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 (Strategy, Policy and Legal). 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 by ensuring that the MFSA continues to shape and influence an evolving domestic and international regulatory landscape.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the successful candidate will shape the Authority's strategic direction, influence regulatory policy, oversee complex legal cases, and foster collaboration with national, European and international stakeholders. The successful candidate will promote a culture of regulatory excellence and represent the MFSA at the highest levels locally and internationally.

The role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future development of Malta's financial services regulatory framework while supporting the Authority's long-term strategic objectives.

The Deputy CEO (Strategy, Policy and Legal) will have executive responsibility for the Directorates responsible for:

Legal and International Affairs
Strategy, Policy and Market Development

The Legal and International Affairs Directorate will be composed of Units responsible for:

Legal Affairs - provide legal advice across the organisation, draft and/or vet legislation and legal documents involving the Authority, attend to any MFSA-related litigation matters, including the preparation and filing of judicial acts, any legal or judicial submissions, as well as any other work necessary in preparation for court or tribunal sittings. The Unit also coordinates and oversees the legislative process falling under the administration of the MFSA, including amendments or new laws required to transpose EU Directives or implement EU Regulations.
EU and International Affairs - coordinate relations with international organisations and memoranda of understanding with foreign regulators, as well as handling exchange of information requests. The Unit also coordinates the provision of advice to the Government on the formulation of financial services policy, mainly relating to proposals issued by the European Commission.

The Authority’s Data Protection Office will also be housed within this directorate.

The Strategy, Policy and Market Development Directorate will be composed of Units responsible for:

Strategy and Policy – provision of strategic advice and policy analysis across financial services, supporting the development and implementation of the MFSA’s strategic cycle. The Unit identifies emerging risks and opportunities to position Malta competitively from a strategic perspective
Regulatory Product Development – conduct policy analysis across the financial services sector, supporting the development of the MFSA’s regulatory frameworks, strengthening Malta’s regulatory environment, promoting innovation and access to financial products and services, and ensures proactive alignment with evolving international standards to enhance Malta’s competitiveness as a financial services jurisdiction.
Market Research - undertake research to enhance the Authority’s understanding of market dynamics, emerging risks and regulatory developments, supporting proactive strategy and policy formulation.

The description of the directorates and units falling within the remit of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Strategy, Policy and Legal) 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 Chief Executive Officer (Strategy, Policy and Legal) shall be an ex officio member of the Executive Committee, Resolution Committee and the Enforcement Decisions Committee, and shall actively participate therein.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy CEO (Strategy, Policy and Legal) 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 directorates falling under his/her responsibility are aligned with the overall mission and strategic direction of the MFSA.
Provide strategic direction to the directorates within his/her remit, ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the directorates’ 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 all Chief Officers and Heads falling under his/her responsibility, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Work collaboratively with officials within his/her directorates to oversee day-to-day operations as needed, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of objectives.
Oversee the directorates’ processes, systems, procedures, resources, budgets, and all other operational matters required for efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure coordination and collaboration across the directorates 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 Officers 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 the key personnel within his/her directorates.

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, supervisory 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 directorates falling under his/her remit carry out their 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 the directorates 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 directorates for which he/she is responsible.
Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to the financial sector and the directorates’ 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, supervision 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 legal and/or policy development, preferably in the financial services sector or related fields. 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.
Experience in the drafting of regulatory frameworks.
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: 791/2024

Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Strategy, Policy and Legal

Job Description