Regulated Businesses

Financial Services

Financial services firms are constantly facing new challenges and opportunities in today’s fast-paced and highly competitive markets. We offer expert guidance and support to help make informed decisions, stay ahead of the competition, and achieve business goals. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the financial services industry, we can help your firm navigate complex regulations, identify new growth opportunities, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency.

We offer services to the following types of financial services firms:

Credit Institutions

Malta’s banking sector has grown exponentially with the growing economy. The banking landscape in Malta hosts over 20 credit institutions offering varied banking services to local and international clients. The banking sector is arguably the most heavily regulated sector in the financial services sphere, facing significant regulatory challenges emanating from the constant evolution of applicable rulebooks. Credit Institutions are significantly exposed to economic uncertainties and face constant pressures to adapt and deliver value to stakeholders.

Financial Institutions

The payments industry has gained momentum over the past few years and is one of the most exciting industries within the financial services landscape, in Malta and across the EU. Payment service providers face significant day-to-day challenges in the form of the ever-changing technologies, competition from new entrants and legacy banks leading to intense pressure on profit margins and new consumer behaviours. The regulatory landscape is a further pressure point for payment service providers, with an overhaul of applicable EU legislation on the horizon.

Virtual Assets Service Providers

Malta has been at the forefront in this sector through the early enactment of a regulatory package. The effective alignment and transition of Malta’s VFA Framework to the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is an opportunity for Malta to capitalise on its first-mover advantage, thereby raising the local sector to new highs.

Insurance

The insurance industry is undergoing significant changes, with a range of regulatory and competitive challenges affecting its landscape. In the face of tightened regulations and increased scrutiny, insurance companies must navigate complex compliance requirements. On top of this, the industry is facing increased competition from new, digitally-savvy entrants who are offering innovative solutions and challenging traditional players.

Despite these challenges, the insurance industry is well-positioned for growth, and companies that are able to effectively navigate the regulatory and competitive landscape are poised for success.

Corporate Service Providers

Corporate Service Providers (CSPs) offer a wide range of services to local and international clients. In view of their specific roles as gatekeepers, CSPs are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

As a result, CSPs are subject to a range of regulatory requirements aimed at ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the industry. These requirements are designed to protect the interests of clients, promote transparency and accountability, and maintain Malta’s reputation as a reputable and well-regulated jurisdiction.

Further, CSPs must comply with various other regulations, including anti-money laundering legislation.

Listed Entities

Raising funds on Malta’s capital markets provides access to a wide range of potential investors. There are several ways for companies to raise funds on the Capital Markets, including the issuance of bonds, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and the launching of investment funds.

An ever-increasing popular option for companies looking to raise funds is to issue bonds. Companies may issue bonds to raise capital for a specific project or to refinance existing debt. Bond issuance can be done through private placements or public offerings, and can be structured to meet the specific needs of the issuer.

Another option for raising funds is to sell shares to the general public through and IPO. This provides companies with access to a large pool of potential investors and can increase their visibility and credibility.

Malta’s capital markets are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The MFSA is responsible for supervising and regulating the activities of market participants, and ensures that market participants comply with EU regulations and maintain high standards of transparency, integrity, and stability upon listing and on an on-going basis.

Notaries, Estate Agents and other Professional Services

Malta is home to a thriving professional services sector, including notaries, estate agents, and other professionals that provide important support to both local and international clients. These professionals play an important role in a variety of areas, including property transactions, estate planning, and legal advice.

Recent amendments to the regulatory framework, particularly in the ambit of Anti-Money Laundering and Data protection, have significantly impacted the regulatory compliance burden for these sectors. Alignment with the regulatory requirements constitutes a steep learning curve which in most cases would require third-party expert advice and support.