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From checklists to change : FATF’s risk-based approach and its impact on Malta’s AML framework
Get PDFPURPOSE: This article explores the global shift in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulation
from a rule-based compliance model to a risk-based, outcome-driven paradigm, as
exemplified by the evolving standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: By analyzing the experiences of Malta, the United Arab
Emirates (UAE), and Iceland—jurisdictions subjected to FATF greylisting and subsequent
reforms—we assess how regulatory effectiveness is now measured not by the presence of
formal frameworks, but by the demonstrable reduction of financial crime. Integrating
insights from regulatory theory, institutional behavior, and international political economy,
the article highlights the practical implications of the Risk-Based Approach (RBA) for
financial institutions, compliance professionals, and policymakers.FINDINGS: The study emphasizes the need for adaptive systems, cultural change, and
integrated enforcement to meet new global AML expectations. The comparative analysis
illustrates that successful compliance under RBA demands more than technical alignment—it
requires strategic engagement, operational resilience, and a measurable commitment to
transparency and accountability.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings underscore that effective AML compliance in the era of
the Risk-Based Approach (RBA) requires financial institutions to move beyond box-ticking
exercises and adopt dynamic, intelligence-led frameworks. Regulators must develop adaptive
supervisory models, invest in inter-agency coordination, and foster cultures of
accountability. For policymakers, aligning AML reforms with broader governance and
development goals is essential, particularly in jurisdictions vulnerable to FATF scrutiny. The
study also signals to compliance professionals the growing need for strategic thinking, crosssector expertise, and proactive risk assessment capabilities.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article provides one of the first comparative, theory-informed
analyses of how FATF’s shift toward outcome-based evaluation reshapes national responses
to greylisting. By integrating case studies with insights from regulatory theory and political
economy, it highlights the deeper institutional and strategic transformations required under
the Risk-Based Approach (RBA). The paper offers a novel perspective on the intersection of
global financial governance, national sovereignty, and compliance effectiveness, with direct
relevance for scholars, regulators, and practitioners.peer-reviewe
Reasons for leaving multi-level marketing on the Polish market
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to identify the reasons for resigning from participation
in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) systems in the Polish market and to determine the factors
influencing the decision to terminate cooperation with companies operating within this model.
The analysistakesinto account economic, organizational, and ethical aspects, as well asissues
related to the motivation of MLM participants.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A qualitative-quantitative approach was applied in the study.
The collected data originated from a survey conducted using the CAWI method among former
participants of MLM systems in Poland. The qualitative analysis involved the categorization
and interpretation of respondents’ open-ended answers to the question: “What was the reason
for resigning from activity in your most recent MLM company?”. The results were
supplemented with a literature review on motivation, organizational loyalty, and the
management of direct sales networks.FINDINGS: The research results indicate that the most common reasons for resignation include
the lack of measurable financial benefits, excessive effort required to achieve desired
outcomes, difficulties in sales and recruitment, and the low attractiveness of marketing plans.
Among ethical factors, respondents mentioned characteristics resembling financial pyramids
and a lack of transparency in company operations. Some participants also cited personal
reasons such as lack of time, other professional goals, or a change in their preferred work
style. The findings suggest that overly high expectations placed on participants and
inadequately designed motivational systems contribute to increased turnover within MLM
structures.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The obtained results may serve as a basis for developing more effective
strategies aimed at retaining distributors within MLM structures. They highlight the need for
greater transparency of marketing plans, the implementation of fair and adequate
compensation systems, and the enhancement of managerial competencies among network
leaders. The conclusions may be applied by MLM companies to reduce participant turnover
and to strengthen motivation, satisfaction, and loyalty among their members.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article represents one of the few studies addressing the reasons for
resignation from MLM activities in Poland. It offers a new research perspective by focusing
not on the motives for joining, but on the mechanisms of withdrawal and declining engagement
within MLM structures.peer-reviewe
Drifting in dark waters : Mediterranean boat journeys between (in)visibility and presence
Get PDFBoats carrying people fleeing across the Mediterranean Sea often
depart at night. The boats are not visible to the authorities, or other vessels
traversing the same space. But it is this same play on (in)visibility that
enables these journeys of hope across borders. Last year over 150,000
people made it successfully across the central Mediterranean Sea. This
figure does not include those that perished or others who were pushed back.
In this article I interweave travellers’ personal experiences with the social
and political processes traversing this liquid border/space to capture a
snapshot of the various layers of these boat journeys. This will allow me to
draw out the paradoxes of (in)visibility and presence, and resistance and
subjugation, and therefore locate these invisible boats and journeys in the
web of global, geopolitical and historical processes that converge in this
historical juncture reminiscent of Arendtian ‘dark times’.peer-reviewe
A pharmacist's role in guiding paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus through the transition to adult care
Get PDFIntroduction: Pharmacists play a vital role in diabetes care, supporting medication adherence, self-management, and education. Their expertise is valuable in assisting patients as they transition from paediatric clinics to adult clinics helping to ensure the process is safe and well-supported.Aim: To develop a pharmacist-led transition model for type 1 diabetes patients moving from paediatric to adult care through the creation of a transition toolkit to document and support the transition process.Background: Community pharmacists are vital in managing chronic conditions, including diabetes, though t heir role remains underutilised in chronic disease management. Pharmacists play a crucial role in diabetes care by improving medication compliance, supporting self-management, and providing education. With advancements in diabetes technologies, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, pharmacists can further help patients optimise t heir treatment. Their expertise positions them to guide patients, particularly adolescents, through the transitions in care.peer-reviewe
Analysis of the relationship between selected aspects of CSR activity and competitiveness of enterprises using statistical tools
Get PDFPURPOSE: This paper attempts to identify and quantify the relationship between corporate
social responsibility and the competitiveness of enterprises operating in the European Union.
The aim of this article is to assess the relationship between selected CSR indicators and the
competitive position of enterprises, taking into account environmental, social, and economic
aspects.METHODOLOGY: This article analyzes CSR activities in the context of enterprise
competitiveness in EU countries. First, a critical review of the relevant literature was
conducted, followed by the selection of four predictors of enterprise competitiveness. Source
data was obtained from the Eurostat database. Calculations were then performed using basic
descriptive statistics. Six CSR indicators were then arbitrarily defined. The research
culminated in determining the direction and strength of the relationship between CSR
indicators and the competitiveness of enterprises in the EU. The Pearson correlation
coefficients were grouped into four categories.FINDINGS: The analysis of the indicators allowed for the assessment and comparison of the
level of competitiveness of enterprises in EU countries. The obtained results revealed
significant variation between countries. The results confirm that the impact of CSR on
competitiveness is varied and ambiguous, indicating the complex relationship between social
responsibility and economic performance. It was demonstrated that social responsibility can
support competitiveness, but its impact depends on the type of indicator and the specific
nature of the economic sector being analyzed.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research provided a synthetic understanding of the complex
aspects of CSR in the context of enterprise competitiveness in EU countries. The results of
the analysis can provide a valuable source of knowledge for managers and decision-makers,
enabling them to: make more informed strategic decisions regarding investments in CSR
activities that have a real impact on increasing enterprise competitiveness; and build a
competitive advantage based on sustainable development and social responsibility, which is
particularly important in the face of increasing pressure from customers, investors, and
regulatory institutions.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article contributes to the literature by empirically determining the
strength of the relationship between CSR activities and enterprise competitiveness in EU countries. Combining CSR and corporate competitiveness quantitatively (using statistical
tools like correlations) is unusual, as most studies focus on qualitative analysis of CSR
impact. Analysis of correlation coefficients allows for measurable confirmation and
interpretation of the relationships studied, which can contribute to further research or
implementation in the business environment.peer-reviewe
A series of unfortunate events : the COVID-19 crisis and Tunisia’s democratic backsliding
Get PDFOn 25 July 2021, Tunisia’s President Kais Saied dismissed the
government, suspended parliament and revoked the immunity of
its members. Coming after a major hike in Covid-19 cases had
caused significant public anger over the government’s handling
of the pandemic, Saied’s move initially enjoyed substantial
support within the country’s population. Following his power
grab, Saied began to reverse a decade of democratic progress in
the only Arab country that saw a sustainable transition following
the 2011 uprisings. This democratic backsliding is often seen as a
result of Tunisia’s structural socio-economic and political crises,
which had eroded public confidence in the political class and the
democratic institutions. In contrast, this article argues that it is
better characterised as a ‘freak accident’, meaning that it was
enabled by a series of highly improbable circumstances that
culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. In doing so, the
article shows that democratic backsliding is not always the result
of deliberate authoritarian strategy or deep-rooted structural
challenges, but can emerge from a rare, contingent convergence
of events, developments, and the ways in which different actors
respond to them.peer-reviewe
Evaluating GP trainees’ feedback : a mixed-methods analysis of family medicine placements in Malta’s 2023 Specialist Training Programme
Get PDFBACKGROUND: The Specialist Training Programme in Family
Medicine (STPFM) was established in Malta in
2007 to provide structured and rigorous training
for General Practitioners (GPs). It focuses on
clinical rotations in diverse settings, fostering
skills in patient-centered care, diagnosis and
preventive strategies. Trainee evaluations
are critical for assessing and enhancing the
programme’s effectiveness.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze GP trainees’
evaluations of their Family Medicine placements
in 2023. The objectives were to assess
satisfaction levels, identify challenges, and
propose enhancements to improve the training
experience.METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study
was conducted using mandatory evaluation
forms completed by GP trainees after their
Family Medicine placements. Quantitative data
were analyzed using satisfaction ratings, while
qualitative data underwent item-content analysis
to explore key themes and suggestions. Ethical
considerations were met, with approval from
relevant authorities.RESULTS: All 65 eligible GP trainees (100% response rate)
participated, providing high satisfaction scores
(76.1% - 92%). Teaching by trainers received
the highest satisfaction (91.5%), while audit/
performance review had the lowest (76.1%).
Public sector trainers were rated higher in
emergency care and minor surgery, while
private sector trainers excelled in chronic
disease management and practice management.
Qualitative feedback highlighted the need for
more hands-on training, structured interaction
with trainers, and balanced scheduling.CONCLUSION: The study revealed generally high trainee
satisfaction with Family Medicine placements,
underscoring strengths such as effective teaching
and a supportive learning environment. Key
recommendations include enhancing schedule
flexibility, implementing constructive feedback
mechanisms, increasing practical skills training,
and fostering collaborative learning through peer
discussions and home visit opportunities. These
insights aim to refine and strengthen the STPFM,
ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs
of trainees and healthcare systems.peer-reviewe
Proclamation XXII of 1814 : Maitland’s blueprint for police reform in Malta and its lasting impact on Maltese criminal law
Get PDFThis article examines policing in Malta before 1814, when law enforcement powers were fragmented among various officials, often leading toconflicts. Proclamation XXII of 1814, promulgated by Governor Thomas Maitland, introduced a structured police force, addressing
these inefficiencies and laying the foundation for modern policing in Malta. Beyond law enforcement, the Proclamation also served as a catalyst for broader legal reforms, reinforcing judicial independence and the presumption of innocence - principles that would later shape the Maltese Criminal Code.peer-reviewe
On (r,c)-constant, planar and circulant graphs
Get PDFThis paper concerns (r, c)-constant graphs, which are r-regular graphs in which the subgraph induced by the open neighbourhood of every vertex has precisely c edges. The family of (r, c)-graphs contains vertex-transitive graphs (and in particular Cayley graphs), graphs with constant link (sometimes called locally isomorphic graphs), (r, b)-regular graphs, strongly regular graphs, and much more. This family was recently introduced in [6], serving as an important tool in constructing flip graphs [6, 14]. In this paper we shall mainly deals with the following. (i) Existence and non-existence of (r, c)-planar graphs. We completely determine the cases of existence and non-existence of such graphs and supply the smallest order in the case when they exist. (ii) We consider the existence of (r, c)-circulant graphs. We prove that for c ≡ 2 (mod 3) no (r, c)-circulant graph exists and that for c ≡ 0, 1 (mod 3), c > 0 and r ≥ 6 + √8c−5/3 there exist (r, c)-circulant graphs. Moreover for c = 0 and r ≥ 1, (r, 0)-circulants exist. (iii) We consider the existence and non-existence of small (r, c)-constant graphs, supplying a complete table of the smallest order of graphs we found for 0 ≤ c ≤ C(r, 2) and r ≤ 6. We shall also determine all the cases in this range for which (r, c)-constant graphs do not exist. We establish a public database of (r, c)-constant graphs for varying r, c and order.peer-reviewe
Innovative strategies through nature-based solutions for sustainable infrastructure
Get PDFNature-based solutions are considered solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, provide environmental, social, and economic benefits, and support resilience. They lead to locally adapted, resource-efficient, and systemic PROGRAMME & ABSTRACTS Wednesday 28 May 2025 University of Malta Research Expo 2025 90 interventions. The NBSINFRA Horizon Europe Project supports enhancing the local urban critical infrastructures protection against natural and manmade hazards through the Nature-based solutions (NBS) co-design and co-creation for a climate change resilient society. [excerpt]peer-reviewe