Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)

Basic Information

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulatory body overseeing financial services in Malta, established as an autonomous public institution under the Malta Financial Services Authority Act (Chapter 330 of the Laws of Malta). It operates as the primary financial regulator, ensuring market integrity, consumer protection, and financial stability. The MFSA regulates a broad spectrum of financial sectors, including banking, insurance, securities, investment services, and since 2018, Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs). The Authority collaborates with both local and international institutions to uphold regulatory standards and foster a transparent financial environment.

Historical Background

The MFSA was officially established on 23 July 2002, consolidating regulatory functions previously handled by the Central Bank of Malta, the Malta Stock Exchange, and the Malta Financial Services Centre. This consolidation aimed to streamline financial supervision under a single authority. In 2018, the MFSA underwent a demerger from the Malta Business Registry (MBR), reinforcing its focus on financial regulation. Over the years, the MFSA has expanded its oversight to include emerging sectors such as cryptocurrency and fintech, aligning with global financial trends.

Legal Authority and Regulatory Framework

The MFSA derives its regulatory powers from the Malta Financial Services Authority Act, which grants it authority to supervise financial institutions, enforce compliance, and investigate malpractices. It operates under EU directives, including the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), the Payment Services Directive (PSD2), and the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) framework. Additionally, the MFSA is a member of key international regulatory bodies such as the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

Key Responsibilities and Regulatory Scope

The MFSA’s primary duties include:

• Licensing and supervising banks, financial institutions, and payment service providers
• Regulating investment firms, collective investment schemes, and securities markets
• Overseeing insurance companies and intermediaries
• Monitoring trust and company service providers
• Supervising pension schemes and Virtual Financial Asset (VFA) service providers
• Ensuring compliance with AML and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regulations
• Providing advisory support to the Maltese government on financial policy

Contact Information

The MFSA’s headquarters are located at:

Address: Triq l-Imdina, Zone 1, Central Business District, Birkirkara CBD 1010, Malta

Website: www.mfsa.mt

General Inquiries: [email protected]

Complaints: [email protected]

How to Verify a Firm’s Regulatory Status

To confirm whether a financial entity is regulated by the MFSA:

1. Visit the official MFSA website (www.mfsa.mt)
2. Navigate to the “Regulated Entities” section
3. Use the search function to look up the firm by name or license number
4. Review the entity’s regulatory status, license details, and any enforcement actions

For additional verification, contact the MFSA’s Consumer Complaints Unit or the Financial Supervision Department.