Most financial institutions in the European Union are now under increased pressure to monitor and assess transactions involving politically exposed persons (PEPs). This heightened scrutiny arises from concerns over money laundering and corruption linked to individuals with prominent public roles. As regulatory frameworks evolve, banks must implement stringent measures to verify the source of PEPs' funds and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering laws. The implications of these new requirements are significant, compelling institutions to enhance their due diligence processes and safeguard against potential financial crimes. Banking institutions across the European Union are......
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Banking
November 6, 2025
Banks accused of weak controls over gambling settlements
There's growing concern regarding the ability of banks to manage risks associated with gambling-related transactions. Recent allegations highlight significant lapses in oversight and control mechanisms, allowing potentially fraudulent activities to...
Banking
November 3, 2025
Why EU pushes banks to disclose ties with gambling operators
Many stakeholders are concerned about the increasing financial ties between banks and gambling operators, which pose significant risks for both consumers and the financial system. The European Union (EU) is...
Banking
October 31, 2025
Malta banks face criticism for risky customer onboarding
Many banks in Malta are currently under scrutiny for their customer onboarding practices, which some critics argue pose significant risks to the financial system. Recent assessments have highlighted concerns regarding...
Banking, iGaming News
October 25, 2025
ECB pressure mounts on banks linked to gambling operators
It's becoming increasingly evident that the European Central Bank (ECB) is intensifying scrutiny on financial institutions with ties to gambling operators. This heightened focus comes amid growing concerns about the...
Banking, Laws
October 22, 2025
How small banks struggle with AML under new EU rules
Most small banks face significant challenges in complying with the stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations established by the European Union. These institutions often lack the resources and technological infrastructure needed...
Banking, Laws
October 18, 2025
How banks de-risk high-risk clients under new EU standards
You need to understand the mechanisms banks employ to mitigate risks associated with high-risk clients, especially in light of the recent EU regulations. These new standards compel financial institutions to...
Banking, Laws
October 13, 2025
Why shell companies tied to casinos attract ECB scrutiny
Many financial regulators are increasingly vigilant regarding shell companies linked to casinos due to their potential involvement in money laundering and other illicit activities. The European Central Bank (ECB) has...
Banking
October 8, 2025
How cross-border banks manage payments for gaming firms
Many gaming firms face unique challenges in managing payments across borders due to varying regulations, currency exchange rates, and consumer preferences. Cross-border banks play a vital role in facilitating these...
Banking, Finance News
October 7, 2025
Why European banks demand stronger crypto asset tracing
You may be surprised to learn that European banks are increasingly advocating for enhanced tracing of crypto assets. This demand stems from a growing concern about the potential for money...
Banking, Laws
October 4, 2025
Safeguarding failures ruin consumer trust in PSPs
Over the past few years, payment service providers (PSPs) have faced increasing scrutiny due to safeguarding failures that compromise consumer trust. Instances of data breaches and inadequate security measures have...
Banking, iGaming News
October 2, 2025
EU bank freezes linked to cross-border gambling transfers
Banking institutions in the European Union are increasingly freezing accounts associated with cross-border gambling transactions, citing compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. As online gambling continues to rise, so too do...
Banking, iGaming News
September 29, 2025
How EU banks debate de-risking high-value gambling clients
Over the past few years, European banks have increasingly engaged in debates concerning their approaches to high-value gambling clients. These discussions revolve around balancing risk management with the need to...
Banking, Licenses & Payments
September 25, 2025
Why national banks face questions on licensing offshore PSPs
Most national banks encounter scrutiny when licensing offshore payment service providers (PSPs) due to regulatory complexities and the potential for increased financial risks. These concerns arise from the challenges in...
Banking
September 18, 2025
Suspicious payments spike at major local banks
With a significant rise in flagged transactions, major local banks are increasingly contending with suspicious payments that raise alarm among financial regulators and security experts. This surge in questionable activities...
Banking, NEWS Malta
September 3, 2025
CrediaBank Share Surge Ahead of HSBC Malta Deal
Shares of CrediaBank SA, listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, experienced an unusual surge in trading activity during the four weeks preceding the official announcement by HSBC, selecting the Greek...
Banking
August 30, 2025
Bank account freezes and judicial oversight in practice
Oversight of bank account freezes is necessary for maintaining a balance between financial security and individual rights. In this blog post, we will examine the legal frameworks that govern the...
Banking, Finance News
August 26, 2025
Green finance rules push banks toward cleaner balance sheets
There's a growing emphasis on sustainability in the financial sector, driven by new green finance regulations that aim to reshape how banks manage their assets. These rules encourage financial institutions...
Banking
August 22, 2025
Inside Maltese bank compliance gaps regulators fail to close
Compliance within the Maltese banking sector has become a focal point of scrutiny, highlighting numerous gaps that remain unaddressed by regulatory bodies. Despite efforts to strengthen oversight, significant vulnerabilities persist,...
Banking, Finance News
August 21, 2025
EU Bank Freezes Linked to Crypto-Gambling Transfers
Bank authorities across the European Union are increasingly implementing freezes on accounts connected to crypto-gambling transactions. This rise in scrutiny is tied to the intersection of digital assets and online...
Banking, Finance News
August 16, 2025
Cross-border settlements – Malta’s position in Europe’s fast lane
Malta has emerged as a significant player in cross-border settlements, leveraging its strategic location and robust financial infrastructure to facilitate international trade and finance. As Europe continues to evolve economically,...
Banking
August 11, 2025
Suspicious transaction reporting remains Malta’s blind spot
Many financial institutions in Malta continue to struggle with the effective reporting of suspicious transactions, posing significant risks to the country's financial integrity. Despite regulatory frameworks in place, numerous challenges...
Banking
August 8, 2025
Crypto-linked suspicious funds tested Maltese banks last year
It's vital to understand the impact of cryptocurrency on traditional banking systems, particularly in Malta, where the financial landscape experienced increasing scrutiny in 2022. As the popularity of digital currencies...
Banking
August 6, 2025
De-risking letters – inside bank-client conflicts in Malta
Banking institutions in Malta have increasingly adopted de-risking strategies, leading to significant conflicts between banks and their clients. This post explores into the intricacies of de-risking letters, which are communications...
Banking
July 31, 2025
Banking secrecy myths unravel under new case law
Over the past few decades, banking secrecy has been a cornerstone of financial privacy, often leading to widespread misconceptions about its inviolability. Recent case law developments are challenging these long-held...
Banking, Finance News
July 28, 2025
Bank failures and deposit guarantee triggers in Malta
Guarantee mechanisms are in place in Malta to protect depositors in the event of bank failures. Understanding these deposit guarantee triggers is necessary for consumers and investors alike, as they...
Banking
July 22, 2025
New ESG reporting rules challenge local banks
Over the past year, local banks have been grappling with new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting rules that impose stringent requirements on transparency and accountability. These regulations aim to...