MFSA CEO Joseph Gavin back in office as of today

Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) CEO Joseph Gavin has resumed his position at the helm of country’s financial services watchdog as of Friday (today).

He had been “indisposed” for the past six weeks, with the MFSA announcing the news back on 15th June.

In his absence, Michelle Mizzi Buontempo was named acting CEO, and was described as having over twenty years of experience in the regulation and supervision of different areas within financial services, including supervision of investment firms and fiduciaries.

Just two days after Mr Gavin’s temporary departure, it was officially confirmed that Malta was getting off the Financial Action Task Force list of increased monitoring, the so-called grey list – a major development for the country’s economy.

Asked to comment on Mr Gavin’s return, an MFSA spokesperson said:

“CEO Joseph Gavin resumed his role on 28 July and immediately rolled up his sleeves to continue with his work.

“During his absence, the role of Acting CEO was in the competent hands of chief officer enforcement Michelle Mizzi Buontempo, who has decades of experience at the Authority and who works closely with the CEO through her role in the Executive Committee.

“Over the past few weeks – as well as going forward – it has been ‘business as usual’ at the MFSA.”