A show of strength for Malta at SiGMA Rome 2026

With SiGMA World 2026 underway, Malta is presenting a united front in Rome, with GamingMalta, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Malta Enterprise (ME), Identità and Bank of Valletta (BOV) coming together at a shared booth under the Make It in Malta banner. The joint presence gives international operators, suppliers and investors direct access to the organisations supporting Malta’s gaming ecosystem, spanning regulation, investment, financial services and talent mobility.

The event marks the first time GamingMalta and the MGA have shared a dedicated space at SiGMA Rome. This joint participation, alongside three other key national entities, reflects an increasingly coordinated approach to strengthening Malta’s international competitiveness and supporting businesses interested in establishing or expanding their operations on the island.

For GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti, the value of this collaboration lies in addressing the practical considerations that influence business decisions.

“When an international operator considers Malta, the questions extend well beyond licensing. Businesses want to understand the investment environment, how they can recruit talent, access banking services and develop their operations over the long term. Bringing the relevant entities together means we can address these questions in a coordinated manner, with direct access to the organisations responsible for each area. It also allows us to understand the challenges businesses are facing and identify where further improvements may be needed.”

Mr Filletti sees the joint presence as part of GamingMalta’s ongoing efforts to maintain the country’s position in an increasingly competitive international industry.

“Our work to continue strengthening Malta’s iGaming sector is relentless. We have built a strong international reputation over more than two decades, but we cannot afford to take that success for granted. We are constantly engaging with the industry, listening to its needs and working with our partners to ensure that Malta continues to offer a competitive environment for businesses to establish themselves, invest and grow.”

The initiative also builds on GamingMalta’s Make It in Malta campaign, which highlights the experiences of international gaming businesses that have established a presence on the island and subsequently expanded their operations, demonstrating the opportunities available within Malta’s gaming ecosystem.

As the regulatory body overseeing gaming activities in Malta, the MGA plays a central role, providing an opportunity to engage with the international industry on emerging regulatory challenges, including technological developments and evolving risks within the sector.

MGA CEO Charles Mizzi stated: “Malta’s reputation as an established gaming jurisdiction has been built on a regulatory framework that places considerable importance on integrity, accountability and player protection. Maintaining that credibility requires continuous engagement with the industry and a regulatory approach that responds effectively to new developments and emerging risks.

“SiGMA Rome provides an opportunity to discuss these priorities directly with operators, suppliers and other stakeholders, while reinforcing the importance of strong regulatory standards for sustainable growth. Our joint presence with GamingMalta and the other participating entities also allows businesses to gain a broader understanding of Malta’s operating environment, bringing the different aspects of establishing and maintaining a presence in the jurisdiction into one conversation.”

Meanwhile, Malta Enterprise’s participation focuses on the investment opportunities Malta offers and the support available to businesses looking to establish, expand or strengthen their presence in the country. As Malta’s economic development agency, it plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment while supporting the growth of locally established businesses. Its engagement with investors spans the initial exploration and assessment of business opportunities through to subsequent stages of expansion, diversification and reinvestment.

Malta Enterprise offers a comprehensive range of services designed to facilitate investment and business development. These include market intelligence, sector-specific guidance, assistance in identifying suitable business premises and coordination with the relevant public authorities. The agency also provides information and guidance on financial assistance measures and incentives supporting areas such as innovation, research and development, and skills development, subject to the eligibility criteria of each scheme.

Maria Zammit Micallef, Coordinator – Centre of Excellence, FDI and Large Enterprises at Malta Enterprise, commented: “Malta offers an attractive and supportive environment for businesses seeking new investment opportunities and sustainable growth. Our role is to understand each investor’s objectives and provide the guidance and support needed to translate their ambitions into successful business ventures. During the conference in Rome, we look forward to engaging with companies at different stages of their investment journey, from those considering Malta as a potential location for their operations to businesses already established in the country and exploring further opportunities for growth.

“Through these engagements, we aim to showcase Malta’s business proposition, provide practical insight into the local investment landscape and facilitate connections with the relevant stakeholders. By working closely with prospective and existing investors, Malta Enterprise seeks to build long-term partnerships that create value for businesses while contributing to Malta’s continued economic development.”

Gaming operators, suppliers and prospective investors exploring their banking options in Malta can meet Bank of Valletta directly at SiGMA Rome. With more than 50 years of experience in Malta’s financial services sector, BOV is on hand to discuss businesses’ requirements across a range of services, including multicurrency accounts and payment solutions, foreign exchange and treasury services, business financing, corporate cards and investment banking.

Throughout the event, BOV representatives are discussing businesses’ financial services requirements and the process of establishing a banking relationship with the bank, including the relevant due diligence requirements and documentation relating to company ownership, management structures, licensing and economic substance in Malta. Alongside the other entities at the shared booth, the bank is providing the financial services perspective that complements their regulatory and business-support expertise.

“SiGMA Rome gives us an opportunity to understand businesses’ plans for Malta and discuss their financial services requirements, particularly international payments and opening an account. We want these conversations to help businesses understand their options and make informed decisions about their banking needs. Alongside explaining the bank’s services, we will clarify the due diligence requirements involved. Understanding each company’s ownership, management, licensing and operations in Malta is an essential part of that process, particularly where player funds are concerned,” said BOV’s Aldo Scardino, Head of Specialised Business Banking.

International recruitment is another defining feature of Malta’s gaming industry, with companies regularly looking beyond national borders to attract specialised talent. Identità’s participation at SiGMA Rome gives businesses an opportunity to address the administrative requirements involved in bringing international employees to Malta.

As the government agency responsible for identity management, civil status and residence documentation, Identità plays an important role in supporting the country’s international workforce. Its services include processing residence permits, administering Single Permit applications for third-country nationals and providing guidance on employment-related residence routes for highly qualified professionals.

“Employers and potential foreign employees need clear guidance on the procedures involved in recruiting foreign nationals in Malta. At SiGMA Rome we are engaging directly with businesses and other potential stakeholders, answering questions about residence and employment permits, and explaining the different options available for the relocating of skilled professionals to Malta.

“We are also continuing to invest in digital services that make these processes more accessible and efficient. Employers can submit applications through our online platforms, monitor their progress and access the information they need. Identità is currently working on further streamlining and simplifying its online application processes, with the aim of making its services more efficient, accessible and user-friendly. These ongoing improvements are intended to facilitate the application process, reduce unnecessary administrative procedures and enhance the overall customer experience. Being part of Malta’s joint presence gives us an opportunity to support businesses at an early stage of their planning,” the CEO of Identità, Dr Edric Zahra, said.

The discussions in Rome are offering businesses an opportunity to explore their plans directly with the Maltese entities best placed to assist them, while providing GamingMalta and its partners with valuable insight into the industry’s evolving needs. These insights will help inform continued efforts to strengthen Malta’s position as an international iGaming hub.

SiGMA World 2026 runs until 5 November in Rome. You can visit the Malta booth at H3-3087 and pre-book your meetings here.