AIBC Eurasia workshop: MDIA & MFSA push for Safe Innovation

February 17, 2025

AIBC Eurasia workshop: MDIA & MFSA push for Safe Innovation

The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) are set to host a pivotal workshop titled “Towards Safe Innovation” at the upcoming AIBC Eurasia event in Dubai. Scheduled for February 24, 2025, from 15:50 to 16:40, the session will take place at the Festival Arena in Festival City. This workshop underscores Malta’s commitment to fostering technological advancement while ensuring regulatory robustness. This workshop is part of a major industry event that brings together global regulators, industry experts, and technology leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of AI, digital finance, and innovation security.

Leading the discussion will be Alan Decelis, Head of Supervisory ICT Risk and Cybersecurity at MFSA, and Neil Micallef, AI Supervision and Market Surveillance Manager at MDIA.

Alan Decelis emphasized the MFSA’s dedication to balancing innovation with regulatory integrity, stating, “In line with our vision to be a leading forward-looking financial services regulator, at the MFSA we embrace innovation whilst continuing to meet our statutory objectives of financial stability, market integrity and consumer protection. We look forward to exchanging insights on enabling safe innovation during our workshop with MDIA at AIBC Eurasia 2025.”

The MFSA’s presentation will cover key principles of safe innovation and the critical role of regulators in achieving this goal. Additionally, discussions will explore Digital Finance Regulations, as well as emerging opportunities and challenges in the sector.

Neil Micallef highlighted the MDIA’s mission, noting, “The MDIA’s mission is to lead as the national focal point which directs and facilitates the secure and optimal uptake of digital innovation. Partnering with the Malta Financial Services Authority at AIBC Eurasia 2025 allows us to highlight Malta’s steadfast commitment to this goal.”

The MDIA will provide insights into Malta’s innovation landscape, covering AI adoption statistics and national AI pilot projects. A key segment will focus on the MDIA’s approach to overseeing the implementation of the EU AI Act in Malta. The discussion aims to demonstrate how an efficient strategy and communication plan can streamline compliance while maintaining safe innovation for all stakeholders in the AI value chain.

With both regulatory bodies coming together, this workshop promises to be a crucial platform for discussing the future of safe and regulated innovation in the digital age.

About MDIA & MFSA

The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) is responsible for promoting innovation while ensuring compliance with industry standards, particularly in AI and emerging technologies. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) regulates and supervises financial services to ensure stability and consumer protection in the digital economy.