Payment Institutions offering crypto-related services face a complex new regulatory landscape under MiCAR, requiring separate authorisation beyond their existing licences. The framework introduces substantial compliance obligations spanning conduct rules, disclosure requirements, and capital adequacy standards, while imposing multi-layered costs that can reach tens of thousands of euros annually. Understanding whether the commercial benefits justify these regulatory burdens has become a critical strategic q

On 17 April 2026 ESMA released a statement regarding the end of transitional periods under the MiCA regime. In ESMA’s previous statements about supervisory convergence, transitional measures...

The Malta Financial Services Authority has issued critical guidance on compliance reporting and digital operational resilience for financial institutions operating in Malta.

The Malta Financial Services Authority has launched a consultation examining whether distributed ledger technology can be integrated into Malta's financial ecosystem for tokenising financial instruments and real-world assets. The regulator seeks industry input on priority asset classes for pilots, infrastructural readiness including token registries and smart-contract audits, and legal issues surrounding ownership and settlement finality.

The Travel Rule, originating from FATF Recommendation 16, has evolved from traditional wire transfers to encompass virtual asset service providers, with the EU's Transfer of Funds Regulation now in full effect. As compliance costs mount and payment infrastructures multiply, critical questions emerge about the financial burden on licensed institutions, data protection risks, and whether these regulations effectively combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

MK Fintech Partners is a legal firm, specialising in the Data Governance Act and other relevant regulations.

Ian Taylor works in capital markets and fintech, with a depth of expertise within financial markets...

How are MedTech and Fintech merging? Chiara Scerri Herrera discusses the two innovative technologies and their effect on healthcare and financial services.

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) Capital Markets Supervision (CMS) Function intends to launch a thematic review to assess whether supervised...

With the recent passing of the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) Regulation into law April 20, 2023, it is helpful to refresh one's mind on the fundamentals of crypto to have a good understanding of how the regulation will impact the crypto industry.

Av Matteo Alessandro explains in detail facts about the MiCAR and Custodians. What does the MiCAR mean for Crypto Asset Service Providers?

What are the latest RTSs and ITSs for MiCAR? Well, on July 12, 2023, the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority ...

Max Frilot provides a narrative to the Ripple Labs charges brought forward by the SEC in the US. What is the fallout expected from this? Furthermore, will this be a win or a loss for the Crypto industry?

The Malta Financial Services Authority ("MFSA") has issued an important circular to provide extensive guidance on the licensing and authorisation process for crypto-asset service providers ("CASPs")...

The European Central Bank ("ECB") has announced a major policy change aimed at improving the efficiency and stability of the financial system.

How to apply the MiCAR to asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and Electronic Money Tokens (EMTs).

The financial regulatory landscape in the European Union is undergoing significant changes with the introduction of EMIR 3, which took effect on 24 December 2024.

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), through its Supervisory ICT Risk and Cybersecurity (SIRC) function...

‘Yes' or ‘no' to Regulatory Sandboxes? Av. Matteo Alessandro explains in detail what regulatory sandboxes are.

Offering Brexit solutions for Investment Services Providers (ISPs), Dr Jane Nweike proposes a way forward for Investment Services Providers.