The financial services sector in Malta has grown 22% in 2009, and is looking to expand into alternative investment sectors.
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, speaking at the Fimbank Trade Finance and Correspondent Banking Conference, also saw Islamic finance as a good business opportunity. “Considering our geographic proximity, EU membership, existing investment links, and good relationships trade finance is also an area we can develop further,” he said.
The Malta Financial Services Authority recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Chinese Qualified Domestic Institutional Investors are now able to invest on behalf of Chinese investors into Malta domiciled investment funds, such as Professional Investor Funds and UCITS.