Deputy Head (Financial Institutions)

About the Department

The FinTech Supervision function is responsible for the authorisation and supervision of entities operating under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the Financial Institutions Act. The function also acts as the Authority’s centre of expertise on digital finance and FinTech-related supervisory and policy matters. The function also works closely with internal stakeholders, national competent authorities, and European institutions to ensure consistent, effective, and forward-looking supervision in a rapidly evolving digital finance environment.

About the Role

During the Employment Period, the Employee shall carry out the following duties:

• Manage the sectors operating under the Virtual Financial Assets Act and Financial Institutions Act;
• Develop, review and implement strategies for the sectors that deliver impact and improvements using MFSA’s resources most efficiently;
• Exercise supervisory judgment in handling cases, challenging regulated entities and ensure that issues are dealt with expeditiously
• Lead, manage and mentor members of the assigned team(s) within the Function;
• Actively contribute to the leadership of the Function, improving its operations and providing input into the supervisory approach of regulated entities falling within the Function’s remit
• Lead the relationship with industry associations and regulated entities being capable of managing relationships with senior management;
• Develop and deliver a strong working relationship with other MFSA Functions to support the delivery of MFSA’s objectives;
• Be a Fintech Champion and advocate for the development of FinTech related initiatives both internally within the Authority and externally;
• Representing the MFSA in relevant local, EU and international fora and engage with other competent authorities as necessary;
• Deputise for the Head of FinTech Supervision as may be required from time to time; and

You will also be expected to undertake any other duties that may arise depending on the exigencies of the Function and the Authority.

About you

We are looking for candidates with solid academic background which may be considered as relevant to this post. The role calls for an academic qualification in a relevant field of study at National Qualification Framework Level 6 or better, duly certified by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) or a widely recognised professional qualification at a comparable level.

You will also possess a minimum of six (6) years working experience in a senior level in the area related to the role. Candidates with longer working experience relevant to the role will be preferred. If you do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but you have at least ten (10) years of relevant experience in a senior level, we would still be interested in speaking with you.

Skills and competencies:

• Strong leadership capability with a track record of managing, motivating, and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
• Sound regulatory judgement and the ability to take balanced, defensible decisions in complex and high-risk situations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulatory, financial, and operational information critically.
• Strategic mindset combined with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to execution and delivery.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and independence, aligned with public-interest and supervisory values.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to influence, challenge, and engage effectively at senior and international level.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, operate under pressure, and deliver outcomes within tight timelines.
• Strong organisational and governance awareness, with attention to risk management, controls, and accountability.
• Resilience and adaptability in responding to regulatory change, market developments, and evolving supervisory expectations.

Other Important Information

The MFSA is an Equal Opportunities Employer as certified by the NCPE (National Commission for the Protection of Equality) and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will take care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures. The MFSA reserves the right to withdraw this call at any time and not to select any of the Candidates.

It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Applicants should do so preferably at application stage or otherwise at the preliminary interview should an applicant be selected for such interview. Details can be obtained by accessing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education website on www.ncfhe.gov.mt under MQRIC heading.

The MFSA shall ensure that any processing of personal data is in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta) and any other relevant European Union and national law. For further details, you may refer to the Data Protection Policy on the MFSA webpage www.mfsa.mt. Candidates are to note that the submission of any false statement/s or omission, even if unintended, may lead to the cancellation of their application and may render the candidate's appointment liable to termination.

Furthermore, please note that candidates may be asked to submit any documentation in support of the information provided, including but not limited to, proof of qualifications and Police Conduct Certificates.

Public Call Permit: 423/2026