M26105: The Future of Finance Leadership – Driving Strategy, Resilience and Value
Registration Time: 13:15 – 14:00
Session Time: 14:00 – 18:00
Venue: Trident Park, Mriehel
Participation Fees
MIA Members: €85.00
Non-MIA Members: €115.00
Retired Members: €60.00
Students: €45.00
*Group bookings for 3 or more participants available.
The role of the finance leader is evolving faster than ever. Join us for The Future of Finance Leadership, a half day conference bringing together industry experts and business leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession.
Topics will include:
✅Smarter Risk, Better Decisions: Putting AI and Integrated Thinking to Work
✅Sustainability and Resilience in Business
✅Priorities with Purpose: Tackling Today’s Business Challenges
✅Ethical Dilemmas, the CFO Role & Board Expectations
This is a must-attend event for finance professionals looking to stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
Agenda
13:15 – 14:00: Registration
14:00 – 14:15: Welcome & Opening Remarks
14:15 – 15:00: AI in the Finance Function: From Hype to Better Decisions
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to practical application within finance functions. As organisations explore how AI can support forecasting, reporting, risk monitoring and decision-making, finance leaders are required to balance innovation with appropriate governance, accountability and professional judgement.
15:00 – 15:40: Beyond Compliance: Sustainability as a Driver of Resilience and Value
Sustainability is shaping business decisions, investment priorities and stakeholder expectations. Organisations, however, are viewing sustainability through a broader strategic lens, considering its implications for resilience, competitiveness, access to finance, operational performance and long-term value creation in a changing business environment.
15:40 – 16:05: Networking Coffee Break
16:05 – 16:20: Motivational Session
16:20 – 17:05: The CFO’s Risk Radar: Cyber, Regulation, Geopolitics and Business Continuity
Businesses today face a complex risk landscape shaped by cybersecurity threats, regulatory developments, geopolitical uncertainty, talent constraints and operational disruptions. In this context, finance leaders play a critical role in strengthening resilience, supporting business continuity and helping organisations navigate change while maintaining sustainable performance.
17:05 – 17:50: The CFO in the Boardroom: Ethics, Challenges and Strategic Influence
The role of the CFO continues to evolve beyond financial stewardship, requiring a balance between commercial objectives, ethical responsibilities and strategic influence. As expectations from boards, regulators, investors and other stakeholders continue to grow, CFOs are expected to provide independent challenge, sound judgement and leadership in navigating complex business decisions.
17:50 – 18:00: Closing Remarks
Event CPE Competencies
1.5 Core
2 Professional
Speakers
Maria Cauchi Delia, CEO, MIA
Maria Cauchi Delia is Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Institute of Accountants, where she leads the Institute in achieving its strategic objectives and represents the profession in engagements with key stakeholders at national and international level. She also contributes to discussions with national and international institutions on matters concerning the accountancy profession and the wider financial sector.
A Certified Public Accountant, Maria has extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, having worked with various institutions in Malta and abroad. She holds a degree from the University of Malta and is a Fellow Member of the Malta Institute of Accountants.
Jonathan Dingli, President, MIA
Jonathan Dingli is President of the Malta Institute of Accountants and a Partner within the Advisory function at KPMG Malta, where he co-leads the Corporate Accounting Advisory Services team and leads the KPMG Learning Academy and ESG Reporting service line. With over 20 years of experience in the accountancy profession, he specialises in IFRS and advises local and international clients on financial reporting matters.
Jonathan previously served as the MIA’s first Technical Officer and later its first Technical Director, before rejoining KPMG in 2012 to establish its Accounting Advisory Team. He holds a PhD and has over 15 years of lecturing experience, including teaching advanced financial reporting to Master in Accountancy students at the University of Malta. He also supports clients with CSRD and ESRS requirements and serves as an elected member of the MIA Council and its Officers team.
Charles Xuereb, PAIB Group Chairperson, CEO, Trident Estates lc
Charles Xuereb is CEO of Trident Estates plc, a position he has held since 2017. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining Simonds Farsons Cisk plc in 1995, where he served as Group CFO from 2005 to 2017.
Charles is Chairperson of the MIA PAIB Group and a member of IFAC’s PAIB Advisory Group. He has served as President of the Malta Association of Credit Management since 2013, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management and sits on the Board of Administrators of the Central Business District Foundation. He holds a B.A. (Hons) in Accountancy and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Christopher Azzopardi, Director, KPMG
Chris is a Director at KPMG Malta, where he is responsible for IT Assurance services and serves as IT Audit Quality Leader for the KPMG Islands Group. He leads a specialised team of IT auditors focused primarily on financial audit support and is an authorised principal for IT-focused assurance engagements.
Chris also contributes to the profession as a member of Accountancy Europe’s Audit and Technology Task Force and participates in the Malta Institute of Accountants’ Digitalisation and Crypto Assets groups.
Michele Hili, Finance Solutions Team Lead, SCOPE
Mick is an ACCA-qualified accountant and Team Lead within the Finance Solutions team at Scope Solutions. After several years at a Big Four practice, he combined his interests in finance and technology to help accountants make better use of cloud accounting solutions.
In his current role, Mick focuses on demonstrating how technology can transform bookkeeping from a compliance requirement into a valuable tool for everyday decision-making. Outside of work, he enjoys tennis and follows Juventus and Ferrari.
Olivier Bernard, CO-CEO Medserv
Olivier Bernard is Co-Chief Executive Officer of MedservRegis plc, a Malta-listed international energy services group. With over 30 years of experience across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, he has held senior leadership roles across strategy, finance, operations, IT and corporate governance.
His expertise focuses on business transformation, growth and international expansion.
Jake Azzopardi, Digital Group Member Senior Manager, PWC
Jake Azzopardi is a Senior Manager at PwC Malta, where he leads the firm’s Data & AI and Digital Strategy & Transformation practices. He works with organisations across the private and public sectors to leverage data, AI, automation and cloud technologies to drive business transformation, improve decision-making and create measurable value.
His work focuses on building strong digital and data foundations that enable the responsible adoption of AI, while ensuring innovation is supported by effective governance, trust and sustainable business outcomes.
Conrad Aqulina, Director of Financial Services, EBO
Conrad Aquilina is Financial Services Director at EBO, an AI-powered customer engagement platform serving banks, fintechs and FX and trading firms. With a background in enterprise technology consulting and international digital transformation, he supports financial institutions in moving AI from ambition to practical adoption.
Nick Spiteri Paris, CEO Bigbon Group
Nick Spiteri Paris is CEO of Bigbon Group, with over two decades of experience in fashion retail. His leadership approach combines commercial ambition with investment in people, technology and customer experience.
He focuses on clear direction, shared responsibility and continuous learning, connecting business strategy with everyday action to support sustainable growth and build a stronger business for the future.
Norbert Vella, Banking Group Chairperson, Partner PWC
Norbert is a Partner and Sustainability Leader at PwC Malta, with 19 years of experience in the financial sector. His expertise spans audit, consulting and financial services regulation, with a particular focus on the banking and fintech sectors.
He also leads PwC Malta’s Banking and Fintech Advisory practice, supporting clients across the evolving financial services landscape.
Antoine Fenech, Partner, Deloitte
A senior Deloitte leader with over 13 years of experience across strategy, transactions, assurance and complex accounting advisory. As Country Leader for Strategy & Transactions in Malta, they advise clients on M&A, valuations, restructuring, business transformation and sustainability-driven value creation.
Their experience spans audit, financial services and IFRS advisory, supporting boards, CFOs and investors through IPOs, acquisitions, divestments and finance function transformations.
Karl Bartolo, Co-CEO Medserv
Karl Bartolo is a dynamic leader with experience in designing and implementing strategic change, with a proven ability to contribute at senior management and board level. His expertise combines strategic thinking, financial knowledge and strong analytical capabilities, with a focus on continuous business process improvement.
He has a strong track record in driving cost control and supporting revenue growth.
Marcel Cassar, CEO, APS Bank plc
Marcel Cassar has served as CEO of APS Bank plc since 2016, with a career spanning accounting, financial regulation, banking and management since 1987. He has held several senior leadership positions, including Chair of the Malta Bankers’ Association and board member of the European Banking Federation.
A CPA and Fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants, Marcel holds an MBA in Bank Financial Management and has contributed extensively to banking policy, regulation and management through lecturing, examining and other professional activities.
Justine Baldacchino, Head of Sustainability & Analytics, Malta International Airport
Justine Baldacchino is Head of Sustainability & Analytics at Malta International Airport, where she leads the airport’s sustainability strategy and data analytics function.
Her work focuses on integrating sustainability into business decision-making, advancing decarbonisation initiatives and strengthening ESG reporting, while leveraging data-driven insights to support strategic planning and operational performance.
William Spiteri Bailey, President Malta Chamber
William Spiteri Bailey is a Certified Public Accountant and registered auditor, serving as an independent Non-Executive Chairman and Director, as well as a consultant to boards, practices and family businesses. A retired partner of a Big 8 firm, he currently serves as President of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and is a past President of the Malta Institute of Accountants.
He brings extensive experience across a wide range of industries, with particular expertise in auditing, business development and leading boards, committees and strategic meetings.
Stephen Muscat, CFO & Company Secretary Liquigas
Stephen L Muscat is CFO and Company Secretary of Liquigas Malta Limited, a company operating within Malta’s energy sector, which he joined in 2009.
He is also a member of the MIA PAIB Committee and serves as a Council Member of the Malta Employers’ Association.
Silvan Mifsud, Director, Advisory Services, EMCS Advisory
Silvan Mifsud is Director for Advisory Services at EMCS, specialising in supporting family businesses across strategy, corporate governance, succession planning, organisational structure, operational processes and financial performance. His experience spans telecommunications, financial services and manufacturing, where he has held various managerial and directorship roles.
Silvan holds a degree in Banking & Finance from the University of Malta and an MBA from the University of Reading. He is Chairperson of the Family Business Committee and Vice President of The Malta Chamber, and also delivers training across leadership, communication, teamwork and management.
Ramon Cutajar, Digitalisation Group Member, CARL Partner, Forviz Mazars
Ramon Cutajar is a Partner within the advisory division of his firm, where he leads engagements focused on IT systems and security reviews, cybersecurity assessments and ICT Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC). He combines financial expertise with technical insight across IT audit and cyber risk management.
His cross-functional experience enables him to bridge the gap between technical teams and executive leadership, helping organisations strengthen cyber resilience and meet evolving regulatory expectations.
Nick Xuereb, Director & Group CFO, Toly Group
Nick Xuereb is a seasoned finance professional with over three decades of experience across professional services, manufacturing, aviation and regulatory sectors. He began his career with PwC before moving into industry, holding senior roles including Finance Director at Trelleborg, Chairman of the Malta Gaming Authority and CFO of Air Malta.
Nick is currently Director and Group CFO of Toly Group, a global supplier to the beauty and cosmetics industry. He also served on the Council of The Malta Chamber from 2015 to 2025, including as Deputy President between 2023 and 2025.
Mirko Rapa, Tax Partner, PWC
Mirko is a Tax Partner and Risk Management Partner at PwC Malta, with 24 years of experience providing tax advice to a diverse portfolio of clients. His expertise spans companies operating across various sectors, as well as individuals taking up residence in Malta.
He has also contributed to a number of national initiatives relating to Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism (PMLFT) matters.
Silvano Azzopardi, CFO, Hudson Group
Silvano Azzopardi joined Hudson Holdings as CFO in 2025, following more than 20 years in Asia, where he served as a Board Member and led finance and legal operations for a US-listed company across the region.
At Hudson, he leads finance and treasury operations across multiple markets, bringing extensive international experience in finance, M&A, compliance and business expansion.
Anthony Diacono, Co-CEO Medserv
Anthony Diacono is a Maltese business leader and experienced board director with more than four decades of experience across the private and public sectors. He has held senior leadership and board positions across energy, logistics, manufacturing, financial services and banking, both in Malta and overseas. He previously led the Malta Development Corporation and Malta Export Trade Corporation and is a former President of the Malta Federation of Industry.
Anthony currently serves in Chair, Vice-Chair and Non-Executive Director roles across several boards, including MedservRegis plc, Tauss Holdings Ltd, Mizzi Organisation and Borgo Finance plc. His expertise spans corporate governance, strategic leadership and long-term value creation.
David Curmi, Chairman, KM Malta Airlines
David is a financial services professional and corporate executive with more than four decades of senior leadership experience. He currently serves as Chairman of KM Malta Airlines Ltd. and previously served as Chairman of Air Malta plc.
A former President of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, David has also served as a Director of publicly listed entities. He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of the United Kingdom and a Chartered Insurer.
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