Head - Regulatory Product Development

Reporting to the Chief Officer (Strategy, Policy and Market Development), the Head of Regulatory Product Development will:

• Lead and manage the Regulatory Product Development Unit, ensuring effective delivery against the Authority’s strategic priorities and objectives.
• Develop and implement the Authority’s regulatory product development approach, ensuring alignment with MFSA’s strategy, policy direction and evolving regulatory mandate.
• Provide authentic and visible leadership by maintaining a highly hands-on engagement in critical initiatives and day to day matters where required, leading by example, demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism and integrity and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Assess and develop new products, services, and initiatives in response to regulatory developments, market needs, emerging trends and strategic priorities.
• Translate strategic priorities, policy developments and market intelligence into practical product development initiatives and implementation plans.
• Lead the end-to-end development lifecycle of new and enhanced products and initiatives, from concept development and feasibility assessment through to design, implementation and review.
• Conduct and coordinate feasibility, impact and needs assessments to support evidence-based product development and prioritisation.
• Establish appropriate methodologies, governance arrangements and processes for the evaluation, prioritisation, development and implementation of product initiatives.
• Work closely with the Strategy & Policy and Market Research Units, as well as other relevant Units of the Authority to ensure that product development and related initiatives are appropriately designed and effectively implemented.
• Engage with relevant industry participants and other external stakeholders, where appropriate, to understand market developments, identify emerging needs and obtain insights that support product development.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance, effectiveness, and continued relevance of products and frameworks, identifying opportunities for enhancement and making the necessary recommendations as necessary.
• Support the Authority in responding proactively to developments in financial services, including emerging business models, technologies and products.
• Prepare high-quality proposals, business cases, reports, recommendations and presentations for consideration by the Chief Officer, Executive Committee, Board of Governors and relevant governance bodies.
• Establish appropriate performance indicators and reporting mechanisms to monitor the Product Development Unit's activities, deliverables and outcomes.
• Manage the Unit's resources, work programme and budget effectively and ensure appropriate governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Lead, develop and support officials within the Regulatory Product Development Unit, fostering a collaborative, innovative and high-performing working environment.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and represent the Authority, as required, in relevant local and international fora.
• Undertake frequent travel, as required, in connection with the performance of his/her duties.
• Handle any other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Strategy, Policy and Legal) and Chief Officer (Strategy, Policy and Market Development) and/or as may be required by the MFSA from time to time based on the exigencies of the Authority.

About You:

• Qualification at MQF Level 6 or equivalent in Law, Accountancy, Banking, Finance, Business Administration, Financial Services, Insurance, Economics or another related area. A postgraduate qualification and/or relevant professional certification would be considered an asset.
• A minimum of 7 years of senior-level experience in product development, financial services, strategy, innovation, regulatory policy or another related area, including experience involving responsibility for the delivery of complex initiatives. A minimum of 14 years' relevant experience will be considered where an applicant is not in possession of an MQF Level 6 or equivalent qualification.
• Strong understanding of the financial services sector and the regulatory environment within which the Authority operates.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing products, services, frameworks or strategic initiatives from concept through to delivery.
• Experience in assessing business, regulatory or market needs and translating these into practical solutions and implementation plans.
• Strong understanding of product development methodologies, project delivery, business analysis and continuous improvement practices.
• Ability to understand and assess emerging regulatory, technological and market developments and their potential implications for the Authority and the financial services sector.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking capabilities, with the ability to evaluate complex information and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within established timelines.
• Experience in leading and developing teams and working effectively across multidisciplinary and cross-functional environments.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to establish effective relationships with senior management, internal stakeholders, industry participants and other external stakeholders.

Skills and Competencies:

• Product Development: Ability to lead the development and enhancement of products, services and initiatives from concept through to implementation and review.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand broader organisational priorities and translate strategic objectives into practical development initiatives.
• Innovation: Ability to identify opportunities for innovation and develop solutions that enhance organisational and regulatory effectiveness.
• Financial Services & Regulatory Awareness: Strong understanding of financial services developments and the regulatory environment and ability to assess their implications for product development.
• Analytical & Commercial Acumen: Ability to assess needs, opportunities, feasibility and impact and translate analysis into practical recommendations.
• Leadership: Ability to lead, develop and motivate teams while promoting accountability, collaboration and high performance.
• Project & Delivery Management: Ability to manage complex initiatives, competing priorities and cross-functional dependencies through to successful delivery.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Maltese and English, including the ability to present complex matters clearly and effectively to senior stakeholders.
• Strong reasoning ability, integrity, and high ethical standards.
• An individual of good moral character.
• A hands-on approach and ability to work long hours.
• People oriented and results driven.
• Flexibility, Adaptability and resilience under pressure.

Only eligible applicants will be considered and given the opportunity to attend for a first interview. Successful candidates will be shortlisted and will be called for a second interview.

The selected candidate will be required to undergo relevant tests, background checks, and security screening prior to being offered the position in view of the sensitive nature of this role. Such checks may be conducted on an ongoing basis thereafter.

The Authority reserves the right to obtain references on the applicant from independent sources.