Analyst (Strategy, Policy and Innovation)

About the Department

The Strategy, Policy and Innovation function is responsible for providing advice, analyses and reviews on current and prospective strategies and policies related to key priority areas in respect to the various financial services sectors. The function also proposes new areas which could potentially be delved into by the MFSA and provides insight on how related frameworks may be developed.

In formulating and proposing policies, the function seeks to ensure that the Authority is proactive in the face of new opportunities, perceived risks and changing international standards which may impact the financial services sector, whilst fostering innovation and enhancing access to financial products. The function hence contributes towards strengthening Malta’s framework for the regulation of the sector, whilst promoting and coordinating strategic thinking across all functions within the MFSA.

As part of its remit, the function is also responsible for participating in selected local, EU and international fora, including committees of the European Supervisory Authorities, which may impinge on the Authority’s strategies and policies.

About Role

The successful candidate will join an analytical and multidisciplinary team of policy experts and will have the opportunity to participate in the shaping and implementation of key regulatory policy initiatives, falling within the various sectors regulated by the MFSA, with a particular focus, amongst others, on Sustainable Finance.

The role requires individuals who can interpret law and related regulatory frameworks and be able to understand market needs and trends, as part of the policy formulation process. The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Contributing and supporting the implementation of key policy initiatives in relation to sustainable finance undertaken by the Authority, as well as, developing expertise in relation to ESG factors to strengthen the MFSA’s work in this area;
• Participating in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of other cross-sectoral strategy and policy projects and related ongoing policy work;
• Liaising with other directorates within the Authority, as well as other governmental bodies and external stakeholders in the implementation of such policy work and act as a contact point, as required, to facilitate communication channels;
• Participating in selected local, EU and international fora, including the relevant committees of the European Supervisory Authorities, which may impinge on the Authority’s strategies and policies;
• Liaising and cooperating with foreign regulators, as required;
• Undertaking other tasks as directed by line management, depending on the Authority’s exigencies.

About You

The MFSA is looking for a promising individual with solid academic background in either Banking, Economics, Accountancy, Law or any other qualification related to innovative areas of finance.

The role calls for an academic qualification in a relevant field of study at National Qualification Framework Level 6 or better, duly certified by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), or a widely recognised professional qualification at a comparable level.

You will also possess a minimum of three (3) years working in the area of financial services. Candidates with longer working experience relevant to the role will be preferred. If you do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but you have at least seven (7) years’ experience in a similar related role, we would still be interested in speaking with you. Also, knowledge and/or experience in a selected sector regulated by the MFSA and relevant regulatory framework, would be considered an asset.

The chosen candidate is expected to be a confident individual who is flexible, proactive and having a critical and analytical mind-set. The following skills and attributes are important for this position:

• Keen interest in financial services regulatory and legislative development;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• Sound time management skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities, as may be necessary;
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with other team players, including with external stakeholders in general;
• Good research and excellent oral, written and presentation skills.

The selected candidate will be given opportunities to learn and be trained for the role, through various mechanisms which the Authority holds, such as, the Financial Supervisors Academy and also on the job training.