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Big data analytics refers to the possibility of gathering and analysing a substantial amount of data through advanced Business Intelligence (BI) software systems.

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is ageing more rapidly than any in history and Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR) reveals that business leaders in the region view ageing as the most significant threat to their businesses over the next five years. It will reduce the supply of labour, increase wages, and potentially reduce competitiveness. But it isn’t all bad news. Health and medical technology (medtech) businesses are leading the way in identifying rich opportunities in this disruption.

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has published the much anticipated final version of the VFA Rules for Service Providers (the “Rules”), Chapter 3 of the VFA Rulebook. These Rules outline high-level principles aimed at guiding VFA Service Providers when offering their services.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies who own and manage various types of properties. These companies earn regular income through the rental of these properties which is then distributed to shareholders in the form of regular dividends. The companies also offer investors the potential to gain from the long-term appreciation of properties within the company’s portfolio.

2018 was an exceptionally good year for Malta’s tourism industry as the number of inbound tourists reached a record 2.6 million, reflecting an increase of 14.3% over the previous year.

Malta’s GDP went up by 7.5 per cent or €281 million in the third quarter of 2018, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). Furthermore, according to the European Commission Winter 2019 Economic Forecast, it is estimated that Malta’s economy will grow by 5.2% growth in 2019 and 6.4% in 2020, making Malta the fastest growing economy in the EU zone, followed by Ireland.

On 25 January the Malta Financial Services Authority issued an update on the Virtual Financial Assets Framework to update the public on the progress of the implementation of the regulatory framework.

The Malta Financial Services Authority has recently launched a consultation paper highlighting its vision for the coming years. Labelled as MFSA's Vision 2021 it outlines the authority’s aim to strengthen its processes and paving the way for the future of the financial services industry. Concurrently, the MFSA also launched a consultation document on the MFSA's FinTech strategy, proposing the introduction of a regulatory sandbox and innovation hub.

Even if many believe the world is getting harder to predict, that hasn’t stopped international publications from trying to forecast the year ahead. Here we round up some of the predictions making headlines around the world

How manage the hidden complexities of indirect taxation? It’s not just the immediate demands of VAT/GST that are complex and challenging, but the extent to which it forms part of wider shifts in how businesses are taxed.

Grant Thornton were appointed as corporate advisors to assist with raising finance on Prospects MTF

Progress in finance has facilitated the exchange of value to an automated process, but behind the scenes it has been a centuries’ long process to get where we are today.

The IASB decided to replace IAS 39 in response to strong criticisms of that Standard in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2007/8. IFRS 9 fundamentally rewrites the accounting rules for financial instruments, particularly since it introduces a new approach for financial asset classification; a more forward-looking expected loss model; and major new requirements on hedge accounting.

Only around half of businesses have a clear strategy and business case for enhanced digital transformation within the finance function. Is your organisation ready to make better business decisions?

Many predict that DLT is reinventing and transforming key industries and creating new business models, making every transaction transparent, democratic, decentralized, efficient and secure. The belief in blockchain’s potential is so widespread that financial and tech entities have invested an estimate of $1.4 billion in 2016, which is expected to go up to $2.1 billion in 2018.

Business First is a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and SMEs, though which one can obtain from business related services related to VAT, employment and licenses matters, amongst others..