During the difficult economic climate in the past year, the Malta Stock Exchange has provided an alternative for raising capital. €386 million have been raised and the successful issues indicate confidence in the Maltese capital market.

The confidence in the Maltese financial services sector has remained unchanged due to the prudence, reasonableness and integrity of operators and issuers. This together with fair treatment of investors has led to a reputation built on values.

The recently appointed chairman of the MSE, Dr Arthur Galea Salamone, held that the prospects of the Exchange are looking optimistic and in this regard the Exchange will adopt a “heightened pro-active business approach.” There are plans for the Exchange to continue to improve and expand the range of products and services. This expansion will also serve to continue the process of internationalisation of the Exchange.

This strong reputation coupled with the Exchange’s modern standards, offers an ideal business opportunity to issuers providing an entry to the EU capital market and also to markets of non-EU countries. Moreover, there is ongoing work to target small to medium-sized businesses on a domestic level by the development of the Exchange Regulated Market. This will allow such enterprises to access the capital market with smaller equity and bond issues.

Considering the above, the future development of the Exchange promises good business opportunities for issuers, stockbrokers and investors alike.