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4 NEWS 21.9.2023 M ASTERC ARD, a global technolo- gy company in the payments indus- tr y, participated in the 16th Annual Conference organised by Finance- Malta on September 13, 2023, where it shared its insights from the study undertaken by its advisor y team to explore the intricacies of the Mal- tese Fintech sector, and proposed a set of strategic actions to support the efforts for the sector's growth. Mastercard also was one of the main sponsors of the event that brought together a spectrum of pro- fessionals, regulators, and stake- holders from Malta's Finance in- dustr y to foster discussions and initiatives propelling the develop- ment of the market. Building upon the 2023 Strategy for Financial Ser vices, as published by MFSAC earlier this year, Master- card conducted an in-depth study, mapping the supporting ecosystem, along with the key segments and players of Malta's rapidly growing Fintech landscape, highlighting in- sights and trends. The supporting ecosystem of Fin- tech in Malta is grouped into five main categories: Government, Pri- vate Funding, Financial Institutions, Regulators, and other enablers. The main segments of Fintech in Malta are Blockchain and Cr ypto, Pay- ments, Neobanking, Investment and Trading and RegTech. Moreover, the study explored the most prominent methods of how the public sector supports Fintech companies and their overall ecosystem. The most significant methods come from and focus on Access to Capital & Expertise, Regulator y En- vironment & Infrastructure, Talent Attraction & Development, and Col- laborations & Promotion. This comprehensive study was val- idated by a panel of prominent in- dustr y professionals and regulators: Representatives from Moneybase, FinanceMalta, MeDirect, MFSA , MSE, MDIA , Tech.mt, Malta Enter- prise and MFSAC, aligned in sup- port of Mastercard's commitment to further elevate the development of payments in Malta. Several recommendations were identified, expanding on the ma- jor areas of improvement already identified by MFSAC, ranging from governance improvements and measures of support to foreign in- vestments and funding. Panagiotis Polydoros, Countr y Manager for Greece, Cyprus, and Malta at Mastercard, stated, "Our goal is to foster an environment that not only embraces Fintech innova- tion but propels it for ward. The re- sults of our study aim to cultivate fertile ground for collaboration, ignite innovation, and chart the course for the sustained success of this sector. As Mastercard, we are steadfast in our belief that leverag- ing our global expertise will offer in- valuable insights and solutions, cat- alysing the growth and prosperity of Malta's payments ecosystem." Mastercard's insights on Malta's Fintech sector THE Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to promote inclusivity while safeguarding the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community within the business environment. The MOU represents the commitment of both parties to create a more inclusive and accepting business environment. Ahead of the signing, Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber Presi- dent, said that The Malta Chamber is honoured form part of this important celebration. "Being out at work is not merely ad- vantageous for the LGBTIQ+ com- munity, but it is also beneficial for organisations and the society. Let us work diligently to create workplaces in which every individual feels secure and empowered to be their authentic selves," he noted. CEO Dr Marthese Portelli empha- sised that The Malta Chamber will continue to raise awareness on any form of discrimination at the work- place, including sexual orientation and gender identity. "To this end, ARC will be participant in The Mal- ta Chamber's Human Resources The- matic Committee to share their exper- tise in related matters," she said. Maria Azzopardi, ARC President, highlighted that in today's ever-evolv- ing world, the workplace is not just a location where we earn our livelihood, it is a vital part of our lives in which we seek validation, respect, and the freedom to be who we are. "Hence, this signing is not merely a symbolic gesture. It signifies a pro- found commitment to creating work- places where everyone can be their authentic selves," she explained. The MOU was signed by Chris Vas- sallo Cesareo and Dr Marthese Portel- li, President and CEO of The Malta Chamber respectively, and Maria Az- zopardi, President of ARC. The MOU was signed during OUT@WORK, an official EuroPride Valletta 2023 event which aimed at engaging experts and the LGBTIQ+ community to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity within the profes- sional realm. The event was also addressed by Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamenta- ry Secretary for Reforms and Equality. "Inclusive Human Rights policies should give peace of mind to all em- ployees, who know that they can enjoy the same benefits as their colleagues. Gender diversity with opportuni- ty for equal representation is crucial in workplaces as it brings in various viewpoints. Consequently, the bene- fits of inclusivity will be felt not only by employees but also by their em- ployers," she said. The Malta Chamber and ARC sign MOU to promote inclusivity and diversity at the workplace

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