Early Leaders Emerge!

The Nations Cup got off to a lively start with a competitive and hard-fought opening round, quickly giving us a first look at how this year’s tournament might shape up.

The Rest of the World set the early pace with a strong all-round showing, claiming a 5–1 win over Malta. Solid performances across the matches helped them build momentum early and turn it into a clear advantage on the scoreboard.

Hot on their heels, the Scandis & Nordics produced a calm and efficient display to secure a 4½–1½ victory against GB & I. As defending champions, they looked composed and well organised, keeping themselves firmly in the mix from the outset.

GB & I showed flashes of quality but couldn’t quite swing the matches their way, while Malta faced a tough opening test. Both teams, though, will be keen to bounce back as the next rounds get underway. Next matchday will be on 1st February.

The Spectrum IFA Group is once again proudly supporting the tournament and Craig and Jozef were there on the day to present Spectrum’s offering. With Round One complete and plenty of action already on the board, the stage is set for an exciting and closely contested competition as it continues.

Taking place at the lovely Royal Malta Golf Club – the 3 matchday competition launching in December 2025 between teams representing Malta, GB & I, Scandinavia and Nordics and The Rest.

The information within this article is for information purposes and is not to be construed as investment advice or recommendation. Please consult with your investment advisor before making any type of investment.

Each year we are exposed to at least one event that can have an effect on our savings and investments. You may not be old enough to have been around in the ‘good old days’ when there were world wars, and life expectancy of 20 years less than now, but the world has never been short of diseases, viruses, strikes, politicians making crazy decisions, and conflicts, and these can influence the value of our money.

It is not really important for us all to understand the complexities of the different types of investments but it is vital to understand that no investment is immune to short term problems. It is also important to appreciate that, generally speaking, short-term problems should be treated with a long-term view. That is, they should be ignored in the most part. There have been many occasions where some financial experts have been so far off the mark with their forecasts which has created unnecessary losses for those with a tendency to panic.

Speaking of experts, we leave it to those professionals that we associate ourselves with to select the best asset types for our clients’ circumstances. The amount in each asset type can depend on general trends and, although they can buy and sell funds and shares on a daily basis, discovering a trend after one day is pretty tricky.

Of course, headlines get into our heads and we might make decisions that we later live to regret. By employing experts, who in turn will be diversifying your investment funds, you limit the downside when markets, rightly or wrongly, go down, whilst making the most of positive times. As mentioned, we have seen investors lose out because they sell up due to headlines that actually have had no effect on their money. Since the invention of the internet, and certainly since the majority of the planet has been able to use it, the pace of information supply has increased dramatically and, consequently, has affected investment markets. We no longer have to wait for Speckled Jim the carrier pigeon to arrive or sit on a beach looking for a bottle with a message in it. For some older readers from the UK, 50 years ago their knowledge of China may have extended to ordering Special Fried Rice from the local takeaway menu. Now China is one of the major players in the world economy having opened its doors to economic globalisation in the 1970s.  We know, today, about events that happened in China, today.

Reducing exposure to negative headlines will help avoid emotionally driven investment decisions that prove to be mistakes. Having an addiction to watching, listening to, or reading the news is not helpful.

Having a financial goal helps to combat the problems we all face. If we understand how much money we need or desire, and when we would like it, this will keep us on track and enable us to bat away any doom and gloom. We often meet clients who are nervous about investing for the future having had issues in the past. Our role is to provide our clients with solutions and a service that are not mind boggling and actually simplify their lives, thinking about the future as well as the present, and to be there whenever our clients need our help.

The Spectrum IFA Group Limited is licensed to provide investment services, under the Investment Services Act, by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

The information within this article is for information purposes and is not to be construed as investment advice or recommendation. Please consult with your investment advisor before making any type of investment.

I have been working as a financial adviser for over two years, during which time I have had many meetings and discussions with clients and investment professionals. Views of course vary on how best to achieve investment success without taking unnecessary risk.

One topic which often comes up in discussion is whether owning a rental property is likely to produce higher returns than a conventional multi-asset investment portfolio (with exposure to global stock markets, bonds, commodities, commercial property and cash).

When faced with this question, my answer is always simple – if your finances allow, why not invest in both, over time? For most of us, particularly when younger, we don’t have the resources (or expertise) to invest extensively (or successfully) in rental property and conventional multi-asset portfolios. However, if and when circumstances allow, having exposure to both can provide valuable diversification and reliable income streams from unrelated sources. Conversely, over-exposure to a single type of investment creates excessive risk and vulnerability in our finances.

Let’s say you have a pot of €500,000 to invest which you might have accumulated over time, or perhaps inherited. Investing exclusively in rental property might seem sensible, and safe, but such a decision should always recognise the longer-term expenses associated with property ownership. In calculating a realistic rental yield, as a landlord it is essential to take into account maintenance bills, occupation/vacancy rates (seldom is a property occupied for the duration of ownership), refurbishment costs, possibly letting agent fees and insurance premiums, tax liabilities and other expenses, all of which of course dilutes the eventual return, often significantly.

Now you might consider putting your money into technology stocks (the NASDAQ index has averaged around 15% pa over the past 10 years), or crypto currency. The potential returns are highly appealing indeed, but perhaps you would be underestimating the levels of volatility, and the risks of dramatic losses, that come with such speculative investing. Is that something you can afford, financially and psychologically?

Forget get-rich-quick. Patience pays.
And consider too that bricks and mortar alone are not necessarily the foundation for achieving financial security. To accumulate wealth through investment, it is often diversification that produces the greatest rewards.

Our recommendations to clients vary on a case-to-case basis.

To discuss your circumstances and investment planning options, please get in touch. Our initial consultations are free of charge and entirely without obligation.

The Spectrum IFA Group Limited is licensed to provide investment services, under the Investment Services Act, by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

The information within this article is for information purposes and is not to be construed as investment advice or recommendation. Please consult with your investment advisor before making any type of investment.

The investment industry has always been highly competitive. Financial advisers globally are continually seeking solutions which are both attractive and able to fully meet their clients’ expectations – not always an easy task.

When selecting investment solutions for clients, it is essential to propose a strategy capable of delivering meaningful returns.

Controlling cost is also important.

When looking to invest with the help of an adviser, or on your own, you may be faced with different layers of fees, and it is critical that you understand each specific charge and the all-inclusive cost. You will for example need to consider adviser servicing fees, platform fees and fund fees. You should be fully aware of all costs before investing. Excessive expense will dilute investment performance, so care is needed to optimise prospects for growth, immediately and longer term.

At Spectrum we discuss fees with prospective clients in the first meeting as we feel this is the best way to start off a relationship. Transparency is key and this helps clients feel more comfortable and well-informed. The fees for our service are highly competitive as we have access to the most cost effective funds and products, with no ties to any particular product provider or fund manager. By ensuring the fees are at the lowest level possible we will be helping clients as they will not be unnecessarily penalised, resulting in better returns.

If you are unsure of whether you are currently invested in products paying high fees or are comparing options and do not know what to do, feel free to reach out to us. We would be glad to explain everything in simple and transparent terms. We do not charge for our initial meeting, and you are not obliged to become a client.

The Spectrum IFA Group Limited is licensed to provide investment services, under the Investment Services Act, by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

The information within this article is for information purposes and is not to be construed as investment advice or recommendation. Please consult with your investment advisor before making any type of investment.

At Spectrum we always keep up with the constantly evolving regulatory dynamic which has become a dominant feature of the financial services industry over recent years (decades in fact). This is of vital importance to give our clients peace of mind and to allow us to continue delivering comprehensive and fully compliant investment solutions in Malta and across Europe.

The latest measure taken to bolster our range of services was obtaining a MiFID investment license from the Malta Financial Services Authority. This was a lengthy but worthwhile exercise to ensure that our clients, throughout the EU, continue to benefit from our extensive investment experience, from initial advice recommendations through to ongoing monitoring and support.

The use of this license has not only been limited to the countries where Spectrum is physically present (Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Portugal and Malta) but also to other European jurisdictions, meaning Spectrum is now able to reach and service a much wider audience than before.

From lump sum investments to regular savings, pensions (QROPS and SIPPs), portfolio reviews and investment management guidance, we can engage with clients and identify the most appropriate solutions for their circumstances. In fact, many expats across the EU with QROPS pensions have been left without an adviser due to recent regulatory changes requiring that a MiFID-licensed adviser is appointed. Helping people manage their QROPS is a key part of our business, so we wanted to ensure that we could continue to assist these clients, both existing clients and those who be looking for an adviser. Therefore, being MiFID compliant is not only good news for us but will also give our clientele peace of mind that we will be here for them for the long haul.

If you would like to discuss your own situation and explore options for protecting your long-term financial security, feel free to reach out to us. All initial meetings are free of charge and do not hold any obligation to proceed.

The Spectrum IFA Group Limited is licensed to provide investment services, under the Investment Services Act, by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

When expats think about possible destinations for settling down and retiring, several factors come into play. Apart from Malta’s attractive Mediterranean climate, English-speaking locals and great connections to other European cities, the financial advantages associated with living here should also be considered.

When looking at Malta, apart from the obvious desirable features of the island, there are various visa programs available, offering a range of tax-efficient solutions specifically aimed at expats.

The following are just some of the options available:

Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)

This program is available to EU and non-EU nationals (including EEA and Swiss nationals) who are not employed and receiving a pension as regular income.
Beneficiaries of the MRP will be granted a special tax status with pension income remitted to Malta taxed at a flat rate of 15%, whilst other income arising in Malta will be taxed at a flat rate of 35%.

This can be very attractive for expat retirees who are paying significantly higher tax rates on their pension incomes in other countries.
Although they cannot be employed as such, those retirees on the MRP can hold non-executive roles on boards of companies based in Malta, and they can also engage in activities related to any institution, foundation or trust of a public nature (for example educational, philanthropic, or research and development work in Malta)

Professional advice should always be sought on suitability to personal circumstances.

Digital Nomad Visa

Many professionals are now working remotely – why not do so from a sunny island in the Mediterranean? This visa is valid for ‘third country’ individuals (non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss) who are either partners or employed with a company located outside the country. Consultants advising entities outside Malta are also eligible to apply.

The main requirement is that applicants must be earning a minimum of €2,700 per month.
Applicants who are accepted will also be allowed to bring over spouses and dependent children to live in Malta. These individuals will be able to take advantage of all that Malta has to offer, including hassle free travel to other Schengen countries.

A key advantage of this program is that no tax is payable within its first year. Again, professional advice is recommended.

Citizenship by Investment

This program is targeted at ultra-high net worth individuals who are willing to make a minimum contribution of €600,000 to the national development fund set up by the local government and who have been Maltese resident for 36 months. Another option is also available, requiring a contribution of €750,000 but with a lower residency condition of 12 months. Additionally, applicants must contribute a further €50,000 for each dependent included in their application.
€700,000 will also have to be invested into residential real estate or a rental contract of €16,000 per year will have to be established and maintained for five years. A donation of €10,000 will also have to be made to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sporting, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental approved organisation/society.

This will lead to citizenship and a Maltese passport after one to three years of residency, which by default also brings European citizenship, enabling these individuals to live, work and study anywhere in the EU.

Malta Permanent Resident Scheme

This program is a straightforward residency by investment program. The processing time for applications is four to six months from the submission of a correct and complete application form. The program is particularly valuable for prospects intending to make Malta their second home.
To be eligible for the MPRP, applicants should:
• be a third country national (non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss)
• not hail from sanctioned countries, as announced from time to time by the Community Malta Agency
• not benefit under other pertinent regulations and schemes
• have sufficient financial resources to maintain themselves and their dependants without recourse to the social assistance system of Malta
• show they have capital assets of not less than €500,000, out of which a minimum of €150,000 must be financial assets
• be fit-and-proper individuals and have a clean criminal record
• not pose any potential threat to national security, public policy, public health or public interest

Global Residency Program

The GRP is designed for non-EU, non-EEA or non-Swiss nationals who are not long-term Maltese residents. Individuals applying for the program can work in Malta if they satisfy the necessary conditions to obtain a work permit.

Successful applicants may also have household staff providing services in their qualifying property if all requisite conditions are met.

If you would like to know more about these programs feel free to contact our team in Malta. We can outline the various options and determine suitability to your circumstances. All initial meetings and discussions are free of charge and carry no obligation to proceed.

Between December 2022 and March 2023, the inaugural season of the Malta Flag Football League was held which saw four teams battle it out for the title. One of the teams participating was our very own Tigné Tigers. The other teams taking part were the Balluta Ballers, Simpl Lords and Enteractive Kings.

During the regular season the Tigers were dominant. Their versatile plays on offense and no-nonsense defence led them to win five out of their 6 matches, moving on into the playoffs comfortably holding the number 1 seed.

In the semi-finals the Tigers faced a resilient Simpl Lords team. The game was neck and neck in the first half but in the second half some good defence saw the Tigers maintain a slight cushion over their opponents. The match ultimately had to end a few seconds early due to an injury being sustained by one of the Simpl Lord players, leaving them with insufficient players to play on. The other semi-final saw Balluta Ballers progress after a forfeit from Enteractive Kings.

The final between the Tigers and Ballers was very tight, but the Tigers great defence seemed to be the difference between the two teams. This meant that after a great encounter, the Tigné Tigers were crowned as the first MFFL champions.

Well done to all those involved, and a special mention to our very own Jozef Spiteri who was the man who organized most of the league.