FinTech 2030: Shaping the Next Era of Financial Services

As financial services undergo a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI), tokenisation, digital assets and next generation payment technologies, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is bringing together some of the world's leading regulators, policymakers, innovators and industry leaders to help shape what comes next.

As one of the first jurisdictions in Europe to embrace innovation in financial services through dedicated regulatory frameworks and supervisory expertise in crypto assets, Malta continues to play an active role in shaping discussions around the future of digital finance. On 22 September 2026, the MFSA will host FinTech 2030: Shaping the Next Era of Financial Services at The Xara Lodge, Rabat, positioning Malta at the centre of international discussions on the future of finance.

The event comes at a pivotal moment for the sector. With the implementation of landmark European frameworks such as the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), the upcoming PSD3 and Payment Services Regulation (PSR), and growing interest in artificial intelligence and tokenisation, financial services are entering a new phase where innovation, competitiveness and trust must evolve together.

Ahead of the conference, MaltaToday spoke with Dr Christopher Aquilina, Head of FinTech Supervision at the MFSA, about the trends redefining financial services and the importance of balancing innovation with resilience and consumer protection.

Why is FinTech 2030 particularly relevant today?

The financial sector is experiencing a period of unprecedented technological change. Artificial intelligence, digital assets, tokenisation and new payment solutions are no longer emerging concepts. They are increasingly becoming integral components of the global financial ecosystem.

At the MFSA, our objective is to foster an environment where responsible innovation can flourish without compromising market integrity, financial stability or consumer protection. FinTech 2030 provides an important forum for industry leaders, policymakers and regulators to discuss how innovation can be deployed responsibly while addressing emerging risks.

One of the conference's key themes is European regulatory harmonisation. Why does this matter?

We are observing a significant shift towards a more harmonised regulatory framework across Europe. This is particularly important for firms seeking to operate across borders and benefit from a more consistent regulatory landscape.

Malta's early experience in digital asset regulation has provided valuable supervisory expertise, which can help firms navigate the transition towards EU-wide frameworks and standards. Harmonisation ultimately benefits both industry and consumers by providing greater certainty, consistency and trust.

What developments in payments and digital finance should businesses be paying attention to?

The future of payments requires both innovation and security. New European initiatives such as PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation are designed to enhance consumer protection, strengthen open banking, reduce fraud and improve access to digital financial services.

As payments become increasingly seamless and embedded within everyday digital experiences, maintaining security, operational resilience and consumer confidence will be essential. These reforms represent a significant step towards building a more efficient, competitive and resilient financial ecosystem.

Tokenisation and AI feature prominently on the agenda. Why?

Tokenisation and AI are reshaping financial services because they address two fundamental challenges. Firstly, how value is represented and transferred, and secondly how information is analysed and used.

Tokenisation can make assets more accessible, divisible and tradable, while improving transparency and settlement efficiency. AI can strengthen decision-making, automate processes, personalise services and enhance risk detection. Together, they can lower costs, widen participation and enable entirely new products and business models. However, both also raise important questions around governance, regulation, cybersecurity, data quality and consumer protection. Their prominence reflects not only their transformative potential, but the need to deploy them responsibly at scale.

What message would you like participants to take away from the conference?

The future of finance will be built on both innovation and trust. FinTech 2030 reflects the MFSA's commitment to supporting forward-looking innovation while maintaining robust supervisory standards.

The conference will feature distinguished speakers from the European Commission, CONSOB, CSSF Luxembourg, Estonia, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the World Federation of Exchanges, IBM Research Europe and other leading international organisations.

Discussions throughout the day will focus on the evolution of MiCA, supervisory convergence across Europe, stablecoins, PSD3 and the future of payments, tokenisation of securities and fund units, frontier and quantum AI systems, cybersecurity, and anti-money laundering risks within crypto-assets.

Technology presents enormous opportunities to improve financial services, expand access and drive economic growth. However, innovation can only succeed when supported by strong governance, effective regulation and sustained consumer confidence.

By convening global experts and regulatory leaders in Malta, the MFSA continues to strengthen the country's position as a respected financial centre and an active contributor to international regulatory and policy discussions on the future of financial services.

FinTech 2030: Shaping the Next Era of Financial Services will be held on 22 September 2026 at The Xara Lodge, Rabat. To view the full agenda and register, visit the MFSA FinTech 2030