Licensed financial services provider St Julian's Maritime Finance flew the Malta flag at the Cannes Yachting Festival last week, as part of a mission to promote Malta as an international maritime financial centre.
St Julian's Maritime Finance were in good company. Considered preeminent amongst international boat shows, The Cannes Yachting Festival brought together 575 exhibitors, 650 boats including 141 world previews and 54,400 visitors, who came to admire the best there is in French and international motor, sailing, monohull or catamarans.
St Julian's Maritime Finance made its international show debut at the Palma International Boat Show back in April. The company offers asset-backed financing and finance leasing programs to customers who choose new or well-maintained boats with a value of between €1 million and €10 million.
Malta has emerged as the preferred flag for owners of sizable yachts throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, as is generally recognised within the maritime community. In Cannes, Sunseeker were following up with the St. Julian's Maritime Finance team on a deal pipeline that includes a wide variety of luxury yachts with a racing heritage pedigree.
The British luxury performance motor yacht brand represents an ideal fit with St Julian's Maritime Finance, serving the same clientele who appreciate dedicated personal service and the best designed products. The Sunseeker 100 won 'Best Exterior Design' at the World Yacht Trophies earlier this year. St. Julian's Maritime Finance has also established deal flows around both Cranchi and Bavaria yachts.
Malta has established a very solid legal and regulatory framework over the years, building on its extensive and diverse maritime heritage. This has allowed the Malta Flag to become a reputable international shipping register and Malta's financial services authority to become a reliable regulatory and licensing body that complements the shipping register.
Malta’s competitive cost structure has helped the island to compete and strong corporate structures put yacht owners in a very strong position to enjoy their wealth while saving considerably on VAT and other costs associated with yacht ownership.
Tony Mahoney, former Deputy CEO of HSBC Continental Europe, is the Chair of the Board at St Julian's Maritime Finance. Mahoney said: "Cannes was the perfect venue to showcase our unique position in the European market, with a licensed financial offering that can confidently be deployed at multiple levels. We are confident from the feedback in Cannes that this new pillar of the European maritime financial ecosystem will provide the whole market with new financing options”.
Around Malta, a number of marinas are located in the island's natural inlets, which shield them from inclement weather. For owners seeking the comfort and cost benefits of dealing with yachting and finance experts, St. Julian's Maritime Finance provides a safe harbour.
Charlo Briffa, CEO of Sunseeker Malta said: "Sunseeker Malta has gained a leading position within the luxury yachts marketed throughout the territory across New Boat Sales, Pre-Owned, Service and Charters; and, we have managed to cement business here in Cannes with the support of Willem and the team from St. Julian's Maritime Finance."
Willem Steenkamer, St Julian's Maritime Finance CEO, commented: "I am delighted with the reception our team has enjoyed at Cannes. As we build our channel partnerships it is becoming evident that our licensed products are indeed in very high demand and help to spur movement in inventory across this busy industry into 2023 and 2024."
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Moments from the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022
St Julian's Maritime Finance is regulated by the MFSA under the Financial Institutions Act (Cap. 376 of The Laws of Malta) and authorised to carry out services of financial leasing, bearing MFSA Authorisation ID: SJMF-FILI-16904.