Central Bank of Malta Governor Speaks on Cross-Border Payments in Tarragona
Central Bank of Malta Governor Alexander Demarco took part in the 10th Annual Conference of Mediterranean Central Banks in Tarragona, Spain, on 1 and 2 October 2026.
- Event
- 10th Annual Conference of Mediterranean Central Banks
- Location and dates
- Tarragona, Spain, 1 and 2 October 2026
- Theme
- Digital currencies, payments and reserve management implications for Mediterranean central banks
- Organisers
- Banco de España, the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), the OECD and the Union for the Mediterranean
The Conference
The conference brought together governors, senior officials and experts from central banks and international bodies across the Mediterranean. Its aim was to discuss developments and challenges in the financial and monetary landscape and to encourage dialogue and the sharing of knowledge on shared priorities.
Panel on Cross-Border Payments
Governor Demarco spoke on a panel titled “Improving Cross-Border Payments in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape”. The discussion covered how the payments ecosystem is changing, how cross-border transactions could become more efficient, and how geopolitical developments affect international payment systems.
The Governor’s Message
Demarco stressed the importance of strong national payment systems. He said these should rely on central bank money for settlement and on shared international messaging standards, and should be built on sound regulation, healthy competition, transparent fees and robust security against fraud, with privacy protected. He argued that countries can then link with one another through bilateral and multilateral arrangements to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper and more transparent, without giving up their sovereignty.
Commitment to Cooperation
The Central Bank of Malta said it remains committed to international cooperation and to engaging with the major issues shaping central banking, financial systems and payment infrastructure in the Mediterranean region.
