Vacancy of Deputy Director
(Investment Firms and Market Infrastructure)
within the
Securities and Markets Supervision Unit
Introduction
The specific information being provided below is in addition to and complements the basic
details included in the relevant public call for the vacancy in question.
The Securities and Markets Supervision Unit is responsible for the supervision of

investment service licence holders,

collective investment schemes,

fund management and related fund services operations,

supervision of Recognised Investment Exchanges,

admissibility to listing on recognised investment exchanges,

prospectuses,

trusts and trustees,

corporate service providers

and the oversight of the financial markets including the prevention of market
abuse.
As part of those activities the Unit is responsible for the transposition of various European
Directives and Regulations including MiFID II, AIFMD, EMIR, CSD, CRD IV, PD, TD, and
MAD/MAR. This requires input at various European fora including ESMA, at the Board of
Supervisors and various EU Working Parties.
There have been an increasing number of licence holders generally. There is now also a
substantial commitment to various European negotiations, with the attendant domestic
implementation of that European legislation.
Purpose behind the Recruitment
The Deputy Director - Investment Firms and Markets Infrastructure is primarily responsible
for the prudential supervision of Investment Firms and the supervision of regulated markets
and post trading infrastructure.
The Job Holder will adopt the MFSA’s supervisory approach to these firms to ensure that
investors are duly protected and the integrity of financial markets is safeguarded.
The Job Holder is also responsible for supporting the Director of the Unit in establishing the
relevant supervisory priorities, implementing these priorities and generally delivering the
Unit’s strategy.
The Unit’s activities are divided into two mainstreams: on-site and off-site supervision. The
selected candidate will be responsible to oversee both areas ensuring quality of output,
compliance with the MFSA procedures and the general achievement of supervisory strategy.
Qualifications Required
o A University of Malta Honours Degree or equivalent in a Financial or Economic
discipline or a comparable recognised qualification at NQF level 6 or better, duly certified
by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC)*.
o Possession of a relevant Post Graduate Degree and/or related professional qualification,
e.g. CFA would be considered an asset.
Eligibility
o Six (6) years of relevant industry experience at a senior level.
o
Strong knowledge of the Investments Firms and Regulated Market sector including EU
driven legislation.
o
Strong leadership and people management skills, ability to manage competing priorities
and a challenging workload and able to build relationships with external and internal
counterparties and to provide an excellent image of the MFSA with external
stakeholders.
o Experience in securities regulation and supervision would be considered an asset.
Duties
The selected will be expected to report to, and keep close liaison with the Director of the Unit
in creating the supervisory strategy for the Investment Firms and Market Infrastructure.
His/Her tasks will also include:
 Proactively lead, coach and manage the members of the team providing leadership
and direction to the members of the team;
 Adopt a full range of supervisory tasks within off-site and on-site supervision
adopting a high quality of output and compliance with procedures;
 Maintain the supervisory relationship with the major firms and/or high risk firms
ensuring that s/he acts as the ‘external face’ of the MFSA with these entities;
 Ensure that the team oversees the portfolio of firms within its remit ensuring that it
proactively mitigates supervisory risks in a rigorous and effective manner;
 Act as project sponsor or project manager in respect of projects that impact the team
including but not limited in respect of timely transposition of EU Directives;
 Interface with other Deputy Directors, Directors, Director General and other senior
officials within the MFSA;
 Compile the On-Site supervision programme and ensure that this is delivered ensuring
that on-site team meets high regulatory standards when interfacing with investment
firms;
 Address firm specific complex issues and problems and drive investigations where the
investigation team may involve cross functional participation from other Units;
 Act as a coach and mentor to members of the team ensuring that they acquire the
necessary experience and motivating them to achieve their professional and personal
development goals; and
 Undertake other jobs or tasks as delegated by the Director and/or the Director
General.
Soft Skills Required
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
ability to multi-task and to meet strict deadlines
good judgement
ability to lead and inspire a team
ability to listen actively and to work on one’s initiative when necessary
well developed written and verbal communication skills
good negotiation skills
a high degree of numeracy
a high degree of self confidence
* 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.org.mt under MQRIC heading.
An Application Form related to the above vacancy may be accessed by clicking here. A
scanned copy of the completed and signed Form can be sent by email on
[email protected]. Candidates opting to apply via post are to send the completed
Application Form duly signed, for the attention of the Chief Operations Officer, Malta
Financial Services Authority, Notabile Road Attard BKR 3000. Candidates may opt to
include a C.V. and/or any additional details with the Application Form.
Applications will be received by not later than Friday, 16th January 2015.
ETC Permit Reference: 204/2014