Joining from BDO, he is the latest in a series of strategic hires to support continued growth across regulated and high-impact sectors
Following the recent strategic merger between Beacon Finance and FACT Group, the newly unified firm has appointed Andrew Zarb Cousin as Audit Partner, further strengthening its ability to support clients with high-quality audit, clear reporting, and practical insight in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
The appointment marks another important step in FACT’s growth strategy as it continues to build a broader, more specialised professional services platform for businesses operating in Malta and internationally.
With a combined team of more than 30 professionals, FACT offers integrated expertise across accounting, audit, tax, payroll, residency and corporate services. The addition of a new audit partner reinforces the firm’s commitment to audit quality, robust governance standards, and a responsive service model for clients navigating heightened stakeholder expectations.
Andrew brings extensive experience in external audit and assurance, advising a range of corporate and owner-managed businesses across multiple industries. He is recognised for a rigorous, commercially grounded approach, helping clients balance compliance requirements with practical decision-making and long-term value creation.
He joins FACT from BDO, where he held senior audit leadership responsibilities, and previously worked at PwC as part of his earlier career in practice. His appointment strengthens FACT’s capacity to lead complex audits, support growing groups, and deliver consistent audit quality across engagements.
Commenting on the appointment, FACT said: “Andrew’s appointment reflects our continued investment in specialist capability following the merger. Audit quality and strong governance are fundamental to trust, whether for shareholders, regulators, lenders or other stakeholders. Andrew brings deep technical experience and a practical mindset that aligns with our approach: delivering assurance that is robust, efficient and commercially relevant for clients operating in demanding environments.”
Zarb Cousin said: “I am pleased to be joining FACT at a time when the firm is building real momentum following the merger. The combined platform brings together strong audit expertise with wider advisory capability, which is increasingly important to clients facing more complex reporting and regulatory obligations. I look forward to working with the team to support clients with high-quality audits and clear, constructive insight.”
Founded in 2017, Beacon Finance grew rapidly from a small audit practice into a 20-strong firm serving a diverse client base across accounting, audit, tax and payroll. FACT Group, meanwhile, has operated in Malta for over 30 years, with an established reputation in audit, including within the gaming sector, as well as corporate services and residency programmes.
The merger brought together two complementary firms with aligned values, creating a stronger market proposition for clients seeking deeper expertise, broader service capability and a more integrated advisory relationship. The FACT name has been retained, reflecting its long-standing market recognition, while a refreshed visual identity incorporates Beacon Finance’s branding to represent the shared direction of the merged organisation.
FACT’s leadership team combines long-standing experience with a clear vision for the future. Founder of FACT Group, Jesmond Pace, brings three decades of experience in practice, while the next phase of the firm’s development is being led by partner Matthew Sapiano together with former Beacon Finance leaders James Spiteri Staines, Michael Spiteri Staines and James Cuschieri.
Together, they are focused on driving the firm’s next phase of growth, expanding specialist capability, and continuing to deliver the high standard of service clients expect in an increasingly complex business environment.
