Inside Alunafi: meet Marco, our steadfast Head of Strategy and Processes

“Navigating the balance between growth, innovation, compliance, and risk is both the challenge and the beauty of what we do.”

At Alunafi, our strength comes from the people who are shaping its future every day.

In this edition of our Inside Alunafi series, we sat down with Marco Mercieca to reflect on his first year at Alunafi. From embracing uncertainty to shaping strategic foundations, he shares what it means to build a modern financial institution in today’s fast changing environment.

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Q: You joined Alunafi in November 2024. How would you describe your journey so far?

Marco:
Joining Alunafi back in November 2024 has been a truly rewarding experience, one filled with both challenges and achievements in equal measure. Working in today’s ever evolving financial landscape demands adaptability, resilience, and vision, and this journey has reinforced just how crucial these qualities are.

Q: What does joining a startup in the financial sector really mean in practice?

Marco:
Becoming part of a start-up organization is never easy. It requires stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and making countless decisions that shape the path forward. Yet, the rewards are immense. The steep learning curve brings with it invaluable experiences that enrich one’s skill set and perspective. It keeps you dynamic, constantly on your toes, and capable of making swift yet informed decisions, a necessity for anyone looking to thrive in today’s financial services sector.

Q: What gave you confidence in Alunafi and its direction when you joined?

Marco:
From the start, I had full confidence in what we were building, and more importantly, in the vision our shareholders had (and continue to have) for Alunafi’s future. Over the past year, it has become even clearer to me how much the financial services sector has transformed over the last decade. Technology now sits at the very heart of any modern financial institution. For a young and ambitious company like ours, having the right partners, systems, and infrastructure in place is absolutely key to long-term success.

Q: What are the essential strategic foundations for a young financial institution like ours?

Marco:
A clear strategic vision, a well-defined plan, and a solid roadmap are essential foundations. Yet, they must be carefully balanced with prudent customer onboarding and risk management, especially in the context of today’s stringent regulatory environment. Navigating this balance between growth, innovation, compliance, and risk is both the challenge and the beauty of what we do.

Q: How do you reflect on what has been achieved so far?

Marco:
Looking back, it’s been a challenging but deeply fulfilling journey so far, a true learning experience that I’m proud to be part of. We’ve built a strong team, aligned around a common vision, and we’re now seeing everything come together.

Q: And finally, what does the future look like for Alunafi?

Marco:
The future looks bright, the ambition is there, and as the saying goes, the sky’s the limit. At Alunafi, we remain focused on continuing to build a financial institution that is strong, sustainable, and ready for the future, balancing all the critical elements that define success: commercial growth, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and customer trust.

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Closing Thoughts

Marco’s reflections highlight the strategic mindset, discipline, and vision needed to shape Alunafi’s long-term success. As the company continues to grow, leaders like him help ensure every step forward is thoughtful and aligned with our mission.