Head

Malta Financial Services Authority View all jobs

Birkirkara, Malta Island
Permanent
Full-time

1 month ago
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The FinTech Supervision function is responsible for the authorisation and supervision of entities operating under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the Financial Institutions Act. The function also acts as the Authority's centre of expertise on digital finance and FinTech-related supervisory and policy matters. The function also works closely with internal stakeholders, national competent authorities, and European institutions to ensure consistent, effective, and forward-looking supervision in a rapidly evolving digital finance environment.About the Role The Head of FinTech Supervision is a senior leadership role responsible for the operational effectiveness and supervisory outcomes of the FinTech Supervision Function. The role entails leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring high-quality authorisation and supervisory processes, contributing to policy development, and representing the Authority in local and international fora. The role reports to the Chief Officer Supervision and requires strong leadership capability, sound regulatory judgement, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-evolving and complex regulatory environment.Key Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee the authorisation and ongoing supervision of entities carrying out licensable activities under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation and the Financial Institutions Act.
Ensure supervisory activities are risk-based, proportionate, consistent, and aligned with the Authority's supervisory strategy and EU regulatory expectations.
Provide strategic direction and technical oversight to the Function, ensuring high-quality supervisory outcomes and timely decision-making.
Contribute to the development, enhancement, and consistent application of supervisory frameworks, methodologies, and tools within the Function's remit.
Coordinate and oversee the implementation of EU and international digital finance initiatives, including those arising from the EU Digital Finance Package.
Provide expert input and advice on FinTech-related regulatory, supervisory, and policy matters across the Authority.
Liaise with national competent authorities, European Supervisory Authorities, and other international bodies on matters relating to FinTech supervision.
Represent the Authority in relevant local, EU, and international committees, working groups, and supervisory fora.
Build and maintain effective professional relationships with regulated entities and industry stakeholders, ensuring constructive engagement while safeguarding supervisory independence.
Establish, where appropriate, structured mechanisms for dialogue and consultation in support of regulatory clarity and supervisory best practice.
Lead, manage, mentor, and develop managers, analysts, and support staff within the Function.
Ensure effective workforce planning, succession planning, and retention strategies to support the sustainability and resilience of the Function.
Ensure appropriate delegation of responsibilities and effective distribution of work across teams to meet operational priorities and KPIs.
Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, governance, and internal controls within the Function.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management processes for the Function.
Prepare and manage the Function's budget, ensuring effective resource utilisation and alignment with strategic priorities.
Maintain, review, and enhance policies and procedures relevant to the Function's remit.
Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Chief Officer Supervision and/or as may be required by the MFSA from time to time based on the exigencies of the Authority.

About You 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 in Financial Services, Law, Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Economics, or in a relevant field. Professional certifications in the field are advantageous.You will also possess a minimum of seven (7) years prior experience in a senior level, preferably within the financial services sector or related fields.If you do not have the necessary academic qualifications but you have at least fourteen (14) years of relevant senior experience, we would still be interested in speaking with you.Experience:

Proven experience in leading complex regulatory, supervisory, or risk-based functions in a dynamic and evolving environment.
Demonstrated exposure to EU or international regulatory frameworks, supervisory cooperation, or cross-border engagement.
A strong understanding of emerging financial technologies, digital finance developments, and the risks and opportunities they present to financial stability and consumer protection.
Experience operating at senior stakeholder level, including interaction with Boards, executive leadership, regulators, or external institutions.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong leadership capability with a track record of managing, motivating, and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
Sound regulatory judgement and the ability to take balanced, defensible decisions in complex and high-risk situations.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulatory, financial, and operational information critically.
Strategic mindset combined with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to execution and delivery.
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and independence, aligned with public-interest and supervisory values.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to influence, challenge, and engage effectively at senior and international level.
Ability to manage competing priorities, operate under pressure, and deliver outcomes within tight timelines.
Strong organisational and governance awareness, with attention to risk management, controls, and accountability.
Resilience and adaptability in responding to regulatory change, market developments, and evolving supervisory expectations.

Other Information The MFSA is an Equal Opportunities Employer as certified by the NCPE (National Commission for the Protection of Equality) and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will take care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures. The MFSA reserves the right to withdraw this call at any time and not to select any of the Candidates.It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Applicants should do so preferably at application stage or otherwise at the preliminary interview should an applicant be selected for such interview. Details can be obtained by accessing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education website on under MQRIC heading.The MFSA shall ensure that any processing of personal data is in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta) and any other relevant European Union and national law. For further details, you may refer to the Data Protection Policy on the MFSA webpage .Candidates are to note that the submission of any false statement/s or omission, even if unintended, may lead to the cancellation of their application and may render the candidate's appointment liable to termination.Furthermore, please note that candidates may be asked to submit any documentation in support of the information provided, including but not limited to, proof of qualifications and Police Conduct Certificates.

Malta Financial Services Authority