About the Department

The MFSA was established in 2002 by the Malta Financial Services Authority Act – Chapter 330 of the Laws of Malta. The Authority is the single regulator for the financial services sector in Malta, including credit and financial institutions, securities and investment service companies, recognised investment exchanges, insurance companies and intermediaries, pension schemes, company service providers, trustees and crypto-assets. The MFSA is also responsible for the regulation and oversight of the capital markets in Malta. The Authority’s main functions include the protection of consumers, integrity of financial markets, financial stability and the supervision of all financial services activities. The MFSA also holds an advisory role to Government in the formulation of policies on matters relating to the financial services industry. In the carrying out of its functions, the MFSA collaborates closely with local and international institutions.

About the Role

The MFSA is seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual to join its Executive Leadership Team as Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Enforcement, Resolution and Financial Stability). The primary responsibility of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, as established at law, is to assist the Chief Executive Officer in the performance of his duties and responsibilities. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer will therefore report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Authority from an enforcement, resolution and financial stability perspective.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the successful candidate will oversee complex regulatory interventions, resolution planning, crisis preparedness and financial stability initiatives, drive organisational priorities and represent the Authority at the highest levels locally and internationally.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued stability, integrity and international reputation of Malta's financial services sector while leading a multidisciplinary team through an evolving regulatory landscape.

The Deputy CEO (Enforcement, Resolution and Financial Stability) will have executive responsibility for the Authority's Enforcement, Resolution and Financial Stability Directorate which will be composed of Units responsible for:

Enforcement - investigates potential breaches of financial services laws, unlicensed activities, and financial fraud. It may recommend enforcement action to the Enforcement Decisions Committee, including administrative penalties and other measures. It also issues warnings, guidelines, and enforcement notices to protect investors, promote awareness and ensure compliance across entities supervised by the MFSA.
Resolution and Crisis Management – manages resolution-planning activities for credit institutions and investment firms. The Unit shapes Resolution Framework policies and legislation, with future oversight extending to insurance and central counterparties. It advises the MFSA’s Resolution Committee.
Compensation Schemes – the Unit serves as the secretariat to the Depositor Compensation Scheme, Investor Compensation Scheme and Protection and Compensation Fund, supporting their respective Management Committees in overseeing depositor, investor and policyholder protection arrangements in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.
Financial Stability - identifies and mitigates systemic risks to ensure the resilience of the financial sector and broader economy, leading quantitative analysis, supporting supervisory and resolution functions with macro perspectives and impact assessments.

The description of the directorate and units falling within the remit of the Deputy CEO (Enforcement, Resolution and Financial Stability) is intended to provide an indication of the scope of responsibilities associated with this vacancy. The organisational remit and reporting structures may be amended from time to time at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer following consultation with the Board of Governors.

The Deputy CEO (Enforcement, Resolution and Financial Stability) shall be an ex officio member of the Executive Committee, Resolution Committee and Enforcement Decisions Committee, and shall actively participate therein.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy CEO (Enforcement, Resolution and Financial Stability) will be responsible for:

Strategic Leadership:

Assist and support the Chief Executive Officer in the development and execution of the MFSA’s strategic objectives and priorities.
Ensure that the objectives of the directorate falling under his/her responsibility are aligned with the overall mission and strategic direction of the MFSA.
Provide strategic direction to his/her directorate, ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the directorate’s overall functions and responsibilities.
Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of directorate workplans, clearly communicating objectives and desired outcomes.

Operational Management:

Lead, mentor and provide direction to the Chief Officer and Heads falling under his/her responsibility, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Work collaboratively with officials within his/her directorate to oversee day-to-day operations as needed, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of objectives.
Oversee the directorate’s processes, systems, procedures, resources, budgets, and all other operational matters required for efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure coordination and collaboration across the directorate and units falling within his/her remit, as well as with other directorates across the Authority to effectively achieve shared goals and organisational priorities.
Liaise closely with the other Deputy Chief Executive Officers to foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
Lead and participate in directorate, unit and team meetings, as necessary, to ensure effective communication which supports the effective delivery of the Authority's strategic and operational objectives.
Conduct performance appraisals and hold regular one-to-one meetings with the Chief Officer falling under his/her responsibility, providing constructive feedback and support to enhance performance and leadership capability. Regular one-to-one meetings should also be held with key personnel within his/her directorate.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Take a proactive approach towards building strong professional relationships, with a broad range of stakeholders, including regulated entities, representative bodies, consumers, the Government, European Union and other domestic and international authorities.
Represent the MFSA at local and international meetings, fora, working groups, workshops, conferences and other engagements related to his/her remit as may be necessary or as requested by the Chief Executive Officer.
Communicate regulatory policies, enforcement priorities, decisions, and initiatives effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
Undertake frequent travel, as required, in connection with the performance of his/her duties.

Governance and Compliance:

Ensure that the directorate falling under his/her remit carries out its functions and responsibilities effectively and efficiently in accordance with the direction and vision set by the Chief Executive Officer. Goals, objectives and milestones should be clearly communicated and delivered.
Coordinate the activities of his/her directorate and units falling within his/her remit to ensure a unified and coordinated approach in fulfilling the MFSA’s statutory obligations and responsibilities.
Ensure that directorate-wide responsibilities are conducted effectively, consistent with MFSA’s strategic objectives, applicable legal and regulatory frameworks, and the Authority’s risk appetite, whilst promoting collaboration across the organisation.
Promote and uphold the highest standards of governance, integrity and ethical conduct across the directorate for which he/she is responsible.
Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to the financial sector and the directorate’s operations and remit.
Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times and that data is handled in accordance with the applicable legal, regulatory and internal frameworks.

Other duties:

Provide assistance and support to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Governors as necessary.
Represent the MFSA in legal proceedings, be they judicial or otherwise, and in front of tribunals, boards, committees or other bodies that have the power to summon witnesses or otherwise oversee the activities of the MFSA.
Contribute to and provide input on studies, consultations, policy initiatives and other work undertaken by European Union institutions, supranational standard setters and international organisations.
Keep abreast of developments in financial services regulation, enforcement and related areas.
Provide training and participate in conferences and workshops organised by the Authority and external stakeholders.
Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chief Executive Officer, as may be required from time to time in accordance with the operational and strategic needs of the Authority.

About you

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications, experience and skills:

Qualification at MQF Level 6 or an equivalent qualification in: Law, Accountancy, Banking, Finance, Financial Services, Insurance, Economics, Business Administration, Criminology or in a relevant field.
A minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience in enforcement or regulatory compliance preferably in the financial services sector or related fields, resolution planning, and/or financial stability oversight. A minimum of 7 years’ experience will be considered where an applicant is in possession of a pertinent degree at MQF Level 7 or an equivalent qualification in the aforesaid or in another relevant field.
A track record of successful leadership with evidence of strategic planning and decision-making, as well as organisational/operational management.
Experience in both national and European financial services laws, regulations, Directives, and up to date knowledge of latest developments in such fields and international standards.
Evidence of leading significant, organisation-wide change projects and initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and public representation.
Additional certifications in finance, regulatory compliance and/or leadership will be considered favourably.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong understanding of the financial sector and markets, regulatory frameworks, and risk management principles.
Ability to identify opportunities, assess risks and exercise sound judgement in relation to regulation, policy, and organisational issues.
Ability to create and drive a culture of cohesion and teamwork across the organisation.
A hands-on approach and ability to work long hours.
People oriented and results driven.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Superior leadership and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both Maltese and English.
Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience under pressure.
Strong reasoning ability, integrity, and high ethical standards.
An individual of good moral character.

Only eligible applicants will be considered and given the opportunity to attend for a first interview. Successful candidates will be shortlisted and will be called for a second interview.

The selected candidate will be required to undergo relevant tests, background checks, and security screening prior to being offered the position in view of the sensitive nature of this role. Such checks may be conducted on an ongoing basis thereafter.

The Authority reserves the right to obtain references on the applicant from independent sources.

Deadline: 4 October 2026

Other Important Information

The MFSA is an Equal Opportunities Employer as certified by the NCPE (National Commission for the Protection of Equality) and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will take care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures. The MFSA reserves the right to withdraw this call at any time and not to select any of the Candidates.

It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Applicants should do so preferably at application stage or otherwise at the preliminary interview should an applicant be selected for such interview. Details can be obtained by accessing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education website on www.ncfhe.gov.mt under MQRIC heading.

The MFSA shall ensure that any processing of personal data is in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta) and any other relevant European Union and national law. For further details, you may refer to the Data Protection Policy on the MFSA webpage www.mfsa.mt. Candidates are to note that the submission of any false statement/s or omission, even if unintended, may lead to the cancellation of their application and may render the candidate's appointment liable to termination.

Furthermore, please note that candidates may be asked to submit any documentation in support of the information provided, including but not limited to, proof of qualifications and Police Conduct Certificates.

Public Call Permit: 789/2024

Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Enforcement, Resolution and Financial Stability

Job Description