20 FEBRUARY 2025  

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08:30-09:00

 REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE

Sponsored by Andaria

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09:00-09:05

 WELCOME ADDRESS

Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events 

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09:05-09:10

 CHAIRMEN OPENING ADDRESS

Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert
Rich Wagner, CEO at Zempler Bank

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09:10-09:40

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Cryptocurrency and Payments: Navigating the Evolving Landscape​

• Regulatory Frameworks in Europe: Exploring the varying regulatory approaches across European nations regarding cryptocurrency usage, focusing on compliance, taxation, and consumer protection

• Impact of CBDCs on Traditional Payments: Analysing how the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is reshaping existing payment systems, potentially improving efficiency and security in transactions

• Integration of Crypto Payments: Discussing the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment methods and the challenges and opportunities this poses for merchants and financial institutions in adapting to consumer preferences

Moderator: Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert

Julian Goffin, Co-founder and CEO at Alunafi

Justine Scerri Herrera, Partner at MK Fintech Partners Ltd

Giovanni Cunti, CEO at Gate.MT

Luis Teles, Head of Operations Department at BNF BANK

 

​09:40-10:05

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

AI’s Transformative Role in the Economy: Navigating the Future​​​

This visionary keynote session will highlight AI’s transformative impact on payments and RegTech, focusing on four key trends: digitisation, driving data-driven decisions; dematerialisation, reshaping user interfaces; demonetisation, cutting costs through automation; and democratisation, scaling innovation. Gege will explore the societal and ethical implications of AI, offering actionable insights for leveraging technology to lead in these evolving sectors.
Gege Gatt, CEO at EBO

 

10:05-10:35

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Successful Payment Strategies in 2025​​​

• Leading Fintech Innovations: We will examine successful case studies showcasing how fintech companies are pioneering payment innovations, such as instant cross-border payments and the integration of blockchain technology

• Regulatory Alignment: Identifing best practices for aligning payment strategies with evolving regulations, ensuring compliance while optimizing operational efficiency and customer experience

• Customer-Centric Approaches: Exploring strategies that prioritise user experience and security, including the adoption of biometric authentication and personalised payment solutions, to enhance customer trust and retention

• 2025 Updates on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Trends and Considerations
  The (BNPL) landscape is evolving with widespread adoption among consumers, increased regulatory scrutiny for better consumer protection, and strategic partnerships between businesses and BNPL providers to enhance customer experiences while promoting responsible lending practices

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Christian Reinheimer, Director Payments Product & Technology at LeoVegas Group

Theresia Mallia, Head of Payment Product at Kindred Group

Axel Contreras, Payments Operations Manager at NIUM

Bob Reid, CEO and Co-Founder at Everest

Andrew Christodoulou, Financial Services Expert and Business Development Manager at Worldline

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10:35-11:00

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A​​

Commercial Perspectives of our Regulatory Landscape; A CEO’s Perspective of Opportunities for the UK and Impacts for European Banks

• What are the key regulatory activities for banks and payment institutions in UK to focus on in 2025

• How can the industry (and CEOs) shape the National Payment Vision for the UK and the rest of Europe

• What should CEOs and Senior Executives prioritise now and influence for the future of payments and banking

Rich Wagner, CEO at Zempler Bank

 

11:00-11:30

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK  + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Sponsored by Finance Malta

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11:30-12:00

 PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Driving  Innovation in Cross-Border Payments: Enhancing Efficiency, Security, and Compliance​​​​

• Exploring new technologies and partnerships that streamline cross-border payment processes while maintaining security and compliance, fostering a more efficient global payment infrastructure

• Emergence of Blockchain Solutions: Leveraging blockchain technology to facilitate faster, more secure cross-border transactions while reducing costs associated with intermediaries

• Collaboration with Fintech Startups: Forming strategic partnerships with innovative fintech companies to develop agile payment solutions that can swiftly adapt to regulatory changes and consumer demands

• Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Utilising AI-driven analytics to improve fraud detection, streamline compliance processes, and enhance the overall security of cross-border payment systems

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Monica Orlandi,  Senior Commercial Manager at Swift​

Vince Vella, CTO at Computime FinTech and ComplyRadar

Simon Vella, Managing Director at Bamboo Payment Europe

Rolands Grancovskis, Head of Payments at The Lotter Group

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12:00-12:30

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

MICA is Here - Behind the Scenes and Beyond! An EU and Local Perspective​​

Justine Scerri Herrera, Partner at MK Fintech Partners Ltd

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12:30-13:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

 Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape​​

• Exploring the key regulatory challenges and opportunities that lie ahead

• Developing frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI and ML

• Developing a coherent framework for regulating emerging digital assets

Moderator: Damian Mifsud, Fintech / Regtech Entrepreneur

​Vlad Karols, Chief Compliance Officer at ZBX Crypto Exchange

Jürg Baltensperger, Managing Director at JayBee Ltd

Annalise Vassallo Seguna, Managing Legal Officer at MDIA

Wayne Pisani, Parner at Grant Thornton

 

13:00-14:00

 NETWORKING LUNCH​

Sponsored by Complyradar

 

14:00-14:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

 Open Finance and Beyond​

• Scaling up for a new era of open innovation

• Exploring the new business model opportunities in open finance

• Panelists discuss embedded payments and Open Finance trends, focusing on compliance, consumer experience, and the opportunities for fintech partnerships in Malta and beyond​

Moderator: Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert

Gerasimos Papaleventis, First Vice President Treasury - Head of Control and Monitoring at FIMBank plc

Keith Cortis, AI Lead, KPMG Islands Group
Ian Gauci, Managing Partner at GTG

Ivan Zammit, Chief Operations Officer at MFSA

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14:30-15:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Evolving Threats and Innovations in Financial Crime 

• Exploring how AI and machine learning are transforming fraud detection and prevention

• A look at the latest emerging threats in financial crime such as Cybercrime, Ransomware, and Digital Fraud

• Discussion on the Cross-Border Collaboration and Regulatory Harmonisation in fighting financial crime, including the role of international frameworks, data-sharing agreements, and technology-driven compliance solutions to combat global money laundering and fraud

• ​AI Adoption in FinCrime prevention: Top challenges and real-life use cases

Moderator: Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert

​Catalin Romeo Barbu, VP Compliance & MLRO, Europe at Shift4
Annabel Pisani, Head of Risk at MoneyBase Ltd
Ryan Caruana, Group Chief Anti-Financial Crime Officer at Bank of Valletta

Maja Andreevska-Blazhevska, Head of Financial Crime Compliance & MLRO at Finance Incorporated Limited

Tim Khamzin, CEO at Vivox.AI

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15:00-15:30

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Sponsored by VIVOX

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15:30-16:00

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

From Vision to Execution: A Leadership Playbook​

• Transforming a crystal-clear vision into actionable results. This talk explores how a purpose-driven vision and clarity on brand values can act as a guiding force to align teams, foster a shared sense of direction, and build a strategic roadmap

• Discover how to drive momentum and ensure big ideas translate into impactful outcomes with precision and purpose

Peter-Jan Grech, Founder and CEO at BRND WGN

 

16:00-16:30

Reimagining Embedded Finance​

• Transforming Consumer Interactions: Embedded finance is enhancing customer journeys by integrating financial services into everyday platforms for improved convenience and personalisation

• Driving Innovation through Technology: The latest advancements in AI, blockchain, and APIs are being leveraged to create innovative financial solutions across various sectors

• Navigating Regulatory and Security Landscapes: Businesses face evolving regulatory and security challenges when embedding financial services, requiring effective compliance and risk management strategies

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Sam Boboev, Product Manager at TPF | The Payments Factory

Adrian Mizzi, Co-founder and CTO at Weavr

Kurt Azzopardi, CTO at Andaria

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16:30-16:50

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A 

Risk - DORA and Outsourcing in Fintech - The Challenges of Scaling Up To a Global Fintech Operation​

• Impact of DORA on Scaling Fintech Operations: DORA provides a framework for operational resilience, ensuring compliance and customer trust as fintechs expand globally

• Managing Operational Risks: A centralised approach to risk management, driven by DORA principles, is essential for navigating the complexities of diverse regulatory landscapes

• Building a Resilient Framework: Developing a flexible operational strategy and strong partnerships with third-party providers is crucial for maintaining resilience during global expansion

Fiorentina D'Amore, Managing Director Malta, UAE at Bitpanda​

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16:50-17:20

Navigating Malta's Business Landscape: Future Opportunities and Emerging Challenges​

This panel aims to explore:

• Malta’s Position as a Global Financial Hub

• The expected potential of the financial sector in Malta’s growth

• Challenges and opportunities

• Looking ahead

Moderator: Fani Pedoulou, Head of Sales at TFI Markets 
Kristian Camenzuli, CFA, Managing Director at Dominion Fiduciary Services Malta Ltd
Ramon Bondin, Chief Executive Officer at Dolfin Asset Services Limited

Albert Cilia, Managing Director - Malta at Trident Trust

Geoffrey Fichte, CEO at HSBC Malta

 

17:20-17:30

CHAIRMEN CLOSING COMMENTS

Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert

Rich Wagner, CEO at Zempler Bank

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17:30-19:00

NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION

A closing networking reception to foster connections among attendees featuring local drinks & snacks

Sponsored by Infocredit Group

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19:30-22:30

MK FINTECH PARTNERS LTD - NETWORKING PARTY

Join us for an evening of drinks, canapés, and live music at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Don’t miss the chance to connect and unwind with fellow industry professionals!

Sponsored by MK FINTECH PARTNERS LTD

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