FIAU Malta Signs MoU with ASAE Portugal
Summary
The FIAU Malta has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Portugal's ASAE to enhance cooperation on monitoring cash payment restrictions. This agreement facilitates information exchange and joint training to improve enforcement of EU regulations.
What changed
The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) of Malta and the Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) of Portugal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) effective January 12, 2026. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation, primarily through information exchange, staff exchanges, and joint training, aimed at monitoring compliance with cash payment restrictions and strengthening the operational capacities of both authorities. The MoU is intended to improve knowledge of challenges related to cash payments and enhance the enforcement of relevant EU regulations.
This development is primarily informational for compliance officers, indicating an increased focus on cross-border cooperation in monitoring cash payment restrictions. While the MoU itself does not impose new direct obligations on regulated entities, it signals a potential for enhanced information sharing between Maltese and Portuguese authorities. Compliance teams should be aware of this increased coordination, which may lead to more targeted inquiries or joint investigations in the future, particularly concerning cross-border transactions or entities operating in both jurisdictions.
Source document (simplified)
Memorandum of Understanding with the Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE)
March 03, 2026
The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) is pleased to announce that, on the 12th of January 2026, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) to establish a framework of cooperation in the monitoring of compliance with restrictions on cash payments and to enhance the operational capacities of both authorities. The MoU entered into force on the same date.
Through this agreement, the FIAU and ASAE will cooperate primarily through the exchange of information, staff exchanges, and the organisation of joint training initiatives, thereby strengthening coordination in areas of mutual competence.
This MoU represents an excellent opportunity to enhance knowledge and understanding of the current challenges in the area of cash payments, paving the way for common solutions and opportunities for better EU regulation enforcement.
ASAE is the authority responsible for monitoring compliance with restrictions on cash payments in Portugal.
This MoU was signed by Mr Alfred Zammit, Director of the FIAU, on behalf of the Unit, and by Inspector-General Mr. Luís Lourenço, on behalf of the ASAE.
Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit
Trident Park, No. 5, Triq l-Mdina,
Central Business District Birkirkara, CBD 2010
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