The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulator for all financial services in Malta.The MFSA was established on July 23, 2002, when it was established as a statutory body by way of a Parliament Act under Chapter 330 of the Laws of Malta.
Since then, the MFSA has been vested with overall responsibility for regulating and supervising the entire Maltese financial system, safeguarding market integrity, consumer protection, and economic stability.
The Authority regulates a variety of sectors, including banking, financial institutions, payment services, insurance companies and insurance intermediaries, investment firms, collective investment schemes, the securities market, recognized investment exchanges, trust management companies, company service providers, and pension schemes.
In addition to its supervisory role, the MFSA advises the Maltese government on issues related to financial services policy and ensures that national strategies are consistent with international best practices.
Increasing Scope of Regulation
Over time, the MFSA's mandate has evolved in response to the development of technology and the shifting landscape and needs of its marketplace.
Since 2018, the Authority has been responsible for regulating Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs) as part of Malta's efforts to establish itself as a leader in digital finance.
The MFSA takes a holistic approach to regulation, meeting the needs of consumers and the requirements of industry participants, fostering a culture of systemic integrity and innovation, whilst ensuring strict compliance with
Mission and Vision
The MFSA's mission stems from its responsibility to ensure the stability, transparency, and reputation of Malta's financial services sector.
Its vision is centered on creating the right environment for the financial services sector to thrive sustainably, with increased innovation and enhanced investor confidence.
The priorities of the MFSA are framed by the five core Values that convey the guiding principles of the Authority and its governance and operational behaviours:
• Integrity - earning and reinforcing trust and ethical behaviour across all its operations.
• Transparency - ensuring clarity and visibility in all its regulatory processes and procedures.
• Excellence - continuously improving its behaviours to meet international benchmarks.
• Accountability - being accountable to its stakeholders and the broader financial services ecosystem.
• Sustainability - developing resilient frameworks that meet the needs of evolving markets.
The core Values shape the identity of the MFSA, drafting the basis of its strategic decision-making.
Strategic Priorities
The MFSA developed its strategic priorities after the publication of its Strategic Statement in February 2023.
The strategic priorities set out its governance and supervisory priorities at a high level, effectively informing its regulatory and supervised priorities until 2025.
The strategic priorities are informed by ensuring that the Authority is meeting the requirements of its statutory responsibilities, while ensuring its work, decisions, and policies are commensurate with developments within a rapidly evolving financial services sector.
The overall strategic priorities focus on:
• Developing enhanced regulatory frameworks to reinforce market trust and market integrity.
• Unlocking improved operational resilience through harnessing the power of digital transformation.
• Developing new financial innovations, while maintaining an understanding of potential risks.
• Ensuring continued alignment with the European Union and international standards.
The regulatory and supervisory priorities are closely developed alongside the MFSA's short- to medium-term business plans, supporting the Authority in undertaking its work as regulatory challenges and trends emerge.
Supervisory Priorities for 2025
The MFSA has developed its Supervisory Priorities for 2025, which follow on from its strategic priorities for official clarity on key areas for action in the year ahead.
