Malta’s ambitions to strengthen its position in the global private capital market took a significant step forward last month as dozens of finance professionals took part in the island’s first-ever private equity and venture capital (PEVC) masterclass.

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Organised by the Malta Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (PEVCA Malta), the four-day certified programme brought together senior players from across the finance industry for an intensive training in the theory and practice of private capital markets.

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The masterclass was led by Gavin Ryan, a veteran of the global private equity space and a consultant to the World Bank, whose track record includes managing funds for Advent International, Soros Fund Management, and a €2.5 billion green energy asset manager. He was joined by international experts including Albert Alsina of Mediterrania Capital Partners, Hakim Khelifa of AfricInvest, Francesco Scotto of Zarattini International, Albert Cilia of Trident Trust, Eric Mackay of PwC Malta, and Ian Meli from the Malta Financial Services Authority.

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Held at Hilton Malta, the programme covered the full spectrum of the private equity lifecycle, from foundational principles and fund structuring to performance analysis, deal assessment, and exit strategy. Participants engaged with real-world case studies, simulations, and interactive workshops, gaining practical insights into value creation, due diligence, ESG integration, and risk mitigation strategies.

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The training began with a deep dive into the role of private equity within today’s financial system, exploring how value is created, how to target the right investors, and the critical steps involved in fundraising and fund structuring. This was followed by an in-depth look at fund and performance analysis, equipping professionals with the tools to evaluate fund success, understand valuation principles, and manage portfolios effectively through the venture, growth, and buyout phases.

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Attention then turned to deal execution and exit strategy, with sessions focused on strategic due diligence, negotiation techniques, and harvesting investments. A key highlight was the negotiation simulation, which enabled participants to apply their learning in a practical setting. Real-world case studies were used throughout to reinforce the theoretical concepts being taught.

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The masterclass concluded with a CEO Seminar, bringing together fund managers, institutional investors, and regulators for a high-level discussion moderated by Gavin Ryan. Speakers including Albert Cilia, Francesco Scotto, Eric Mackay, and Ian Meli explored the opportunities and challenges facing Malta as a jurisdiction for private capital. They highlighted the island’s English-speaking and highly skilled workforce, close engagement with regulators, and strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

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One idea that garnered strong support during the seminar was the establishment of a fund of funds to help mobilise capital into Malta’s private equity and venture capital ecosystem. Advocates described it as a potential catalyst for attracting both local and international investment, creating the foundation for a more dynamic and resilient private capital sector.

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The training programme was held in collaboration with the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and FinanceMalta, and supported by PwC Malta, Trident Trust, and Zarattini International.

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As private capital continues to reshape the global investment landscape, initiatives like this masterclass suggest Malta is serious about building the talent, infrastructure, and credibility it needs to compete.

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