2016 Gibraltar eSummit to focus on industry priorities

opical updates and guidance in response to recent tax and regulatory developments

- Key topics; Data analytics, cyber security and the horse racing levy

- New workshop sessions and return of IMGL Masterclasses

- Expert speakers; Dr. Thaer Sabri of the Electronic Money Association, Paul Morris of the Remote Gambling Association and Professor David Forrest of Liverpool University

KPMG is pleased to announce its 6th annual eSummit in Gibraltar taking place on the 21st April at the Sunborn Hotel. The event, which will feature over 30 keynote speakers and expert panellists from the world of eBusiness, will cover a broad range of issues including M&A, taxation, regulation and new technologies. IMGL masterclasses will also focus on regulatory change across Europe, the latest developments in the eMoney sector, and advances in technology, with the challenges as well as the opportunities they offer.

Among the list of key industry figures speaking is Dr. Thaer Sabri, Chief Executive of the Electronic Money Association. The EMA is the trade body for electronic money issuers and innovative payment service providers including payment institutions, banks and payment schemes. Dr. Sabri will explore the symbiotic relationship between eGaming and eMoney, and reveal how alternative payment methods can lead to greater protection for players’ funds.

Paul Morris of the Remote Gambling Association will deliver a talk entitled ‘United We Stand: Overcoming Regulatory Challenges’, calling on all gaming operators to work with their industry body to respond in a coordinated fashion to an ever-increasing range of issues and obligations, and ensure the industry maximises its opportunities in a positive and socially responsible fashion.

Also on the agenda is a talk entitled “Happy & Unhappy Gamblers”, by Professor David Forrest of Liverpool University, an economist specialising in sports and gambling industries who will be examining problem gambling issues and responsibility in gaming.

Local and international experts from KPMG will cover three key areas, Indirect Taxes, Data Analytics and Cyber Security. New to this year’s Summit are the workshop sessions, where delegates have the opportunity to explore industry trends and issues in smaller groups. Other key sessions include an ‘Update on the Review of the Gambling Act in Gibraltar’, an insight into the rapidly growing world of crowdfunding, a look at the ‘Nature and Impact of HMRC’s Proposed Changes to VAT’, and an ‘Operator’s View’ on the evolution of eGaming. The event will also feature a discussion on the UK Government’s horse racing levy and the new tax structures for providers in this sector, which will now include offshore as well as onshore taxation.

Looking forward to next month’s summit, Micky Swindale Director at KPMG said: “The eSummit series, which has seen 12 events across the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, has been a tremendous success. In the fast-moving online world, it is important to attract speakers of the highest calibre and ensure we deliver real insights on topical issues in an ever-changing market. This year’s event will cover wider developments in technology, taxation and regulation for all online operators, but also focus on key topics for the eGaming sector over the past year. The Summit is a great place for industry professionals to get together, not only to learn but also to participate in the discussion at a time when it is essential for the eGaming sector to work together to address a myriad of challenges and opportunities. I look forward to another great event.”

Jon Tricker, Managing Director at KPMG Gibraltar added: “It’s been a really exciting year for eCommerce, with some particular challenges for the eGaming sector, and I’m very much looking forward to the stimulating programme on offer at the Gibraltar Summit. From its inauguration in 2011, the event has gone from strength to strength and is now considered to be one of the most prestigious occasions in the global eGaming calendar.”

The eSummit begins at 9am with a welcome breakfast and will finish with a gala dinner at St. Michael’s Cave. The event is by invitation only. For more information or to register to attend, visit https://events.bizzabo.com/KPMGGibraltareSummit/home