Maria Callus - Analyst, Financial Crime Compliance, MFSA
Maria Callus successfully completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree with Honours in Banking and Finance at the University of Malta two years ago. Soon after, she joined the MFSA as a Junior Analyst with the Financial Crime Compliance team. After a year in the role, she was promoted to Analyst.
In these past two years, she had the opportunity to work with knowledgeable, passionate, and enthusiastic individuals, both from the MFSA as well as from other local and international authorities. In her job, she assists in the oversight of licence-holders in terms of AML/CFT. Together with her colleagues, she conducts onsite and offsite examinations on licence holders in order to make sure that the financial sector is compliant with Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism laws and regulations. In the past two years, she has acquired the Association of Certified Money-Laundering Specialist (ACAMs) certificate, a Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering, and has also enrolled for a Master’s degree in Forensic Accounting, with the support of the MFSA’s Self-Development Scheme.
We chatted with Maria about the opportunities that exist within the financial services sector, getting first-hand experience by working with Malta’s sole financial regulator as well as her hobbies, and more!
Why did you choose the MFSA as your workplace?
I was looking for a job that enabled me to put into practice what I had studied. Getting first-hand experience from the MFSA, which is Malta's single financial regulator, was something I aimed for. I decided to join the Authority because I wanted to gain exposure to all the sectors in the financial services industry, and to contribute towards the fight against financial crime.
What is the best thing about working at the MFSA?
The MFSA provides its employees with various opportunities, support in terms of career development, and flexibility in working hours. In addition, I believe that MFSA employees are highly valued both by senior management and by the People & Culture team.
I am also very grateful that I get to work with motivated, passionate, proficient, and supportive colleagues every day.
What would be your advice to graduates starting out their career in financial services?
The financial services industry is so vast that you will never get bored. The opportunities and chances to explore various areas within the industry are endless. My advice to new graduates is to do your research. Explore what you like and what you don’t. There is no better feeling than being excited to get up and get to work.
