Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544987
MEDIRECT Bank will host a free public webinar on Thursday 21st May at 6.00pm, examining the economic and investment implications of geopolitical con- flict. The webinar will feature Ben- jamin Jones, CFA, Global Head of Research, Strategy & Insights at Invesco, one of the world's largest independent investment management firms. With over 20 years' experience in global mar- kets, Jones regularly comments on macroeconomic trends, geo- politics and investment strategy. During the session, Jones will explore how historical conflicts have shaped economic outcomes, how investors can interpret mar- ket behaviour during periods of uncertainty, and how post con- flict recoveries often influence growth and investment oppor- tunities. A particular focus will be placed on the role of energy security and the long term impli- cations for sustainable investing, given ongoing conflicts in East- ern Europe and the Middle East. The event forms part of MeDi- rect's Educational Series, which aims to improve financial literacy and help both customers and the wider public better understand investing and global financial markets. Larissa Ciantar, Head of Per- sonal Banking at MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc, said, "Geopolitical uncertainty obviously impacts the global economy and while no two situations are the same, understanding the past can help investors plan for the present and future. MeDirect has always been committed to providing its cus- tomers, and the broader public, with high quality information to help them manage their money with confidence. This webinar with Invesco's Ben Jones will pro- vide timely insights into the com- plex realities of today's world." Benjamin Jones, said, "I am very much looking forward to dis- cussing how the current period of conflict will continue to im- pact economies and how inves- tors might consider positioning themselves. Looking at history, it has almost always been the case that economies do well following a conflict. However, it is also im- portant to understand the specif- ic nature of the current situation especially when it comes to ener- gy and sustainable investing." The online session will last up to 90 minutes and includes a live Q&A. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required. For more information and to reg- ister, visit: https://promo.medi- rect.com.mt/webinar-how-con- flict-shapes-the-global-economy/ The information given during this webinar is being provided by Invesco. The information delivered is for general information purpos- es only and is neither intended to provide legal or other profes- sional advice nor does it commit MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc to any obligation whatsoever. The information available during the webinar is not intended to be a suggestion, recommendation or solicitation to buy, hold or sell, any securities and is not guaran- teed as to accuracy or complete- ness. The financial instruments discussed may not be suitable for all investors and investors must make their own informed deci- sions and seek their own advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in financial instruments or implementing strategies dis- cussed herein. When investing you may lose some or all of the money you invest. The value of your invest- ment may go down, as well as up. Any income you get from an investment may go down, as well as up. A commission or sales fee may be charged at the time of the initial purchase for an investment. Any decision to invest should always be based upon the details contained in the Prospectus and Key Information Document (KID), which may be obtained from the Distributor. MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc, company registration number C34125, is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority and is licensed to undertake the busi- ness of investment services un- der the Investment Services Act (Cap. 370). MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc, The Centre, Tigné Point, Sliema, TPO 0001, Malta. 7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MAY 2026 COMMERCIAL EIT and Xjenza Malta launch the EIT Regional Innovation THE European Institute of In- novation and Technology (EIT), together with Xjenza Malta, has launched the EIT Regional In- novation Booster in Malta dur- ing an event held at the Esplora Planetarium Hall in Kalkara. The programme is designed to support high-potential start- ups in expanding into interna- tional markets whilst helping to strengthen innovation ecosys- tems in emerging and moderate innovator countries across Eu- rope. Malta is the second country to join the initiative, following a successful pilot in Poland in 2025. The EIT Regional Inno- vation Booster is a flagship pilot initiative that addresses Europe's innovation gap by providing tai- lored support to startups with strong commercialisation po- tential. The Malta edition fo- cuses on startups with solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher across sectors including climate, culture and creativity, digital, energy, food and agritech, healthcare, raw ma- terials and urban mobility. In his opening remarks, Dr Melchior Cini, Director of R&I at Xjenza Malta, said that, "Malta is active- ly shaping its future as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and talent-driven growth. This requires creating the right path- ways for researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to transform knowledge into applicable solu- tions, sustainable enterprises and scalable opportunities." Addressing the conference, Ad- am Rottenbacher, Head of Oper- ations at the EIT, remarked that, "This is not just another accel- erator, but a scheme co-created with national partners to tackle the real needs of local innovation ecosystems. Europe doesn't lack innovation – it lacks scale. With the EIT Regional Innovation Booster, we help startups move faster from strong ideas to real market presence. Malta shows how smaller ecosystems can play a big role when given the right tools, connections and locally grounded support to grow inter- nationally." The programme will support startups through a structured scale-up process focused on market readiness, international- isation and investor access. Par- ticipants will receive mentoring, strategic guidance, networking opportunities and access to the wider EIT innovation network. Selected startups may also qualify for financial support to assist with commercial expansion and mar- ket entry. Through the Xjenza Malta Go To Market Programme, startups may also benefit from the Malta Development Bank's (MDB) Loan Assistance Scheme, implemented with Xjenza Malta. The scheme facilitates access to blended finance through com- mercial banks, with MDB pro- viding up to 80% guarantee on eligible loans to help innovative startups commercialise their solutions. Additional support in- cludes interest rate subsidies and measures to aid the beneficiary with any upfront contributions and collateral required by the bank. Eligible applicants must be SMEs legally registered and oper- ating in Malta before the launch of the call, applying as a single en- tity, with a solution at TRL 7 or higher and ownership of, or full rights to exploit, the intellectual property. The call for applications opens on 14 May 2026 and closes on 15 July 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Ap- plications must be submitted in English through the online application form. More infor- mation about the programme is available here: https://eit-ris.eu/ regional-innovation-booster/. The EIT Regional Innovation Booster forms part of the EIT Re- gional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS), launched in 2014 to im- prove innovation performance in countries classified as emerging or moderate innovators under the European Innovation Score- board. MeDirect hosts free public webinar on how conflict impacts the global economy