Doreen Balzan
Doreen Balzan is Head of Investment Services Supervision, responsible for authorising and supervising investment firms, fund managers, collective investment schemes, and recognised private collective investment schemes, registered tied agents and recognised administrators. Doreen joined the MFSA in 2020, with a career spanning over 38 years, working in multiple operations and transformation roles within the domain of banking and insurance. She has held various senior positions within HSBC Bank Malta and was Chief Operating Officer for HSBC Life Assurance (Malta) prior to joining the MFSA. Doreen is specialised in operations management, technology projects, portfolio transfers, sustainability, regulatory and risk management. During her career, she was responsible for two major portfolio transfers, made up of high-risk legacy investment insurance policies. She gained experience in product development and the implementation of robust procedures and controls to mitigate operational and financial crime risks, de-risking of business models and improving the culture and controls, leading to a material reduction in residual financial crime risk in the insurance business. In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Doreen was responsible for the progress of multiple projects and work streams, which included the launch of various products and services, a cost reduction programme, and customer-centric initiatives with reengineered and streamlined procedures. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth & Community Studies from the University of Malta.