Smarter Regulation, More Agility: Digital Mindset, Better Services and Less Bureaucracy
As part of Malta SME Week 2026, The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry together with the Malta Business Registry organised ‘Smarter Regulation, More Agility’. The event provided a platform for open dialogue on legislative amendments, the Malta Business Wallet, the Youth Enterprise Framework, BAROS and opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery. It opened with a video message from Hon. Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects.
In his opening address, The Malta Chamber President, William Spiteri Bailey, highlighted the importance of translating digital transformation into practical solutions that reduce administrative burdens for businesses. He recalled that the original concept of a centralised repository for business due diligence emerged from discussions within The Malta Chamber’s Financial Services Committee five years ago.
“It is encouraging to see this translated into a practical digital solution. The Business Wallet is an important step towards the Once-Only Principle. Integrated systems, clear guidance, consistent decisions, reasonable timelines, and real-time application tracking must support this,” he said. Mr Spiteri Bailey emphasised that digital transformation must simplify compliance rather than merely transfer existing complexities to online platforms.
“Following the Budget 2027 speech, The Malta Chamber once again called for reducing unnecessary bureaucracy across Government entities and improving the efficiency of public services,” he added. He also stressed that businesses should not have to make repeated follow-ups simply to obtain a response from public authorities.
Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, CEO and Registrar at the Malta Business Registry, highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering more accessible and efficient services to businesses. “The Malta Business Wallet represents an important step in simplifying business interactions with public services, making processes more accessible, efficient and seamless. Together with the continued improvement of services through BAROS, it reflects the Malta Business Registry’s commitment to digitalisation as a means of reducing administrative burdens, streamlining procedures and delivering greater value to the business community.
“It also provides a foundation for further development, including initiatives that support youth-led start-ups, while our ongoing collaboration with The Malta Chamber will help ensure that future developments continue to address the evolving needs and expectations of businesses,” she said.
During the Fireside Chat, Dr Marthese Portelli, CEO of The Malta Chamber, highlighted that the success of the Malta Business Wallet (MBW) will depend on several key factors, particularly the accessibility and user-friendliness of the application. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that all government entities are connected to the Wallet, noting that its effectiveness will ultimately depend on both the level of adoption and utilisation by businesses and the active engagement of government authorities.
Dr Portelli also underlined the need for greater alignment and coordination between government authorities, stressing that this is essential to improving productivity and operational efficiency. “Businesses should not be required to repeatedly submit the same documentation to different entities. Greater coordination would help eliminate unnecessary duplication, simplify administrative procedures and reduce the bureaucratic burden on businesses,” she noted.
The event also featured a presentation by Annalise Zammit, COO and Deputy Registrar at the Malta Business Registry, on recent developments and updates within the organisation. Participants had the opportunity to take part in an interactive live demonstration of the Malta Business Wallet, gaining insight into its practical application and potential to simplify business processes. The programme also included a presentation and discussion on the Youth Enterprise Framework, led by Dr Dorita Cardona, Head of Legal and Enforcement at the Malta Business Registry.
