Regulatory Update: Changes To The Submission Process For ESEF Annual Financial Reports

A notable regulatory change has taken effect concerning the process for submitting annual financial reports prepared in accordance with the European Single Electronic Format (“ESEF”). Companies subject to these requirements should take note of the following developments.

Prior to the entry into force of the amendments referred to below, companies obliged to prepare annual financial reports in ESEF format were required to submit such reports directly to the Malta Business Registry (“MBR”) via the BAROS portal.

Following the entry into force of certain provisions of Act XVIII of 2025, such financial reports (including the balance sheet, directors’ report, auditors’ report, and annual accounts) are now to be filed with the Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”), being the competent authority for these purposes. The MFSA shall then make the relevant documentation available directly to the MBR through secure channels.