Fincap '26

From Access
To Trust

The Financial Wellbeing Conference 2026 will be the third edition of Malta’s national conference dedicated to financial capability and wellbeing.

The 2026 edition moves beyond a conventional sequence of speeches and panels. It is being designed as a participatory national conversation in which international evidence, Maltese policy, industry expertise, youth perspectives and the lived experience of citizens are brought together under one central theme: From Access to Trust.

160+ LEADERS LAST YEAR

Vision, Theme and Objective - The strategic purpose of From Access to Trust

From Access to Trust reflects the next phase of financial capability. Access to bank accounts, apps, information, credit, payments and investment opportunities is important, but access alone does not ensure understanding, confidence or good outcomes. Trust requires credible systems, clear communication, strong safeguards and citizens who can judge information and act with confidence.

ACCESS

People can reach financial products, information and digital services.

CAPABILITY

People understand choices, risk, consequences and where to obtain reliable help.

TRUST

People can use systems confidently and believe that institutions will act transparently and fairly.

DELEGATES LAST YEAR

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SPEAKERS

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Strategic Partners

"Financial freedom is available to those who learn about it and work for it."

– Robert Kiyosaki

(Author of Rich Dad Poor Dad)

Access to financial tools is only the first step. From Access to Trust explores how Malta, and Europe more broadly, can move beyond mere access towards genuine confidence, capability and informed decision-making. This year’s Financial Wellbeing Conference brings together educators, financial institutions and policymakers to turn that trust into lasting financial empowerment.

Why This Matters

Access to financial tools is only the first step. As digital finance, scams and evolving financial products reshape everyday life, building genuine trust and confidence has become essential. This conference addresses how Malta, and Europe more broadly, can move from mere access towards lasting financial capability.

Why Become a Partner

Engage directly with policymakers, regulators and financial leaders shaping national policyDemonstrate your organisation's commitment to financial literacy and consumer trustGain meaningful visibility through keynotes, panels, workshops and national awardsPlay a role in positioning Malta as a regional hub for financial capability and dialogue

Who is this Conference for?

This conference is designed for educators, policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, fintech leaders, researchers, behavioural scientists, NGOs and international experts working towards a more financially capable society.

Conference Journey and Strategic Context

How the 2024-2026 programme has evolved and why the 2026 discussion matters now.

2024

Together for Financial Wellbeing. Launch of the Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship and the Financial Capability Awards.

2025

Digital Finance Frontiers. Focus on digital finance, AI, behaviour and inclusion; first Financial Capability Awards and first accredited Centre of Excellence schools.

2026

From Access to Trust. A shift from access to confidence, credibility, participation and the quality of decisions people can make.

Moments From Previous Years

Moments from previous years

A look back at the conversations, connections and ideas from the past conferences.

What delegates say

“Receiving the Financial Capability Award is a source of immense pride and satisfaction for us at Bank of Valletta plc. This recognition reflects the collective impact of numerous financial literacy initiatives we have delivered across our communities, empowering people at every life stage with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. From understanding the fundamentals of saving and investing to recognising and protecting oneself from scams and financial fraud, our programmes are designed to promote lifelong financial well-being. This award reinforces the Bank’s commitment and leadership in financial education, affirming our position as the foremost institution helping people build financial capability and achieve lasting financial well-being.”

Winning this award is something I’ll carry with me for a long time. Investing literacy has for too long been a privilege, something reserved for those who could already afford good advice. My mission, from day one, has been to change that. To bring the kind of guidance that used to sit behind closed doors to everyone: the young professional just starting out, the family trying to make ends meet, the business owner who built a legacy but never learned how to protect it. The Financial Wellbeing Conference is one of the few events where people who care deeply about this subject get to be in the same room.

Participating in the 2025 Financial Capability Conference was an incredibly enriching experience for Mastercard. It provided a powerful platform to share our financial literacy initiatives and engage in vital conversations about digital inclusion. Collaborating with educators and policymakers reinforced our commitment to ensuring that technology acts as a bridge, empowering every individual in Malta with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a modern economy.

Honoured to have received the award for Best Financial Capabilities Project within a non-profit organization with my 'Shark Tank Experience'. The Shark Tank Experience gave students the chance to step into the shoes of young entrepreneurs — developing creative business ideas, pitching them to a panel of "investors," and making real financial decisions in a supportive, hands-on environment. It was all about building confidence and financial capabilities through fun and authentic learning.

It was a privilege to participate as a panellist at the Digital Finance Frontiers Conference and contribute to discussions on the growing importance of digital financial literacy. The conference rightly placed significant emphasis on financial literacy as an essential life skill in today’s increasingly digital world. As financial services continue to evolve through digital technologies and AI, empowering individuals with the knowledge, critical thinking, and digital competences to make informed decisions has become more important than ever. This vision closely aligned with the work of the Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills, where we are committed to equipping learners with the skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly digital society responsibly and effectively.

Distinguished Speakers
Global perspective meets local expertise.

Speakers

The voices shaping this year's conversation on financial education, digital trust and consumer confidence.

Hosts

Petra Ellul Mercer - Financial Capability Developer at JA Malta and Founder of CapableMind

Matthew Caruana - CEO of JA Malta and the Chairperson of JA Europe Board of Executives.

Mark Bajada - Chairperson of Junior Achievement Malta

Speakers

Financial literacy expert at the Bank of Finland Museum and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki, specialising in consumer economics and financial education.

Professor Emeritus at the University of Bristol and Visiting Professor at OsloMet, specialising in financial capability, inclusion and consumer protection.

Professor of Practice in Financial Literacy and Wellbeing, specialising in financial literacy, inclusion and wellbeing, with over 25 years shaping research, policy and practice internationally.

Professor of Practice in Financial Literacy and Wellbeing, specialising in financial literacy, inclusion and wellbeing, with over 25 years shaping research, policy and practice internationally.

Banking and marketing professional with over 15 years of experience, championing financial literacy and initiatives that strengthen financial confidence across diverse communities.

Strategist, technology professional and brand and marketing leader specialising in business strategy, innovation, customer experience and translating complex ideas into clear, meaningful communication.

Head within Conduct Supervision at the MFSA, with 20 years of experience regulating and supervising a broad range of financial services sectors.

Technical Advisor at the MFSA, supporting financial literacy and consumer capability initiatives that promote financial resilience, informed decision-making and accessible financial education.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Education and Sport, with extensive experience in public administration and policy development. He focuses on educational innovation, strategic planning and strengthening Malta’s education system.

Corporate Sustainability Manager at HSBC, specialising in corporate citizenship, community development and public affairs. He is passionate about sustainability, strategic partnerships and creating meaningful social impact.

Showcase

Director at Mastercard, leading Public Sector and Government Relations across Greece, Cyprus and Malta, with extensive experience in banking, financial services and public sector partnerships.

Leads AI readiness at SeyAI, helping organisations assess their capabilities and identify practical opportunities for effective AI adoption through the mesura.ai platform.

Leads the technical development and delivery of SeyAI’s mesura.ai platform, supporting organisations with evidence-based AI readiness assessments and practical implementation.

Resident Academic at the University of Malta, specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, leading initiatives that make AI more accessible and practical across education, industry and the public sector.

Founding Partner at XPADIA, with extensive international experience in investment banking, financial services, asset and wealth management, and financial technology.

Director of Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills at MEYR, specialising in digital education, emerging technologies and AI. He is passionate about strengthening digital skills and making technology more accessible through education.

Panelists

Resident Academic at the University of Malta, specialising in behavioural economics, wellbeing, sustainability and public policy.

COO and Regional Head for Europe at Pilot Lite, with extensive international leadership experience and a key role in implementing and developing Malta’s Strategy for Financial Services.

Chief Officer of the Economics Division at the Central Bank of Malta, leading economic analysis and research and advising on monetary policy, with extensive expertise in pensions and social policy.

Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Malta and President of ASCS, representing and advocating for students pursuing commercial subjects across the University.

Recent Supply Chain and Logistics Management graduate from the Rotterdam School of Business, bringing a curious, motivated and young perspective to the discussion.

CEO of the Malta Development Bank, with over three decades of financial services experience spanning risk management, governance and regulatory compliance, with a focus on access to finance and sustainable growth.

Experienced professional within the MFSA’s Enforcement Function, combining regulatory expertise and a background in criminology with a strong focus on consumer protection and scam awareness.

Head of Investment Distribution at APS Bank, with over 30 years of financial services experience and a strong focus on investments, pensions, financial planning and investor education.

Chief Personal and Wealth Officer at Bank of Valletta, with extensive experience in banking and wealth management. He focuses on improving customer experience, financial accessibility and helping individuals make informed financial decisions.