Chief Financial Officer at Bank of Valletta plc
Kevin Cardona is a fully qualified Accountant and currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Bank of Valletta plc, Malta’s largest bank. Kevin’s professional journey at Bank of Valletta spans over two decades, marked by progressive leadership across risk management, credit portfolio oversight, and strategic reporting. Early roles in credit analysis and regulatory compliance laid the groundwork for his later transformation of the Credit Portfolio Management Unit into a business intelligence hub. He subsequently led the Business Banking Reporting and Control Unit, where he played a pivotal role in strategy formulation, regulatory engagement, and the execution of complex financial projects. These experiences equipped him with the depth and versatility required for his current role as CFO.
Kevin’s journey in finance began with a deep interest in the inner workings of businesses, particularly within the financial sector. He was drawn to understanding how decisions are made, risks are managed, and value is created. Accounting became the ideal foundation, equipping him with the tools to both interpret and influence business outcomes. Over time, his career evolved from technical roles into strategic leadership, shifting from reporting figures to actively shaping results.
His path to CFO has been defined by curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to contributing to Malta’s financial landscape. Each role, from analyst to controller, added layers of insight into leadership, resilience, and the importance of aligning financial stewardship with long-term vision.
As CFO, Kevin oversees the bank’s financial strategy and integrity, including regulatory compliance, risk management, budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning. He chairs the Asset and Liability Management Committee and is a member of the Bank’s Executive Committee, while also serving as a permanent attendee at the Board of Directors and Audit Committees of the Bank. His remit includes treasury operations and financial control, with a focus on optimizing capital and mitigating key risks such as liquidity, solvency, and interest rate exposure.
Kevin explains that “a typical business day would begin early with a review of overnight market developments and internal performance dashboards. Mornings are dedicated to strategic engagements, reviewing financial performance, collaborating with business unit leaders on budgetary matters, and preparing for board or management committee meetings. Midday often involves team check-ins to assess progress on key deliverables such as credit risk assessments, provisioning movements, and reconciliation of on and off-balance sheet exposures. Afternoons are reserved for reflection, report reviews, executive communications, and recognizing team achievements, fostering a culture of accountability and appreciation.”
Kevin maintains balance in his demanding role through a clear sense of purpose and a strong support network. He stays motivated by focusing on impact, empowering his team, driving financial innovation, and contributing to Malta’s business community. Outside the office, he prioritizes family and personal development, finding energy in mentoring others and staying connected to the ‘why’ behind his work.
He views Accountants as strategic partners in shaping a company’s direction. Their role extends far beyond compliance, they provide insights that influence investment decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and drive long-term planning. At Bank of Valletta, the finance team plays an active role in budgeting, challenging assumptions, modeling scenarios, and evaluating how strategic choices affect capital, liquidity, and profitability. The result is a budget that serves as a strategic blueprint, aligning resources with priorities and the bank’s risk appetite.
When it comes to leadership, Kevin emphasizes that technical expertise alone is not enough. Vision, integrity, and clear communication are essential, as is the courage to make decisions amid uncertainty. Emotional intelligence, understanding team dynamics, inspiring others, and navigating change, are equally vital. Adaptability and strategic thinking, he believes, are what elevate an Accountant from a support role to a seat at the decision-making table.
For young people in Malta considering a career in accounting, his advice is to build a strong technical foundation, but not stop there. The profession is evolving rapidly, shaped by technology, regulation, and globalization. Those who adapt and grow will not only succeed but help shape the future of accounting.
Kevin is a Certified Public Accountant and a Fellow Member of the ACCA. He holds an MSc in Financial Management (with Distinction) from Heriot-Watt University, a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, and a Professional Award in Taxation from the Malta Institute of Taxation.