Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547510
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 NOVEMBER 2026 COMMERCIAL EY National Tax Conference revisits the history and evolution of taxation in Malta EY Malta hosted the inaugural National Tax Conference, a first- of-its-kind event bringing togeth- er experts from across disciplines to explore the origins and evolu- tion of taxation and its wider im- pact on Maltese society. Moving beyond the legislation and technical detail traditionally associated with tax discussions, the conference examined taxation from historical, social and eco- nomic perspectives, providing a broader view of how the tax sys- tem has evolved alongside Malta and its society. A central focus was Malta's tax history, with particular attention given to 1948, the year income tax was introduced in Malta. New research presented during the event shed fresh light on the cir- cumstances surrounding its intro- duction and its impact on Maltese society. The conference also marked the launch of Dr Robert Attard's book, Arturo Colombo and the Introduction of Income Tax: 'Malta Finance Minister Resigns to Become a Priest'. The book and the story of Arturo Colombo were also discussed during the event, further enriching the conference's exploration of the introduction and early history of income tax in Malta. The opening panel, "Where did it begin? A Historical Perspec- tive," brought together Dr Robert Attard, Partner at EY Malta; Dr Sergio Grech, Historian, Author and Researcher; and Stephen Palmer, grandson of Steven Gunn, adding a personal connection to the historical discussion. This history was further brought to life through previously unpub- lished photographs from the Na- tional Archives of Malta, together with period caricatures and other visual material relating to the in- troduction of income tax. Commenting on the conference, Robert Attard, Partner at EY Mal- ta, said: "Taxation is often discussed through the lens of legislation, compliance and technical de- tail, but its story is much broad- er than that. By looking back at how taxation developed in Malta, and bringing together different perspectives, we can better un- derstand the role it has played in shaping our society and its contin- ued relevance today." Building on this historical con- text, the conference explored a range of themes, including Malta's socio-political model, tax and the common good, and the relation- ship between taxation, gender, family and equality. Contributors included Saviour Bezzina, Tax Director at EY Mal- ta; Dr Adrian Delia, Shadow Min- ister for Finance; Silvio Camilleri, Partner at EY Malta; Mr Mark Cachia, Executive Chairperson of the Interdiocesan Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development; Roderick Borg, Tax Director at EY Malta; Lara Dimitrjevic, Director of the Women's Right Foundation; and Maria Cassar, Manager at EY Malta. The event concluded with a clos- ing address by Hon. Clyde Carua- na, Minister for Finance, who re- flected on the lessons Malta's tax history can offer as the country looks ahead: "The value of looking back at our tax history is not nostalgia, but perspective. Each generation has had to consider how taxation should respond to the circum- stances of its time, and our gener- ation faces the same challenge in a very different environment. Taxa- tion is not an end in itself; it is an instrument that provides govern- ment with the resources it needs while allowing individuals, fami- lies and businesses to prosper." The inaugural National Tax Conference highlighted the value of considering taxation beyond its technical application, bringing together diverse perspectives to encourage a broader discussion about where Malta's tax system has come from, the role it plays to- day and how it may need to evolve for the future. BOV Foundation launches funding call to build financial confidence THE BOV Foundation has launched a new Call for Appli- cations focused specifically on financial capability, inviting el- igible organisations to propose practical initiatives that can strengthen financial knowledge, and decision-making across communities in Malta and Gozo. The call forms part of the Foun- dation's Education Pillar and re- flects the growing importance of financial capability as an essen- tial life skill. From budgeting and saving to understanding credit, preparing for retirement and navigating an increasingly digital financial environment, people to- day are required to make financial decisions that can have long-term consequences for their well-being and financial resilience. The call identifies five broad priority groups: children aged 11 to 16; young people aged 17 to 25; adults aged 26 to 64; older adults aged 65 and over; and other groups requiring more accessible or culturally tailored approach- es to financial education. Across these groups, the emphasis is on measurable outcomes and lasting impact rather than simply deliv- ering activities. Projects should demonstrate the change they aim to achieve, how that change will be measured, and how the re- sulting resources or learning can continue to benefit communities beyond the funding period. Proposals can address a wide range of real-life financial chal- lenges. These include helping young people understand budg- eting; supporting young adults as they move into work and in- dependent living; strengthening retirement planning; tackling dig- ital exclusion among older adults; and developing accessible finan- cial tools for communities whose needs may not be adequately served through traditional finan- cial education. Preference will be given to projects co-designed with the communities they aim to serve and to accessible, interactive ap- proaches rather than traditional lecture-style instruction. Ernest Agius, Deputy Chair of the BOV Foundation and the Bank's Chief Operations Officer explained, "Financial literacy is ultimately about giving people greater confi- dence and capability to deal with the decisions they encounter in everyday life. Those decisions change as we move through dif- ferent stages of life, but the need to understand our choices and their implications remains. Fi- nancial capability contributes not only to individual well-being, but also to greater inclusion and resil- ience within our communities." The call provides for indicative grants of €2,000 to €15,000 per project, with between four and eight grants expected, depend- ing on demand and project scale. Applications will be assessed on their strategic fit, evidence of need, expected outcomes, deliv- ery capability, risk and value for money. Applications open on 6 Novem- ber 2026 and must be submitted by Friday, 18 December 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday, 26 February 2027. The Call for Applications and accompanying Guidance Note set out the application pro- cess, forms and detailed submis- sion requirements. To qualify, projects must be offered on a non-commercial basis, with- out the promotion of specific financial products or services, and must provide appropriate safeguarding, accessibility and data-protection arrangements where applicable. Applications should be submit- ted through the online form Grant Application form that is found on the Bank's website https://www. bov.com/bov-in-the-community by the closing date. Prospective applicants who have read the call and guidance and require fur- ther clarification may contact the Foundation at bovfoundation@ bov.com