2:30 - 3:15 pm | The hybrid office: productivity, social dynamics and way forward

The pandemic forced many organisations to adopt a decentralised working model setting up remote teams. How has this affected productivity and what are the organizational and mental challenges faced by employees who are suddenly isolated from their peers? Is remote working a sustainable model in the long term?

Speakers:

Kjersti Arntsen, Director People & Culture, Grant Thornton International

Gerd Bergh, Head of Employee Experience, Betsson Group

Finian Massa, ICT Solutions

Dr Joyce Cassar, Permanent Secretary, People and Standards (OPM)

3:30 - 4:15 pm | Embracing the digital revolution

While Covid-19 has projected the world toward an accelerated digitalization, new generations might have seen this coming. How do university students think this emphasis on technology may affect their careers and does this mean the end of "traditional" jobs?

Speakers:

Dr Claudia Borg, Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Malta

Dana Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer, Tech.mt

Hesus Inoma, Head of Digital, Data Solutions & Fintech Practice, Grant Thornton Ireland

Francesca Mizzi, IT student, University of Malta & Marketing Officer, ICTSA

4:30 - 5:15 pm | Governance strategies to drive business sustainability

Government incentives to increase digitisation for companies can pave the way towards corporate sustainability, however, organisations must be ready to adopt digital governance strategies. What are the key implications from a managerial perspective?

Speakers:

Dr Clinton Bellizzi, Council of Notaries

Liana DeBattista, Head of Strategy & Propositions, APS Bank

David Xuereb, Chairperson Occupational Health and Safety Authority

2:30 - 3:15 pm | The evolution of corporate finance and digital economy

We will discuss how blockchain transforming corporate finance and the financial services industry as well as its impact on capital markets by gradually replacing stock agents and changing the way stocks are traded.

Speakers:

Dr Jessica Borg, Senior Manager, Regulatory, Corporate & Financial Services, Grant Thornton Malta

Christoph Surgowt, CEO, VAIOT 

Dr Gege Gatt, Chief Executive Officer, EBO.AI

Luciano Brincat, MFSA

3:30 - 4:15 pm | Malta and the great reset: sectors and skills that will drive growth

The “Great Reset” will see the alignment of the economy with the most pressing social issues. How can Malta capitalize on this monumental change and make sure that its workforce will be equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in this brave new world?

Speakers:

Gordon Cordina, Chairman, BOV

David Curmi, Executive Chairman, Air Malta

Geoffrey Debono, CEO, Debono Group

Christos Barberis, Managing Director, Camilleri Holdings Ltd.

4:30 - 5:15 pm | Financing during and post Covid-19

A look inside the traditional forms of finance used during the pandemic. What mitigations are credit institutions using to safeguard against another financial crisis and what measures are being implemented to ensure that FDI is fully reignited? We will also delve into the impact that the pandemic had on capital markets. 

Speakers:

Nick Xuereb, Vice President, Malta Chamber of Commerce

George Vella, Head of Advisory, Grant Thornton Malta

Simon Zammit, CEO, Borza ta' Malta

Rene Saliba, Chief Executive Officer, Malta Development Bank

2:30 - 3:15 pm | Championing risk management through sustainability

Internal risk management and control functions help to strengthen governance frameworks, but how can organizations ensure their compliance with the latest regulations and legislation requirements? We will discuss the role of the risk management specialist in identifying and mitigating internal risks.

Speakers:

Ruth Esposito, Manager, Compliance and risk, Grant Thornton Malta

Giovanni Bartolotta, Chief Risk Officer, APS Bank

Brian Zahra, Lecturer, Criminology Department, University of Malta

Dr Jonathan Spiteri, Insurance lecturer, University of Malta

3:30 - 4:15 pm | Malta's way forward: sustainable recovery, development and growth

What measures are private organisations putting in place in order to safeguard the environment? How is the public sector ensuring that its policies are up to date with the latest environmental regulations? How is Malta aligning its Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals? 

Speakers:

Gabriella Cassola, Deputy Director, 3CL Foundation

Paul Vermaak, Founding Director, EarthPLAN

Darren Borg, Rebels with a cause, Co-Founder

Karl Azzopardi, CEO, Building Construction Agency

4:30 - 5:15 pm | Enabling a culture shift: Covid, FATF and an alternative outlook to GDP and beyond

Grant Thornton Malta Managing Partner Mark Bugeja will deliver a wrap-up session, discussing the road ahead for Malta and its financial institutions.

Speakers:

Dr Marie Briguglio, Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy, University of Malta

Mario Galea, Chairman Identity Malta & National Foreign Investment Screening Office

Dr Wayne Pisani, Partner, Head of Regulatory and Compliance, Corporate and Financial Services, Grant Thornton Malta

Alfred Camilleri, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Finance and Employment