Regulatory Compliance Quarterly Update | Q2 2026

Financial Action Task Force assessors are in Malta to meet with government officials before deciding whether to take the island off its so-called grey list of untrustworthy jurisdictions.

Europe's financial infrastructure is undergoing a fundamental redesign in response to quantum computing threats.

By virtue of Act I of 2025, significant amendments were introduced to Merchant Shipping Act (‘MSA’) Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta (‘The Amendments’)...

The MFSA has issued a consultation paper in order to present to the industry a draft legal notice setting out regulations on [i] the high level principles which VFA Agents must adhere...

The Strategic Plan for 2023-2025 That that we launched in April 2023 laid out on the way in which we deliver transformation. The objectives were very clear but at that time, the work needed seemed insurmountable.

The beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta covers 316 square kilometers and has a population of fewer than 450,000.

On the 15th of June 2026, the European Commission published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1291 introducing a revised set of implementing technical standards under the Market Abuse Regulation...

The MFSA has issued a new General Code of Conduct for Decision Makers within the financial services sector, reinforcing the important role of such individuals in safeguarding the interests...

If you are a Category 2 (UCITS / AIFM) Investment Services Licence Holder, the Interim Financial Return for the 3rd Quarter, is due to the MFSA by 31st October, 2015.

The European Commission has published new delegated regulations amending the EU prospectus disclosure regime, introducing streamlined content requirements and standardized formats for various categories of prospectuses. These reforms, part of the broader EU Listing Act package, aim to reduce regulatory burdens for issuers while maintaining investor protection, with key changes including reduced historical financial information requirements and simplified disclosure obligations.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has delivered a landmark ruling on whether political parties may invoke freedom of expression to justify using reputed trademarks in their campaigns. When Belgian political party Vlaams Belang adopted the IKEA trademark for its immigration reform programme, Inter IKEA Systems challenged the use, forcing European courts to balance intellectual property rights against fundamental freedoms. The judgment establishes a nuanced framework requiring case-by-case assessment

In a decision issued yesterday morning, the General Court of the CJEU (EGC) approved the registration of a logo consisting of a shield motif with the letter "M" blazoned across the front...

The European Commission has designated OpenAI's ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine, while Roblox and Reddit have been classified as Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act. These designations mark a significant development in EU digital regulation, particularly for AI systems, as all three services must now comply with stringent requirements including risk assessments, content moderation, and independent audits within four months.

The Malta Financial Services Authority has drawn attention to ESMA's 2025 Corporate Reporting Enforcement and Regulatory Activities Report, which outlines key enforcement priorities for listed companies' financial reporting. The report identifies common areas of supervisory focus across EU and EEA jurisdictions, emphasizing consistent application of IFRS standards and enhanced corporate reporting quality in European capital markets.

By virtue of Act I of 2025, significant amendments were introduced to Merchant Shipping Act (‘MSA’) Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta (‘The Amendments’)...

As of January 2026, third‑country nationals (TCNs) who wish to work in Malta for the first time will be required to complete and pass a mandatory online pre‑departure course on life and work in Malta, costing €250...

On 22 April 2020, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (the "MCCAA") published a consultation regarding a Bill to amend the Consumer Affairs Act.

On the 15th of June 2026, the European Commission published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1291 introducing a revised set of implementing technical standards under the Market Abuse Regulation...

On the 31st December 2019, a set of regulations were introduced for the purpose of registering private residential leases with the Housing Authority

The Duty on Donations of Marketable Securities and Immovable Property Used for Business Order (the "Order"), recently amended by Legal Notice 412 of 2018, introduces a reduced rate of duty for gratuitous transfers of business property.