The Maldives Accountants Forum (MAF) 2026, under the theme, Navigating Change, Building Resilience  is a two-day national platform bringing together around 350 participants, including Accountants, Finance and Business Professionals, and Policy Makers from across the Maldives.

The forum will explore some of the most pressing issues faced by organizations in strengthening financial governance and accountability, helping them improve their current practices and navigate better toward future growth and stability.

Topics covered:

1. Beyond Investment: Measuring the Economic Impact of FDI in the Maldives

As the Maldives attracts large-scale foreign investment, it is important to assess both its economic benefits and potential risks. Using major developments, such as the Maldives Waterfront and Marina Project at Rasmale’, as a case study, this session will explore the impact of FDI on economic growth, employment, foreign exchange, government revenue and local businesses, while considering its implications for long-term economic sustainability.

2. Debt, Deficits & Fiscal Sustainability: What Comes Next for the Maldives?

What will it take to put the Maldives’ public finances on a sustainable trajectory while continuing to meet national development needs? Focuses on public debt management, budget priorities, domestic revenue mobilisation, and the structural policy choices required to strengthen fiscal discipline and long-term economic resilience. The discussion will also consider what these developments mean for accountants, finance professionals, businesses and other stakeholders operating within the broader Maldivian economy.

3. From Crisis to Recovery: Sri Lanka’s Experience, Lessons for the Maldives and the Road to Economic Resilience

Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis and recovery offer important lessons for the Maldives. The session will cover Sri Lanka’s experience with fiscal pressures, debt restructuring and foreign exchange shortages, as well as the effectiveness of the measures taken to stabilise the economy and support its recovery. The discussion will draw practical lessons for the Maldives in managing similar economic risks and strengthening economic resilience, with key takeaways for accountants, finance professionals and wider stakeholders.

4. Sustainability Reporting: Turning Commitments into Action

Following the CA Maldives Council’s decision of 12 August 2025 to adopt IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, this session will examine the jurisdictional approach published on 5 October 2026 to support a proportionate and orderly transition in the Maldives. It will explore the extended transition reliefs, and jurisdictional modifications that allow entities to adopt a practical approach to implementing S1 and S2 alongside other reporting frameworks from regulatory bodies. Finally, the session will consider how entities can use this transition window to build robust data systems, strengthen governance, and prepare for full compliance.

5. Cyber Risk & Resilience: Addressing System Vulnerabilities and Strengthening Defences

How prepared are Maldivian organisations to prevent, respond to, and recover from increasingly sophisticated cyber incidents? Focuses on technological vulnerabilities, business continuity planning, and the role of leadership, finance, audit, and IT teams in strengthening cyber defences, protecting sensitive information, and maintaining organisational trust. The session will reinforce why cyber risk is no longer solely an IT concern, but a key business, financial, governance and risk management priority.

6. Fintech in the Maldives: What’s Holding Us Back and What’s Next for Payments?

What structural and regulatory hurdles are constraining fintech development in the Maldives, and what is needed to accelerate the digital payments ecosystem? Explores payment system interoperability, regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity, and consumer trust, alongside opportunities to expand digital financial inclusion and improve the user experience.

7. Internal Audit for Tomorrow: Evolving with Risk, Technology & Expectations

How must internal audit evolve in response to changing risk profiles, advances in technology, and rising stakeholder expectations? Explores the growing use of data analytics, emerging technology-related risks, and forward-looking assurance approaches that strengthen governance, support better decision-making, and deliver greater organisational value.

8. Building a Financially Resilient Maldives

How can we encourage better financial decision-making among Maldivians? This session explores the importance of building a savings culture, responsible borrowing, investing for the future, and protecting consumers from digital financial scams. It will also examine the roles of financial institutions, regulators, educators, and employers in promoting responsible financial behaviour and long-term financial resilience.

9. State vs. Private Sector: What the State Should Own

What should the state own, operate, or transition to the private sector? Covers the operational performance and fiscal implications of state-owned enterprises, opportunities for greater private sector participation, and how ownership decisions can promote efficiency, accountability, public value, and sustainable economic growth.

10. The Changing Regulatory Landscape: What Businesses and Finance Professionals Need to Know

What key regulatory changes should accounting and finance professionals anticipate, and how might these affect their work and the organisations they support? The session will offer practical perspectives on monitoring regulatory developments, adapting to new requirements, and maintaining professional readiness in a rapidly evolving business environment.

11. Navigating New AML/CFT Reporting Responsibilities for Accountants and Finance Professionals

What do evolving Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements mean in practice for accountants and finance professionals? Addresses reporting obligations, risk awareness, the identification and escalation of suspicious activity, and practical measures professionals can take to fulfil their responsibilities and safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

12. Motivational Session: Building Resilience, Staying Adaptable & Becoming Future-Ready

A motivational and engaging session focused on strengthening personal and professional resilience among accountants, finance professionals and the wider business community. The session will highlight the importance of adaptability, a positive mindset, confidence and continuous growth in navigating challenges, managing change and remaining effective in an increasingly demanding professional and business environment.