Recent developments surrounding the financial management of Malta’s financial regulator have prompted unease across the island’s financial services sector. At a time when licensed operators are facing sharp increases in regulatory fees, new information has emerged showing that the regulator itself recorded substantial financial losses while departing from standard public procurement practices....
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NEWS Malta
January 23, 2026
MFSA direct orders and governance come under scrutiny
Malta’s Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has attracted renewed scrutiny over its procurement practices and financial governance following the latest government gazette records showing a substantial number of direct orders issued...
Finance News
December 24, 2025
Can the MFSA Rebuild Investor Trust After the 2024 Crackdown
Trust in regulatory bodies often erodes following significant crises, and the 2024 crackdown by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has prompted serious concerns among investors. This post explores the...
Banking, Finance News
December 6, 2025
What Happens When the MFSA Freezes a Corporate Account
Freeze actions by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) on corporate accounts can lead to significant implications for businesses operating in Malta. This measure typically occurs when regulatory compliance issues...
NEWS Malta
December 3, 2025
Merkanti Bank prepares to close after a decade in Malta
A decade after establishing its presence in Malta, Merkanti Bank, a small but specialised non-retail lender ultimately controlled by United States-based investors, is preparing to close its operations in the...
Finance News, Laws
November 15, 2025
How the MFSA Monitors Shell Companies in Practice
Many regulatory bodies focus on the oversight of shell companies due to their potential for misuse in laundering money and evading taxes. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) employs a...
Finance News, Laws
September 24, 2025
Effectiveness of MFSA fines questioned by industry
Many industry experts are raising concerns about the effectiveness of fines imposed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) in promoting compliance and deterring misconduct within the financial sector. As...
Finance News
August 16, 2025
MFSA struggles with policing crypto wallet custodians
Many regulatory bodies are facing challenges in overseeing the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies, and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is no exception. As the demand for crypto wallet...
Finance News, Licenses & Payments
July 30, 2025
Inside the MFSA’s crypto exchange licensing maze
Many aspiring cryptocurrency exchange operators find themselves navigating the intricate and often perplexing landscape of licensing requirements set forth by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). As one of the...
Finance News, iGaming News
June 24, 2025
Malta’s iGaming and Finance Boost Economic Growth
Most economists agree that Malta's economic growth is significantly bolstered by its robust iGaming and financial services sectors. With a favorable regulatory framework and strategic geographic location, Malta has become...
Banking
June 18, 2025
Malta Banks and Offshore Payment Shells
Many individuals and businesses seeking financial privacy have turned to Malta's banking system, which, over the years, has become synonymous with offshore payment shells. This blog post investigates into the...
Finance News
June 15, 2025
How Malta bridges unregulated crypto with fiat rails
Over the past few years, Malta has established itself as a global hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. The island nation has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework that brings together...
Finance News, Laws
June 15, 2025
How Malta’s SPVs Obscure Ultimate Beneficial Owners
There's growing concern surrounding the use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in Malta to obscure the identities of ultimate beneficial owners. This mechanism, often exploited for asset protection and tax...
Finance News
June 13, 2025
Malta’s Backdoor Finance Boom and Regulatory Challenges
It's vital to understand the intricate web of connections that underpins Malta's burgeoning finance sector. This Mediterranean island has emerged as a hotspot for high-risk financial activities, attracting global investors...
Finance News, Licenses & Payments
June 13, 2025
Malta’s e-wallet firms and their offshore affiliations
You may be surprised to learn how Malta's e-wallet firms have established themselves as key players in the online payment sector, often leveraging offshore affiliations to enhance their services. This...
Finance News
June 12, 2025
Malta shell companies and financial regulations
Malta has emerged as a prominent hub for shell companies, blending legitimate business operations with complex funding mechanisms. This blog post explores into the intricacies of Malta's financial landscape, highlighting...
Banking, Finance News
June 12, 2025
The Malta banks enabling shadow transactions abroad
Shadow banking activities have increasingly drawn attention to the role of Malta's financial institutions in facilitating opaque transactions beyond its borders. With a favorable regulatory environment, these banks provide avenues...
Finance News, Laws
June 11, 2025
The Quiet Use of BVI Firms in Malta’s Crypto Registries
BVI firms have emerged as a significant element in Malta's burgeoning cryptocurrency landscape, driven by the island's favorable regulatory framework and strategic location within Europe. This blog post explores the...
Laws
June 10, 2025
Malta’s dual books strategy and regulatory blind spots
There's a growing interest in Malta's dual books strategy and the regulatory blind spots that accompany it. This approach allows businesses to operate with two sets of financial records, raising...
Finance News, Laws
June 9, 2025
Malta Data Trustees and Their Role in Shadow Finance Risks
Shadow finance often thrives in environments where data governance lacks transparency, and Malta's data trustees play a pivotal role in this landscape. Operating at the intersection of finance and technology,...
Finance News
June 9, 2025
The truth about Malta’s “non-crypto” crypto firms
With a burgeoning reputation as a blockchain haven, Malta has attracted numerous firms claiming to operate within the cryptocurrency space. However, many of these organizations, labeled as “non-crypto” crypto firms,...
NEWS Malta
June 6, 2025
MFSA and Joseph Cuschieri Found Guilty of Abuse of Power
In a ruling of considerable legal and institutional significance, the Court of Appeal of Malta, presided over by Judge Lawrence Mintoff, has delivered a comprehensive and unequivocal judgment upholding the...
Finance News, Laws
May 31, 2025
Malta’s Regtech Sector Is a Regulatory Smokescreen
Many observers have noted the rapid growth of Malta's regtech sector, often touted as a beacon of innovation in the regulatory landscape. However, beneath the surface, questions arise regarding its...
Licenses & Payments
May 28, 2025
How Malta payment agents escape regulatory filing
With the rapid evolution of digital finance, Malta's payment agents have found innovative ways to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. This blog post examines the methods these agents employ to...
NEWS Malta
May 27, 2025
MMH Bond Trading Suspended on Malta Stock Exchange
Trading of bonds issued by the Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH) has been officially suspended on the Malta Stock Exchange, following the company's failure to submit its annual financial statements as...
Finance News, Laws
May 21, 2025
The Revolving Door Between MFSA and Maltese Fintechs
Fintech companies in Malta continue to thrive, largely due to the dynamic interplay between the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and local startups. This relationship facilitates a steady exchange of...
Finance News, Laws
May 21, 2025
Malta Crypto Firms Leading With Compliance Focus
Crypto firms in Malta have garnered attention for their unique approach, prioritizing compliance to build trust and credibility in a rapidly evolving industry. As the global regulatory landscape shifts, these...