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Payment Services Series : Safeguarding of Funds

Issue No 2 : Safeguarding of Funds

Payment and e-money institutions authorised under the Financial Institutions Act (Cap. 376) are required to safeguard clients’ funds in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.  This is fundamental to give consumers confidence that their funds are protected. 

The rationale behind safeguarding clients’ funds is fully understood and universally accepted, but the practical application of regulatory principles has proven at times to be rather complex.

Embark can assist in developing a robust safeguarding of funds framework.  Get in touch should you wish to learn more on how we can help.

This article was authored by Pierre-Paul Gauci (Senior Advisor – Regulatory and Business)

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Payment Services Series : PSD3-The EBA Wishlist

We are today launching a new series of informative articles covering key compliance issues in payment services.  Our articles will help you navigate the complex world of payments compliance helping you keep up-to-date with latest developments in this space.

Issue No 1: PSD3 – The EBA Wishlist

All eyes are set on the European Commission which is currently undergoing a review of the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2). While it is expected that a first legislative draft shall be published in Q2 2023, the coming into force of the revised Directive is expected to be well beyond 2023 in view of the long-wielded EU legislative processes.

In this article, we critically analyse key proposals made by the European Banking Authority in response to a Call for Advice by the European Commission – a first step towards shaping a revised Directive.

Embark (Malta) Ltd can provide you with specialist advisory services in relation to your payment and/or e-money business.

This article was authored by Pierre-Paul Gauci (Senior Advisor – Regulatory and Business)

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When consultancy is more than just mere advice

 

As a company seeks to grow, so do the responsibilities. Inhouse expertise may not always be available and when hard work is not enough for a solid strategy to take the business to new levels, an outsider’s unbiased perspective often turns out to be a key ingredient. It is about knowledge and skills-gaps in areas that may not be readily available internally. This is when a consultant’s role is a learning opportunity to take businesses to newer heights in the shortest time, filling in the identified areas for a smoother future.

 

The Benefits of a consulting associate

 

Specialisation

Different consultants specialise in distinct areas. Consultants can analyse your business providing an impartial perspective and offer the business with bespoke guiding solutions to the identified requirements.

Consultants bring with them a wealth of information and various business opportunities including any funding opportunities of which the business may not be aware of and which they can tap into.

Guidance can also be offered in various areas including succession planning, business continuity planning, strategic management, human resourcing as well funding options.

 

Expertise

Challenges are part of the daily business life. When such challenges require immediate corrective action and inhouse expertise is not readily available, consulting services have the possibility of acting fast. Companies that incorporate the use of consultants in their planning, avoid having to do that in a crisis situation with the consequence that it might not result as cost effective.

 

A bird’s eye view

Being captivated by the daily management of the organisation, business owners often struggle to see the complete picture. Strengths and weaknesses are part of each and every business, and with time it is very easy to become blinded to them and therefore, overlooked. As consultants often work in different industries, they have the ability to use this acquired knowledge and adapt it across other industries to see the bigger picture.

 

Expanding Your Business

Whether it is in the interest of growth, expansion, diversification or business innovation, a business consultant who specialises, and has practical experience in the identified area, can analyse the business identifying potential weaknesses and devising strategies to address these issues for a future-proof and sturdy growth.

 

Attracting and Retaining top talent

An expanding business is more attractive to prospective employees. Top talent is an asset for any company, and growth and expansion provide newer opportunities to present and future employees. Newer heights are also facilitated with top talent at hand. This is a winning streak either way.

 

Long Term Cost Effectiveness

It is to be ensured that the time and money allocated to the involvement of consultants is an investment and not a cost and is driven by a long-term plan. While you continue with the daily work of your business, consultants will be at work solving your company’s issue. This saves you valuable time which at the end of the day costs money. Your business stands to gain the knowledge of consultants where gaps can be identified thus provide your trusted employees with a learning experience in the identified skills gap.

 

Our policy is to provide you with our honest judgement which may not necessarily be what you would like to hear. This is our policy and how we build trust with all our clients. You can contact us with your requirements; there is no obligation. Our offices at Embark (Malta) Ltd may be reached between Monday and Friday between 8am and 5pm. You can also send us an email on info@embark.mt