. The report,...
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Economic models and the EIB’s offices in Malta
Moody’s report outlines the importance for the Maltese government to retain the economic model, and adjust, where possible, the pressure on limited resources, be they on infrastructure including merit goods, as well as the island’s natural capital.
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50% of companies strengthening working conditions to retain employees
Rising vacancies and increased competition for talent have driven 50% of Maltese companies to step up their employee benefits to retain top talent, according to the 11th HR Developments Survey conducted by misco. The survey, launched this week by...
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Malta Development Bank’s Covid-19 scheme: Lessons learned
The Covid-19 pandemic is, thankfully, largely behind us. As those years recede from collective memory, we are now able to not only assess the successes of the Malta Development Bank’s Covid-19 Guarantee Scheme (CGS) but, more importantly, to reflect on...
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Donald Trump wins US presidency
Republican Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of...
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Staff shortages, unfair competition most pressing issues among Maltese businesses – SME Barometer for Q3 2024
The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on Wednesday published its SME Barometer for the third quarter of 2024, where staff shortages and unfair competition remain the most pressing issues small Maltese businesses are facing. The SME...
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Reduce the poverty trap
Rising global income inequality, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, has alarmingly increased poverty rates within nations, presenting significant challenges – particularly for often overlooked groups such as migrant workers and retirees. writes
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Labour Force Survey: Activity rate exceeds 80%, NSO says
The activity rate for the 15-64 age group increased from 74.1 per cent in 2018 to 80.7 per cent in 2023, with females playing an important role in labour market growth, the NSO said. The NSO presented a number of key indicators emerging from the...
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Inbound tourism, consumer confidence and geopolitics
With the latest inbound tourism published by NSO for August 2024, we can see that the number of inbound tourists for January to August 2024 where 21% higher than for the same period in 2023 and 29% higher than the same period in 2019. writes.
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Government to hold four events in October to highlight ‘renewal of economic model’
The government said it will be holding four major events in October to highlight what it describes as a “renewal of the economic model”. For the past months the government has been pushed by constituted bodies to work on changing the economic model,...
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1,391 households benefitted from set of schemes between 2017 and 2023 – Housing Authority
A report published by the Housing Authority on five schemes aimed at facilitating home ownership in Malta showed that 1,391 households were beneficiaries within a span of 5 years, with an expenditure of over €52 million. The Housing Authority said...
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Government is in a position to continue providing food and energy subsidies – Clyde Caruana
Malta’s strong economy, and a deficit which is slowly decreasing, gave government room to announce tax reductions without damaging fiscal policy in the upcoming Budget for 2025, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said in the presentation of the pre-Budget...
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HSBC undertaking ‘strategic review’ of its shareholding in Malta, will consider ‘range of options’
HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. has announced that HSBC Holdings plc on Tuesday evening informed its Board of Directors that it will undertake a strategic review of its indirect 70.03% shareholding in the Bank. The Bank said that it recognises the important...
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