Regulation

Financial services are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), an ad hoc government authority established by The Malta Financial Services Centre Act of 1988, responsible for regulating financial services and investment services in Malta.

The Gaming and betting industry is further regulated by The Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA). Established by law it the single regulatory body that is responsible for the governance of all forms of gaming in Malta. It enjoys extensive regulatory powers and has been praised as being “very good” and “thorough” and has created “clear rules” or practice for the gaming and betting industry.

Both regulators enjoy good international reputation and actively participate in international conventions on their respective responsibilities.

 “Malta embraces international tax standards for transparency and exchange of information and has joined OECD member countries in committing to eliminate harmful tax practices” (OECD Official News Release, June, 2000).

Malta enjoys "A comprehensive and robust legal framework and a particularly well-regulated financial sector" (Report of the Council of Europe Money-Laundering Committee, April, 2003).

"Malta’s financial system appears to be healthy and well supervised … Malta has a comprehensive legal framework and strongly adheres to most of the International Standards and codes … The authorities have undertaken major efforts in strengthening the supervisory framework …", (Financial System Stability Assessment, Sep, 2003)