Useful Links
Arbiter for Financial Services
The Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services is a newly constituted autonomous and independent body setup in terms of Act XVI of 2016 of the Laws of Malta. It has the power to mediate, investigate and adjudicate complaints filed by customers against financial services providers.
The Malta Business Registry (MBR), established under Subsidiary Legislation 595.27, is responsible for the registration of new commercial partnerships and legal entities, the registration of documents related to commercial partnership, the issuing of certified documentation including certificates of good-standing amongst others, the reservation of company names, the collection of registration and other fees, the publication of notices and the imposition and collection of penalties. The Registry also conducts investigations of companies and the keeping of the company and partnership register.
The main objective of the Eurosystem and the Central Bank of Malta is to maintain price stability. In order to meet this objective, the Central Bank of Malta participates in the preparation and decision-making process of the Eurosystem’s monetary policy.
Department of Information (DOI)
The Department of Information aims to provide the public with up-to-date, comprehensive and meaningful information on Government policies, services and activities as well as on matters of public interest.
FinanceMalta, a non-profit public-private initiative, was set up to promote Malta as an international business and financial centre within, as well as outside, Malta. It brings together and harnesses the resources of the industry and government to ensure Malta maintains a modern and effective legal, regulatory and fiscal framework in which the financial services sector can continue to grow and prosper.
Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU)
The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit is a government agency established under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (Cap 373 of the Laws of Malta). It is the entity responsible for the collection, collation, processing, analysis and dissemination of information with a view to combating money laundering and the funding of terrorism.
The Financial Services Tribunal is set up by CAP 330 Malta Financial Services Authority Act. It incorporates the duties and obligations previously vested in the Malta Stock Exchange Tribunal (Malta Stock Exchange Act of 1990) and the Financial Services Tribunal (Banking Act of 1994 and the Insurance Business Act of 1998).
Malta is a republic, that embraces the foundations of a democratic system with a separation of powers. In other words, as with other democracies, there is a legislative branch (Parliament); an executive one (the cabinet of ministers); and a judicial branch (the courts).
Tax Guidelines on Highly Qualified Persons Rules
The objective of the Highly Qualified Persons Rules (SL 123.126), is the creation of a scheme to attract highly qualified persons to occupy “eligible office” with companies licensed and/or recognized by the Competent Authority regulating the specific sector.
The Malta Stock Exchange became a reality upon enactment of the Malta Stock Exchange Act in 1990, and commenced its trading operations on 8 January 1992. Today it is a fully-fledged regulated market which successfully fulfils its role as an effective venue to raise capital finance.
European Securities and Markets Authority
ESMA is an independent EU Authority that contributes to safeguarding the stability of the European Union’s financial system by enhancing the protection of investors and promoting stable and orderly financial markets.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank of the 19 European Union countries which have adopted the euro. Our main task is to maintain price stability in the euro area and so preserve the purchasing power of the single currency.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) is an independent EU Authority which works to ensure effective and consistent prudential regulation and supervision across the European banking sector. Its overall objectives are to maintain financial stability in the EU and to safeguard the integrity, efficiency and orderly functioning of the banking sector.
European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) was established in consequence of the reforms to the structure of supervision of the financial sector in the European Union. EIOPA is part of a European System of Financial Supervisors that comprises three European Supervisory Authorities, one for the banking sector, one for the securities sector and one for the insurance and occupational pensions sector, as well as the European Systemic Risk Board.
Depositor and Investor Compensation Scheme
The Investor Compensation Scheme is a rescue fund for customers of failed investment firms which are licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) while the Depositor Compensation Scheme is a rescue fund for depositors of failed banks which are licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
The functions of the Authority shall be to promote and enhance competition, safeguarding consumers’ interests and enhance their welfare, promoting voluntary standards and provide standardization related services, promoting the national metrology strategy, promoting the smooth transposition and adoption of technical regulations and to perform such other function that may be assigned to it under this or any other law or regulations.
Asset Recovery Bureau – Malta (ARB)
The Bureau is an autonomous public entity governed by a Board led by a Chairperson is responsible for policy making and a Directorate headed by a Director responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the Asset Recovery Bureau Regulations and the execution of policy as established by the Board.
