“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek. These words resonate deeply with Graziella Grech, whose career in financial services has been defined by leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. With over 28 years of experience in the industry, she has played a pivotal role in shaping financial operations, leading change management projects, and advocating for Malta as a global financial hub. As Chief Operations Officer at FinanceMalta, she brings a wealth of expertise across retail and business banking, investments, and strategic operations, making her an instrumental force in driving growth and efficiency in the sector.
Graziella’s leadership philosophy is built on integrity, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach. She firmly believes that corporate sustainability and financial services go hand in hand, ensuring that business success also contributes to long-term societal progress. Her passion for continuous learning, evident in her pursuit of an MBA and a Master’s in Diplomacy and International Relations, highlights her dedication to staying ahead in a fast-evolving industry. She is also a certified FinTech professional, enabling her to bridge the gap between traditional finance and emerging technological trends.
Beyond her professional achievements, Graziella is an ambassador of change, fostering an inclusive and dynamic work culture while balancing multiple roles as a leader, mentor, and lifelong learner. Her vision for FinanceMalta is not just about operational efficiency but about fostering innovation, strengthening international collaborations, and ensuring that Malta remains at the forefront of global financial services.
Inspiration and Career Evolution
Graziella, Chief Operations Officer at FinanceMalta, has dedicated over 28 years to the financial services industry, beginning her career in 1997. She has held leadership roles across retail and business banking, investments, back-office operations, complaints management, and project leadership. Her passion for the dynamic nature of the industry and the opportunity to drive change has fueled her career progression. She pursued an MBA and is currently studying for a Master’s in Diplomacy and International Relations to enhance her expertise. Additionally, she holds the CertFinTech qualification from ACCA, staying at the forefront of industry advancements. Joining FinanceMalta has allowed her to leverage her extensive experience to support the growth of Malta’s financial services sector.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Motivation
As the Chief Operations Officer of FinanceMalta, Graziella is responsible for overseeing the foundation’s operational functions, ensuring efficiency, and managing daily activities. Her role involves driving initiatives that support Malta’s financial services sector, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring seamless execution of events and projects. She has also represented FinanceMalta as a speaker and moderator at prestigious local and international events, advocating for Malta as a global financial hub. What drives her most is the ability to make a tangible impact on the industry, foster collaboration, and contribute to Malta’s position as a key financial center. She thrives on the challenges of streamlining operations and ensuring FinanceMalta remains agile and responsive in an ever-evolving industry.
Leadership Style and Evolution
Graziella’s leadership style is both collaborative and results-driven. She believes in empowering her team by providing clear guidance while fostering autonomy and innovation. Building strong relationships and creating an open environment for idea-sharing are central to her approach. Over the years, her leadership has evolved from being hands-on in daily operations to focusing on strategic thinking, high-level decision-making, and mentoring. Her transition through various roles has enhanced her ability to align teams with organizational goals, manage complex projects, and navigate challenges with a broader perspective.
Lessons in Change Management
Through leading numerous change management projects, Graziella has learned that clear communication is paramount. “Ensuring that all stakeholders understand the purpose and benefits of change significantly enhances engagement. Graziella emphasizes the importance of flexibility, patience, and the ability to adapt when challenges arise.” Involving employees at all levels, addressing concerns, and celebrating small milestones help maintain morale and alignment. She believes strong leadership is crucial in setting the tone for resilience and collaboration, ensuring that transformations are effectively implemented and embraced.
Trust and Transparency in Critical Conversations
Graziella’s approach to maintaining trust and transparency in sensitive conversations is rooted in active listening, empathy, and clear communication. She ensures that individuals feel heard and respected before responding to concerns. When delivering difficult news, she prioritizes honesty, providing context and potential solutions to manage expectations effectively. “My goal is to foster long-term relationships built on trust, ensuring that every interaction is handled with integrity and care. my commitment to exceptional customer service is driven by a genuine desire to resolve issues constructively and leave individuals feeling valued, even in challenging situations.”
Values-Driven Leadership
Graziella’s leadership and decision-making are guided by integrity, accountability, and empathy. “I believe in making decisions that align with FinanceMalta’s goals while also benefiting the broader community and environment. Passionate about corporate sustainability, I see it to create long-term value for both business and society.” Transparency and fairness are at the core of her leadership, ensuring that all actions reflect these values. She also prioritizes fostering an inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute. This commitment to ethics and collaboration enables her to drive positive change and innovation within FinanceMalta.
Balancing Professional & Personal Life
Balancing professional responsibilities, personal life, and academic pursuits has been a fulfilling journey for Graziella, especially as a working mother. She takes pride in setting an example for her son, demonstrating that one can excel in their career while pursuing further education and maintaining a strong family life. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities is a testament to her dedication and organizational skills. By maintaining a structured approach and prioritizing tasks effectively, she ensures that she gives her best at work, at home, and in her studies, making the experience both challenging and rewarding.
Staying Ahead in Financial Services
Graziella remains at the forefront of the financial services industry by continuously learning and adapting. She stays informed by attending industry conferences, engaging with thought leaders, and reading relevant publications. Her ongoing studies in Diplomacy and International Relations provide insights into global shifts and regulatory changes. Additionally, her CertFinTech qualification from ACCA helps her stay connected with technological advancements in finance. By fostering strong professional relationships and staying open to new ideas, she ensures that FinanceMalta remains innovative and agile in the evolving financial landscape.
Mentoring & Career Advice
With extensive experience in coaching and mentoring, Graziella advises aspiring financial professionals to be proactive and embrace continuous learning. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed about industry trends, developing a strong skill set in communication and critical thinking, and seeking diverse experiences early in one’s career. Networking and finding mentors are crucial steps for professional growth. She also encourages resilience and adaptability, as the financial sector demands flexibility and openness to change. By maintaining curiosity and embracing new challenges, professionals can thrive in the long run.
Aspirations for FinanceMalta
Graziella envisions FinanceMalta playing an even more significant role in positioning Malta as a global financial hub. Her goals include fostering innovation, strengthening international partnerships, and driving sustainable growth in the sector. As Chief Operations Officer, she focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and supporting strategic initiatives that connect Maltese businesses with global markets. She is committed to promoting Malta’s competitiveness, fostering collaboration, and ensuring high standards of corporate governance and sustainability, all while maintaining an agile approach to navigating industry changes.
Collaboration & Work Culture
A strong advocate for collaboration, Graziella believes “Teamwork and knowledge-sharing are key to achieving meaningful progress. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse professionals across sectors, learning that partnership drive success.” She takes pride in the dedicated team at FinanceMalta, whose hard work and passion contribute to the organization’s mission. Alongside operational leadership, she is deeply committed to cultivating a positive work culture that values well-being, diversity, and personal growth. Balancing high standards with empathy, she ensures that FinanceMalta remains a workplace that fosters both excellence and mutual respect.
