Kevin Valenzia, territory senior partner for PwC in Valletta

Accountants, lawyers, consultants and more - Malta boasts a talented pool of professionals to cater for the financial service sector, and at a cheaper price than other European financial centres. Writer Michael Imeson

Professor Joseph Bannister, Malta Financial Services Authority's chairman

When a financial institution considers setting up in a new jurisdiction, it wants a regime that is robust, but also fair. For many, the Malta Financial Services Authority ticks all these boxes. Writer Michael Imeson

With 401 funds registered, many of which moved to the country upon it joining the EU six years ago, Malta has acquired a reputation as an attractive fund domicile that has drawn in custom from beyond its EU neighbours. Writer Michael Imeson

Malta has one of the soundest banking systems in the world, a testament to the reliable, old-fashioned principles adhered to by its leading 'credit institutions licence holders': Bank of Valletta and HSBC Bank Malta. Writer Michael Imeson

Michael Bonello, governor of the Central Bank of Malta

The governor of the Central Bank of Malta gives an assessment of the country's economy, explaining why its financial sector managed to emerge from the recession in relatively good health. Interview Michael Imeson

Since joining the EU six years ago, the Maltese banking sector has flourished and the country has developed a firm yet flexible regulatory regime, supported by the European regulatory environment. In this Masterclass, Professor Joseph Bannister, president of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), discusses the recent restructuring of the authority and how it aims to further strengthen Malta's status as an international financial centre. Writer Michael Imeson

The payments landscape is changing. Customers are demanding more, so banks are having to decide how to update their payments infrastructures. Competition is becoming fiercer and regulation is getting tougher. Despite this, the rewards can be high. Payments are still the lynchpin between a bank and its customers, and new markets, such as payments for the unbanked and mobile banking, are being explored. These issues and more were discussed in Brussels, Belgium, last month. Writer Michael Imeson

MiFID is moving up the agenda, with a major review due this year that is likely to see its post-trade transparency regime for equity markets extended to non-equity markets. Bond dealers are understandably nervous. Writer Michael Imeson

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has strengthened its liquidity requirements for banks. It will be expensive, but at least they'll be operating on a sounder footing. Writer Michael Imeson