Thomas Cremona takes a deep dive into Malta's evolving business landscape, where consolidation is becoming the norm. With family succession declining, regulatory demands rising, and foreign competition increasing, Maltese businesses are navigating a new era. Cremona examines how strategic mergers can drive growth, efficiency, and resilience in this dynamic environment.

Richard Muscat Azzopardi explores the hidden costs of misaligned business relationships, arguing that tension should fuel growth, not drain energy, and advocates for creating a values-driven manifesto to guide partnerships. Aligning on core principles can minimise stress, boost productivity, and foster long-term business success.

Paul Rostkowski examines Malta's untapped potential in private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC). While known for its affordability and business-friendly environment, he argues that Malta must redefine itself through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration to emerge as a leading jurisdiction for transformative investment opportunities.

In Tangentopoli, Manuel Delia examines Italy's 1990s corruption scandal that toppled its First Republic, revealing a system fueled by kickbacks from public contracts and compromised governance. The investigation, Mani Pulite (Clean Hands), exposed deep political rot, drawing parallels to Malta's current challenges, where political financing and corruption scandals echo those of Italy's past, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and reform to safeguard democratic integrity.

The real estate industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technology and evolving investor expectations. Justin Mizzi, head property valuer and advisor at Archi+, and Bradley George Tayne, co-franchise owner at Zanzi Prime, explore why transparency is essential for a competitive edge, how PropTech is revolutionising market data, and what Malta must do to adapt to the demands of a new generation of investors.

In his analysis of Malta's 2025 budget, economist JP Fabri highlights its focus on stimulating consumption through tax cuts and social handouts. While these measures provide short-term socio-economic relief, Malta risks undermining its long-term economic resilience and competitiveness without significant investments in productivity-enhancing reforms.

MONEY delves into the SiGMA conference, a marquee event touted as a boon for Malta's economy. But as residents endure gridlocked streets and disrupted routines, we ask: does this event serve the "greater good," or is it a spectacle benefiting the gaming elite at the public's expense?

Malta's investment landscape is spotlighted in EY's 20th Attractiveness Survey. Despite 70% of foreign investors planning to stay, challenges like talent shortages, rising costs, and infrastructure woes persist. MONEY analyses the findings, highlighting the factors driving investor confidence and the critical areas that demand immediate attention.

Malta's private rental market has transformed remarkably, fueled by digital innovation and a surge in foreign tenants. Matthew Zerafa, chief executive officer and Brian Micallef, executive head responsible for digitalisation, legal and communications, explain how the Housing Authority's efforts—ranging from rent registers to dashboards—are setting new standards for transparency, streamlining processes, and shaping policies through data-driven insights.

Malta, a Mediterranean island famed for its sun-drenched shores and strategic location, is navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. As this small island stands on the sidelines of global power plays, the emergence of BRICS—a formidable alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—brings glittering opportunities and shadowy challenges. So, what does this all mean for Malta? MONEY takes a closer look at how BRICS might shape the future of this resilient island.

Victor Calleja interviews six of Malta's leading economic minds: Marthese Portelli, CEO of the Malta Chamber; Marisa Xuereb, former president of the Malta Chamber; Paul Bonello, economist; Ronald Attard, EY Malta country managing partner; Norman Aquilina, group chief executive of Farsons Group; and Chris Vassallo Cesareo, president of the Malta Chamber, to discuss Malta's economic journey over the past two decades as an EU member and its future challenges.

Having been re-elected as President of the European Parliament in July 2024, Roberta Metsola remains a leader of one of the three central decision-making institutions in Brussels and the EU. MONEY asks about her plans and priorities in her continued role in light of brewing conflict on EU borders and her thoughts on specific sectors within the local context of Malta.

What lies ahead for Malta's financial services in the coming years? We now have a national strategy, but Vanessa Macdonald asked some of the country's influential stakeholders how they see things.

Dayna Camilleri Clarke recently had the opportunity to sit down with the executive directors, Mark Jr. and Keith Laferla, along with senior management team member Kevin Laferla. During their discussion, they delved into the pillars of their success, the impact of family dynamics on their business, and their exciting plans for pioneering innovation in the years to come.