ADVERTISEMENT
Christian Gravina, CEO of GCS Malta, speaks to Edward Bonello about how his firm evolved into a one-stop solution for businesses operating in Malta – offering a unique combination of personal service and professional breadth.
Being there for their clients is the name of the game for GCS Malta. “It’s all about providing that special attention to detail, while making the client feel they are in good hands at all times,” says Christian Gravina, Founder and CEO of GCS Malta. “Clients, especially from international jurisdictions, often need some extra direction as they are navigating unfamiliar seas, and we make sure to provide that. Then, the rest is pretty much technical detail, which flows naturally.”
Christian, 35, has managed to build what many seasoned professionals might spend a lifetime aspiring to achieve. In fact, GCS Malta has grown into a multi-faceted organisation offering a wide range of services in several fields, catering to an impressive mix of local and international clients.
Christian set up his self-employed business back in 2016, after gaining valuable experience in high-level roles within the sector. Just a year later, the foundations for what would become GCS were laid. In 2017, two distinct companies were formed – GCS Accounting and GCS Assurance – with the aim of creating a focused operation that could deliver specialised services to clients.
However, recognising that even their own firm occasionally struggled to find the right talent, GCS decided to turn a challenge into an opportunity by branching out into recruitment – a particularly delicate area of the modern economy.
“Initially, we strengthened our own recruitment infrastructure to ensure we attracted the best talent to our ranks, helping us deliver a stellar service to clients. However, we soon realised that talent acquisition was a widespread challenge. Rapidly, we gained experience in the field and opted to offer the service to third-party clients struggling to fill their vacancies,” Christian explains.
Today, GCS Recruitment has a dedicated team of no less than 10 specialists in the field, tackling placements not only in core areas such as accounting and financial services, but also hospitality, IT, business, and marketing.
“Naturally, our strong suit is accounting and finance, where we have two team members who are exclusively focused on those professions. However, we also perform exceptionally well in helping clients find the right fit in sectors such as hospitality and catering, which can be notoriously tricky to staff,” Christian adds.
“Malta’s economy has done remarkably well in recent years, which meant that we needed to fill thousands of vacancies in a relatively short period of time. There were moments when industry was forced to react, rather than plan ahead, given the expedited pace at which certain sectors developed. However, even as a country, we have learnt a great deal over the past few years and are using this experience as we march forward.”
Collectively, GCS employs around 90 people, providing what Christian proudly calls a “one-stop shop” for businesses looking to set up, run, and even, when needed, wind down operations in Malta.
“Whether it’s corporate services, tax, audit, accounting, or recruitment, GCS can be a convenient single point of contact for clients navigating Malta’s business landscape,” Christian remarks.
Topping the unique all-encompassing approach GCS offers, is a commitment to a timely and sterling service.
“There are many companies that offer audit and accounting,” Christian explains, “however, we opted to set ourselves apart by committing to strict timelines and adhering to them. This promise gives clients peace of mind, knowing when to expect feedback so they can plan more effectively, which is key in today’s fast-paced economic environment.”
GCS also places a premium on honesty with both its onboarded as well as prospective clients. “We make it a point to give clients full visibility on what we can realistically offer. Unfortunately, overpromising is sometimes the norm, and that never sits well with clients when expectations are not met. We try to help clients in the best way we can, and if we have the capacity, we’ll help. However, overpromising is not our style. That way, when a client gets a ‘yes’ from us, they can take it to the bank,” Christian notes.
This principle, he adds, is a two-way street which needs to be upheld by both GCS as the service provider, and the client.
“Clients want to know they’re being heard. Sometimes it’s as simple as acknowledging an email or getting on the phone with a client who might be in a bit of a fix. If you’re too busy to respond, it doesn’t reflect well. Being responsive is a key part of the trust-building process.”
That trust begins the moment a client walks through the door. Unlike many firms that take a piecemeal approach, GCS starts with corporate services, forming companies within a week, provided all due diligence checks are in place. From there, they roll out the rest: tax, audit, accounting, and even HR support. “We like to make clients feel at home. We show them that we’re genuinely interested in their success. It’s never reduced to a transactional relationship.”
And the personal approach pays off. A significant portion of GCS’s portfolio is composed of international clients who are typically unfamiliar with the local legal and corporate frameworks. “International clients can rest assured that we are able to help them navigate what may be uncharted waters, through a full suite of services, including obtaining residence permits, self-employed registration, company formation and registration, VAT registration, and more. We hold the client’s hand throughout the entire process as we lay the groundwork for the long term. That’s our concept: to be as helpful as possible, every step of the way.”
GCS’s client base is impressively diverse, ranging from gaming companies to crypto and investment firms, listed entities, and government bodies such as the Water Services Corporation, Identità, and Malta Air Traffic Services. The firm is also authorised by the Malta Gaming Authority to provide audit services to gaming and crypto clients – a growing segment that demands a nuanced understanding of the complex regulatory frameworks that govern it.
“At any given time, GCS manages around 350 corporate clients. We also cater for a robust demand for internal audit services from companies operating in payments, gaming and investments, as well as governmental entities. The firm’s advisory work ties it all together, offering strategic insights that clients can act on immediately,” Christian continues.
With an eye on diversification, Christian’s interest in the film and TV servicing industry has developed into a veritable business venture, having been directly involved in the production of leading local TV productions, as well as the servicing of international films which are shot in Malta. Through related company Media Exclusive, the firm has provided corporate services for household name productions such as Love Island and Family Feud.
“Looking ahead, we’re keeping a close eye on international productions seeking to tap into local funding opportunities, such as the film rebate offered by the Malta Film Commission and other incentives offered by Malta Enterprise. This effort is supported by collaboration with specialised professionals in the field who can deliver a sterling service to international clients, in an industry which is truly sui generis.”
“At the end of the day, it’s all about giving value to clients. If they can see that what we do has a direct and immediate impact on their success, then we have the basis for a successful and long-term relationship,” Christian concludes.
This article first appeared in the iGaming Capital 2026 edition. For more information on the iGaming Capital 2026 edition or on www.iGamingCapital.mt, get in touch via email on info@contenthouse.mt or on +356 2132 0713. Additionally, readers can visit the iGaming Capital portal at www.iGamingCapital.mt to stay updated on the latest developments in Malta’s iGaming industry.
