UpToSpeed 2023

Location Intercontinental Hotel, St. George's Bay, St. Julian's, Malta, STJ 3310, MT

Time 08:30 - 13:30

Register

UpToSpeed 2023 provides an overview of the salient features and changes affecting the business environment and industry in general, including accounting standards and legislation, taxation updates, economic developments as well as sustainability changes. Covering a broad spectrum of business areas, this event is a unique opportunity to get up to speed with the latest developments that are expected to shape the business landscape. 

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for all accountants and auditors, business owners and practitioners who wish to remain updated on developments in financial reporting, taxation, economic situation and sustainability matters.

Programme 

  • 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration
  • 09:00 – 09:45 | Shawn Falzon | Financial reporting update
  • 09:45 – 10:30 | Chris Meilak | Economic update
  • 10:30 – 11:00 | Break
  • 11:00 – 11:45 | Dr. Robert Attard | Tax Update
  • 11:45 – 12:30 | Dr. Kathrin Kutlescha | Sustainability reporting update
  • 12:30 – 13:30 | Light lunch and networking opportunity

CPE Accreditation

This workshop is eligible for 2.25 Core and 0.75 Professional Development CPE hours. 

Fee

Registration fee for this event is €90. Discounted registration fee for EY Alumni €67.50.

Session Outline

Financial Reporting Update: Shawn Falzon (45 minutes)

The world faces significant challenges, from building post-COVID-19 pandemic prosperity to addressing major environmental threats. Enhanced corporate reporting can play a central role in helping organizations to navigate turbulence and help to build a sustainable future. This session will provide interesting insight on the transformation of reporting. We will look at the IASB agenda, priorities, upcoming standards and projects.

International Tax Developments: Robert Attard (45 minutes)

The seminar will discuss the latest developments occurring in the area of international taxation focusing on EU initiatives and proposals including P2D, Unshell, SAFE and changes to the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation. In addition, the seminar will explain how these initiatives could impact on the Maltese Tax System.

Economic Update: Chris Meilak (45 minutes)

Ever since COVID-19, economies have experienced turbulent times, and continue to do so – disruptions in supply chains and labour market supply, the energy crisis, high inflation and tightening monetary policy. The session will focus on the key macro-economic indicators, as well as some emerging trends which will frame economic development in years to come.

Sustainability Reporting Update: Kathrin Kutlescha (45 minutes)

The EU has been overhauling and tightening its regime on non-financial disclosures substantially over the past years as part of its sustainable finance and environmental protection agenda. This session will look into key regulatory requirements in EU sustainability reporting, including how company boards can get involved, preparedness and key challenges as well as opportunities.

Speakers

Shawn Falzon is a Partner and Assurance Leader of EY’s practice in Malta. He has been working with EY since 2000.  Shawn is a fellow member of the Malta Institute of Accountants and fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and Management from the University of Malta. He is an approved Auditor by the Malta Financial Services Authority and is authorized to audit accounts of insurance companies and insurance intermediaries.   Shawn serves a number of Public Interest entities and other high profile clients, and is a Council Member of the Malta Institute of Accountants.

Chris Meilak is a Partner and Economist at EY’s Strategy and Transactions service line, leading the local Valuation, Modelling & Economics service offering.  He has been involved in economic research, business valuations and business modelling, cost-benefit analysis and financial and economic feasibility studies. Chris is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MA in Economics and the ACCA degree and is a recognised lecturer in Economics and past lecturer in Accountancy degrees.

Robert Attard is EY Malta's Tax Leader, a tenured senior lecturer at the University of Malta and a member of the European Association of Tax Law Professors. In the 2015-2017 General Report on the Protection of Taxpayers’ Rights, Robert was described as a well-known authority broadly experienced in the practical protection of taxpayers’ rights and a prominent member of the legal practice. In Malta, Robert argued cases at all levels arguing a suite of Constitutional cases that have led to a paradigm shift relating to the legal classification of administrative penalties. He has published extensively on tax law and his books have been quoted by the Maltese Courts. He submitted arguments in the Grand Chamber Case ECtHR Case Lekic v. Slovenia and forms part of the Supervisory Council of the Observatory for Taxpayers’ Rights. In 2021, the EATLP invited him to draft its submissions to the EU Commission relating to EU taxpayers’ rights.

Kathrin Kutlescha is a Manager at EY’s Economic Advisory sub-service line with a special focus on sustainability and climate change issues. She joined EY earlier this year and has more than 11 years of experience across various technical, regulatory and policy focused roles in the chemical and energy industry as well as the public service in Germany, Belgium, the UK and Malta. She holds a Diploma in Biochemistry and a PhD in Chemistry/Natural Sciences from the University of Bayreuth (Germany).