Archives

June 18, 2026 @ 2:08 am By Omar Faridi  |  

On June 17, 2026, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) released a comprehensive discussion paper focused on decentralised finance (DeFi). This initiative aims to strengthen Malta’s position as a forward-thinking hub for digital financial services by gathering insights on the opportunities and hurdles presented by… Read More

June 11, 2026 @ 12:33 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has issued a Dear CEO Letter that outlines clear supervisory expectations for licensed financial services firms regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Released recently this month, the comprehensive document from the MFSA provides practical direction as institutions increasingly… Read More

May 23, 2026 @ 10:34 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has taken a seemingly more proactive step toward modernizing its financial services ecosystem by launching an extensive public consultation on the tokenization of financial instruments as well as so-called real-world assets (RWAs). Announced recently this month, this initiative explores… Read More

April 20, 2026 @ 12:29 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has taken significant steps so far in April 2026 to bolster consumer protection and regulatory standards across the island’s financial landscape. On 8 April, the regulator unveiled a public-private partnership designed to combat financial fraud more effectively, while just… Read More

February 3, 2026 @ 11:05 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has rolled out a fresh General Code of Conduct tailored specifically for decision-makers in the industry. Released recently during the past month, this initiative seeks to elevate standards of governance, cultivate a positive organizational culture, and promote ethical behavior… Read More

January 14, 2026 @ 12:44 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) continues to solidify its role as a key regulator in the European financial sector. In early 2026, the organization rolled out significant enhancements to its oversight mechanisms, including a revamped system for sponsors in the capital markets and impressive… Read More

November 26, 2025 @ 2:57 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has released a revised Guidance Note for Shariah-Compliant Funds, reinforcing Malta’s growing position as a hub for Islamic finance. This MFSA also noted that the revision comes after an extensive review meant to enhance the overall clarity as well… Read More

October 5, 2025 @ 11:48 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority issued Dear CEO Letter directing Boards and senior management to embed business resilience as a strategic priority. The findings of a recent Thematic Exercise carried out by the MFSA on Business Resilience revealed a number of gaps that would need attention. The… Read More

September 29, 2025 @ 8:28 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has recently communicated the publication of the Trusts and Trustees Act (Register of Beneficial Owners) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025. This forms part of Malta’s implementation of “the European Union’s (EU) Anti-Money Laundering Directive 6 (AMLD6) and the wider EU AML/CFT… Read More

September 13, 2025 @ 9:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to consumer protection, transparency, and innovation. Recent announcements highlight key developments: a thematic review exposing gaps in payment account offerings by financial institutions, and the launch of an academic journal to foster global supervisory… Read More

August 8, 2025 @ 9:13 am By Omar Faridi  |  

This past year, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) demonstrated its commitment to maintaining a transparent financial services sector through a significant increase in enforcement actions and the release of a position paper on the tokenisation of Collective Investment Schemes (CIS). These developments underscore Malta’s… Read More

August 5, 2025 @ 8:21 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has taken new steps to promote greater transparency and fairness in Malta’s capital markets, following a comprehensive review of “how listed companies communicate with investors and the public.” The MFSA has released a “Dear CEO Letter” letter addressed to… Read More

July 12, 2025 @ 9:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) welcomes the publication of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) Peer Review on Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) Authorisation and Supervision, which confirms that overall, the MFSA is largely meeting expectations “with respect to the practical implementation of the… Read More

June 26, 2025 @ 8:29 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) held a recent session for Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) on MiCAR Requirements on Market Conduct and the MFSA Expectations. Organized within months from the granting of the first MiCA licences in Malta, the informative session “brought together several market… Read More

June 18, 2025 @ 11:24 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has published its 2024 Annual Report, outlining a year of regulatory progress, strategic reform, and close collaboration with stakeholders both locally and internationally. The report highlights the Authority’s efforts to “bolster market oversight, support a growing financial services sector,… Read More

May 30, 2025 @ 2:33 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Investment firms licensed by the MFSA are expected to update their policies and procedures to be in line with EU rules and guidelines, particularly on their advisory processes “linked to customers’ sustainable preferences.” These expectations correspond with one of the MFSA’s priorities “to increase awareness… Read More

April 14, 2025 @ 11:09 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

PayFuture Group, a payment provider specializing in emerging markets, has secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) under the entity PayFuture FS MT Ltd. The license approval marks a key milestone in PayFuture Group’s growth strategy, enabling EU… Read More

April 14, 2025 @ 7:43 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has released an assessment of the level of preparedness among local banks, in view of the amendments to EU banking regulations known as CRR3. This follows an industry-wide survey conducted in 2024, which revealed different “levels of readiness among… Read More

March 19, 2025 @ 8:26 am By Omar Faridi  |  

A research study carried out by the Malta Financial Services Authority revealed that over 60% of clients are enrolled in mobile or internet banking. The data indicates that the usage of digital services has increased, particularly for mobile banking, while branch footfall has “overall decreased… Read More

March 1, 2025 @ 1:14 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has released its Supervisory Priorities for 2025, outlining the Authority’s commitment to fostering market integrity, consumer protection, and financial stability. This document details the MFSA’s supervisory focus areas for 2025, building on its “compliance outcomes-based approach to supervision introduced… Read More