KPMG in Malta appoints new Partner and Directors to strengthen Tax, Actuarial and Insurance capabilities

KPMG in Malta has announced the appointment of Kurt Farrugia as Partner, and Marie Claire Debono and Stuart Vella Bonello as Directors, effective 1 October 2026.

The appointments further strengthen the firm's capabilities across international tax, corporate tax compliance, actuarial services and insurance advisory, reflecting KPMG's continued investment in specialist expertise, innovation and client service.

As businesses face increasing regulatory complexity, evolving reporting requirements and growing demands for operational resilience, organisations are seeking advisors who combine deep technical knowledge with practical industry insight. These appointments reinforce KPMG's ability to support clients in navigating change, managing risk and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.

Kurt Farrugia is an accountant by profession and has been with KPMG in Malta since 2014, having joined the firm after completing a Master in Accountancy at the University of Malta.

He specialises in international tax and advises multinational groups on corporate reorganisations, financing structures and Pillar Two considerations. His experience spans a range of sectors, including aviation and energy, where he supports organisations in understanding the tax implications of operating in and through Malta.

Kurt has also advised governments on digital tax transformation initiatives within the public sector, helping tax administrations modernise tax administration processes through technology and data-driven approaches.

Beyond his client work, Kurt has played an active role in supporting the development of the tax profession in Malta. For a number of years, Kurt has contributed to the profession through his role as Vice-Chair of the Direct Tax Committee of the Malta Institute of Accountants and regularly delivers professional training and tax presentations. He has also lectured on ACCA Taxation and Advanced Taxation programmes offered through the KPMG Learning Academy.

Marie Claire Debono is an accountant by profession with extensive experience in corporate tax compliance and advisory services.

Having started her career in tax in 2008, she has advised Maltese and international organisations on financing structures, tax restructuring, tax incentives and ongoing compliance obligations.

Her industry experience includes financial services, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, aviation, banking and hospitality.

Marie Claire has particular expertise in corporate tax compliance, including the review of income tax computations, identifying potential tax risks and opportunities, and supporting organisations in meeting their obligations under Maltese tax legislation.

She also oversees tax compliance processes, including the preparation and submission of income tax returns and the settlement of related tax liabilities.

Her appointment further strengthens KPMG's ability to support organisations that are navigating increasingly complex tax compliance and regulatory requirements.

Stuart Vella Bonello is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and brings extensive experience across academia, financial supervision, insurance management, run-off insurance and actuarial consulting.

He began his career lecturing mathematics at the University of Malta before joining the Malta Financial Services Authority. He subsequently held senior roles within the insurance sector, including positions with an insurance manager and a global legacy insurance specialist.

Since joining KPMG in Malta in 2023, Stuart has led actuarial audit and advisory engagements for clients in Malta and international markets.

His areas of expertise include IFRS 17, Solvency II, capital modelling, reserving and actuarial risk management. He works closely with insurers, reinsurers and regulators, providing actuarial function holder services, actuarial audit support and strategic advisory services.

His appointment comes at a time when insurers continue to adapt to evolving regulatory expectations, financial reporting requirements and risk-management challenges, further strengthening KPMG's actuarial and insurance advisory capabilities.

Commenting on the appointments, David Pace, Senior Partner at KPMG in Malta, said:

The appointments form part of KPMG in Malta's continued focus on strengthening leadership and specialist expertise across the firm while helping clients respond confidently to change and achieve sustainable growth.