Investment Services in Malta

Malta based Investment Services including MiFID II companies and AIFMs are regulated in Malta by the Investment Services Act (“Act”) (Cap. 370 of the Laws of Malta). The Act outlines the requirements for the establishment of such entities and makes it illegal for any person to provide an investment service in or from Malta unless in possession of a valid investment services licence.

Our services give you the possibility of obtaining a valid licence under which investment services can be offered in Malta and throughout the European Union.

Investment Services Rules

The Investment Services Rules lay down additional requirements and conditions in relation to activities of licence holders. This includes but is not limited to the conduct of business, relations with customers, the public and other parties, the responsibility towards the Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA” or “Authority”), reporting requirements, financial resources, capital adequacy and any other related requirements.

The MFSA, is the single regulator responsible for regulation and supervision of Investment Services Providers, Collective Investment Schemes, Custodians as well as the different types of Regulated Markets.

Every licence is subject to Standard Licence Conditions (SLCs) – which are described in full in the Investment Services Rules for Investment Services Providers. However, the SLCs are not exhaustive and may be supplemented by the MFSA in certain circumstances. The objective of the SLCs is to require the licence holder to act honestly, fairly and with due skill, care, diligence and integrity in the best interests of the customer and to protect the investors or clients of the licence holder.

Fit and Proper Assessment

The ‘fit and proper’ assessment is the MFSA’s means for raising public confidence in the integrity of the financial services system and a key element of an effective supervisory regime. The ’fit and proper’ test is one which an applicant for a licence and the persons involved therein are to satisfy on an ongoing basis.

The carrying out of proper due diligence procedures is a fundamental first step which the Authority undertakes in order to determine whether a licence is to be granted or if a person is to be approved to hold a controlled function within a licenced entity.

In assessing fitness and properness, the MFSA assesses (amongst other things):

MiFID II Licensing and Authorisation

The provision of MiFID II services, referred to as Investment Services, in or from Malta is a licensable activity, requiring the attainment of an Investment Services Licence in terms of the Act and subsequent regulations which transpose EU Directives such as MiFID II and AIFMD. The First Schedule to the Act lists the following services which require the need of a licence:

It is important to note that no person shall provide a licensable activity in and from Malta without having the appropriate authorisation by the MFSA.

A MiFID II Licence is issued only if the MFSA is satisfied that the applicant is a ‘fit and proper’ person to provide the investment service(s) concerned, and that the applicant will comply with and observe any Investment Services Rules and Regulations made under the Act as applicable to the licence holder. The concept of ‘fit and proper’ is a fundamental regulatory concept. This is a rigorous test which requires senior staff, both at licensing stage and on an on-going basis thereafter, to demonstrate solvency, competence and integrity in all their dealings.

EU Passporting Rights

Being a Member of the European Union, Malta transposes EU Directives and adopts EU Regulations within the financial services sector. Through these Directives and Regulations, an applicant establishing itself in Malta, can make use of similar regulatory requirements as found in the other EU Member States.

Via the harmonisation of laws, rules & regulations, financial businesses that are established in Malta or any other EU jurisdiction can, by means of a process known as ‘passporting’, provide their services in other European jurisdictions without incurring additional regulatory fees or bureaucratic burdens. Such passporting rights can be used to either offer a licensed service on a cross-border basis or to set up a branch in the chosen territories.

Malta as a Brexit Solution

Malta’s regulatory system has been modelled on the UK FSA, today known as Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The similarities between the two legal systems allows peace of mind to UK companies seeking a Brexit Strategy when considering Malta as the jurisdiction where to set up or licence their business.

The Financial Services industry in Malta is highly established and contributes to approximately 12% of the country’s GDP. Being a member of the European Union, allows any reputable companies, either through an independent setup or through re-domiciliation, to service the EU market through passporting.

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is very open to meet executives who are looking at Malta as their next base. The process of obtaining a licence is robust, yet transparent and if executives or members of staff which are already authorised by the FCA are to form part of the Malta structure, then this will make the process even smoother for the Malta application.