Event features leading international speakers from European Court of Justice and advisories
A specialised VAT conference will bring together industry practitioners, regulators, and international experts to examine how VAT rules should be applied to emerging financial services in Malta and beyond.
The afternoon conference on March 25, is part of the accredited Zampa Partners series of industry events. It will focus on the intersection of VAT and financial services, exploring how exemptions are currently interpreted and where emerging risks may lie for businesses operating in fintech, funds, and other regulated financial sectors.
The VAT treatment of financial services is becoming increasingly complex as new technologies and business models challenge long-standing interpretations of legislation originally designed for a very different financial landscape.
The conference aims to raise awareness among financial services providers about the importance of proactively considering VAT implications when designing products and services.
Industry practitioners note that VAT is often treated as an afterthought, even though the financial consequences of incorrect treatment can be significant.
Two international perspectives will feature in the programme.
Prof. Dr. David Hummel, legal secretary (référendaire) at the European Court of Justice, will discuss recent developments in European case law and the direction of the financial services exemption, while Alexis Tsielepis, Managing Director at leading Cyprus advisory Chelco VAT will present a session on the practical VAT challenges facing fintech and fund structures.
The event will also feature a panel discussion titled “New Models, Old Rules: Rethinking VAT Exemptions in Financial Services”, moderated by Brandon Gatt, Partner at Zampa Partners.
Panellists include Matthew Zampa; Nico Sciberras, Director for Indirect Tax at the Malta Tax and Customs Administration; Alexis Tsielepis; and Dr Sarah Cassar Torregiani, Chief Technical Officer at the Malta Institute of Taxation.
The event will also include an introductory session examining how VAT law should be applied to modern financial structures, delivered by Mark Caruana Scicluna of Ganado Advocates and Anabel Mifsud, Managing Director at Fexserv Funds.
Speaking ahead of the event, Zampa Partners said the sector is evolving rapidly, with digital platforms, embedded finance, and decentralised payment solutions becoming more common.
However, the underlying VAT framework dates back decades and was drafted with traditional financial products in mind.
“The reality today is that financial services have changed significantly, while the legislative framework remains largely the same,” said Matthew Zampa, Managing Partner at Zampa Partners.
“This creates uncertainty for businesses and requires careful interpretation of how VAT rules apply to modern financial products.”
Registrations open at 12 pm, followed by sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The conference has been accredited by the Malta Institute of Accountants with nearly four hours of structured continuing professional education under core competency requirements.
Zampa Partners said the event is aimed primarily at fintech operators, financial services providers, CFOs, fund administrators, and directors serving on boards of regulated entities who need to better understand the VAT implications of evolving financial products.
For more information or to secure your spot, visit Zampa Partners.
