Malta

FIAU REQ Group 3 Deadline Reminder April 2026

The FIAU Malta reminds all subject persons that the Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ) 2026 submission deadline for Group 3 is April 21, 2026. Timely submission is a legal obligation, and failure to meet the deadline constitutes a late submission that may expose subject persons to administrative penalties. Financial institutions required to submit through the MFSA LH Portal are excluded from this reminder.

H.I.G. Capital Acquires Aviation Cosmetics Malta

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority's Office for Competition has published a notice of a concentration where H.I.G. Capital, LLC (USA), through IAC Malta Limited, intends to acquire Aviation Cosmetics Malta Limited. The notification was filed on April 15, 2026, and interested third parties have seven days to submit written objections. Aviation Cosmetics Malta Limited provides aircraft painting services to commercial airlines and aviation leasing companies at Safi Aviation Park.

Training Session on New Settlement Agreement Policy and Enforcement Guide

The FIAU Malta announced a training session on its new Settlement Agreement Policy and Enforcement Guide for April 2026. The session will feature senior FIAU officials including Director Alfred Zammit and MFSA CEO Kenneth Farrugia, along with enforcement and legal staff who developed the policies. The training covers settlement mechanisms, enforcement discretion, remediation expectations, and practical case studies for AML/CFT compliance professionals.

AML Settlement Framework: Legal Notices 82 and 83, New Guidance Documents

FIAU Malta announces Legal Notices 82 and 83 (effective April 1, 2026) granting authority to enter settlement agreements for administrative penalties and introducing out-of-court settlement procedures for pending appeals. Four new guidance documents are published: the Enforcement Guide, CMC Governing Principles and Framework, Policies and Procedures on Publication of AML/CFT Penalties, and Settlement Agreement Policy.

Determination of Applications: Permits, Imports, Waste

ERA Malta Regulatory Affairs Directorate published over 30 environmental permit decisions covering tree work, waste exports, construction debris, WEEE, and municipal waste across multiple Maltese localities. Decisions include an alligator watch strap import from Switzerland and hazardous waste export to Portugal.

ERA Permit Determinations: Tree Transplanting, Floriana

ERA Malta published permit determinations covering tree transplanting, tree interventions, emergency pruning/removal permits, and hazardous waste export/transit authorizations. Decisions were issued from February 2-7, 2026. Most tree-related permits (EP 228/25, EP 276/25, EP 322/25, emergency permits 08/26, 10/26, 11/26) were Granted, while certain waste export applications were Withdrawn or Dismissed.

ERA Determines Applications: 30 Permits Granted, 1 Dismissed for Environmental and Waste Management Activities

ERA Malta's Regulatory Affairs Directorate issued decisions on 30 environmental permit applications, with 29 granted and 1 dismissed. Permits cover environmental activities including waste management (construction/demolition, WEEE, separated waste, road services), biota sampling, filming, beach clean-ups, and educational school activities across multiple Maltese localities. One application (EP 1300/23) for tree uprooting/transplanting in Zebbug was dismissed.

REQ Deadline Group 2 - AML Obligations Reminder

The FIAU Malta reminds all subject persons that the Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ) submission deadline for Group 2 is April 13, 2026. Timely submission of the REQ is a legal obligation under Malta's AML framework. Failure to submit by the deadline will be considered late submission and may result in administrative penalties. Submissions must be made through the CASPAR portal.

CBAR & the Road Ahead: The Impact of AMLD6

EU Directive 2024/1640 (AMLD6) Article 16 will expand Malta's Centralised Bank Account Register (CBAR) to include new product categories: payment accounts (regardless of IBAN), virtual IBANs, securities accounts, and crypto-asset accounts. Reporting obligations for credit and financial institutions must be implemented by July 10, 2027. By July 10, 2029, national registers will interconnect via the Bank Account Registers Interconnection System (BARIS), enabling EU-wide access for designated authorities.

GDPR Article 15 Subject Access Request Complaint Assessment

The IDPC assessed a complaint under Article 77 GDPR regarding alleged failures by a controller to respond completely to two subject access requests made in August 2019 and May 2025. The complainant alleged the controller omitted key categories of personal data including employment-related correspondence, salary progression records, and Industrial Tribunal-related data. The Commissioner found the 2019 allegations inadmissible due to an approximately six-year delay between the access request and the complaint filing, which materially impaired the ability to investigate the matter with certainty.

MCCAA seeks ACAB course experts, deadline 30th Apr

MCCAA Malta published an Expression of Interest for the design, delivery and assessment of an Authorised Conformity Assessment Body (ACAB) course. Qualified experts are invited to submit their interest by noon on 30 April 2026. This procurement notice does not create compliance obligations for regulated entities.

FIAU Enforcement Process and Settlement Provisions Training

The FIAU Malta announced two legal notices (LN 82 and LN 83 of 2026) amending the PMLFTR and CBAR Regulations, introducing settlement agreement powers for administrative penalties and transitional provisions for out-of-court settlements in pending appeals. The FIAU is hosting training sessions on April 2, 2026, to explain the forthcoming Enforcement Guide and new settlement framework.

Sterimar Dolphin Plush Toy recall, choking hazard warning

MCCAA issued a safety warning for Sterimar Dolphin Plush Toys distributed through pharmacies in Malta and Gozo. The toy's eye components may detach, posing a choking hazard for infants and young children. Distribution has been halted and pharmacies notified; consumers are urged to immediately stop using and safely dispose of the product.

MCCAA Approves Nectar Limited Acquisition of C.P. Trading Company Part

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority's Office for Competition has approved the acquisition of a part of C.P. Trading Company by Nectar Limited. The decision document detailing the approval has been published.

Competition Office Approves Eles Semiconductor Acquisition

The Maltese Office for Competition has approved the acquisition of sole control of Eles Semiconductor Equipment S.p.A. by EBidCo S.r.l. The decision document detailing the approval is available via a provided link.

Public Warning Statements Issued Against Businesses

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority's Office for Consumer Affairs has issued public warning statements against four businesses: Christian Zammit – CMZ Woodworks, MBL Garage Door Solutions Ltd, Colin Pavia, and Universal Air Charter and Management Limited. These statements indicate potential non-compliance with consumer protection regulations.

Competition Office Approves Trustmoore Acquisition by IK SC IV LUXCO

The Maltese Office for Competition has approved the acquisition of Trustmoore Cooperatief U.A. by IK SC IV LUXCO 3 S.A.R.L. The decision document detailing the approval is available via a provided link.

Toxic Toys with Asbestos Removed from Maltese Market

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has removed seven toy products containing asbestos from the Maltese market. Consumers who purchased these items are urged to stop using them and return them to retailers for redress.

ERA Board Approves Marsa Power Station and Poligas Ltd Permits

The Environmental and Resources Authority (ERA) Malta Board approved permit renewals for the Marsa Power Station operated by Enemalta plc and an acetylene-production facility by Poligas Ltd. The board also approved modifications for waste stream acceptance at Schembri Barbros Ltd and a tree transplanting application by Żejtun Local Council.

FIAU REQ Submission Deadline Reminder

The FIAU Malta has issued a reminder to all subject persons regarding the upcoming deadline for the Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ) submission on March 26, 2026. Timely submission is a legal obligation, and failure to comply may result in administrative penalties.

ERA Malta Environmental Permit Decisions

The Environmental and Resources Authority (ERA) of Malta has published a list of environmental permit decisions made by its Regulatory Affairs Directorate. These decisions cover a range of applications, including waste management, imports, and exports, with effective dates in February 2026.

ERA Malta Decisions on Permits and Waste Management Applications

The Environmental and Resources Authority (ERA) of Malta has announced decisions on various permit applications related to interventions on trees and waste management. All listed applications were granted, with decision dates primarily falling on February 16, 2026.

ERA Malta Decisions on Rehabilitation and School Activity Applications

The Environmental and Resources Authority (ERA) of Malta has announced decisions on various applications, including rehabilitation projects, educational activities, and waste exports. Most applications were granted, with a few waste export applications being dismissed.

ERA Malta Decisions on Tree Applications and Waste Exports

The Environmental Resources Authority (ERA) of Malta has announced decisions on various applications. These include permits for tree transplanting, interventions, maintenance, and waste export/transit. Several applications were granted, while others were withdrawn or dismissed.

ERA Malta Decisions on Permit Applications

ERA Malta announced decisions made by its Board on March 20, 2026, regarding several environmental permit applications. The decisions include the approval of an extension for an IPPC permit for pharmaceutical manufacturing and the approval of modifications for waste recycling and quarry backfilling operations.

Malta Consultation on EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act Implementation

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is seeking feedback on a draft Bill to implement the EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act. The proposed legislation aims to reduce the cost and accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet networks by promoting infrastructure sharing and efficient deployment. The consultation period closes on November 27, 2025.

Consultation on GO plc Funding for Universal Service Obligations

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has opened a consultation on GO plc's application for funding related to universal service obligations for electronic communications services during 2021. The review, conducted by EY, identified net costs of €117,604, primarily related to social tariffs, after accounting for intangible benefits.

MCA Consultation on Spectrum Rights Extension to 2033

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has launched a consultation on extending spectrum rights for the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.1 GHz bands until April 8, 2033. The MCA is also seeking feedback on the potential market interest in harmonized millimetre bands (26 GHz and 42 GHz) for wireless broadband services.

Consultation on Universal Service Obligations for Telecare

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to its Universal Service Obligations for 'Telecare' services. The amendments aim to align the existing regulatory framework with updated operational arrangements introduced in October 2024. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback.

FIAU Malta Signs MoU with ASAE Portugal

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.

FATF Report on Stablecoin and Unhosted Wallet Illicit Finance Risks

The FATF has published a report detailing illicit finance risks associated with stablecoins and unhosted wallets, particularly in peer-to-peer transactions. The report encourages countries to implement FATF Recommendation 15 and outlines good practices for mitigating these risks.

FATF Report on Offshore Virtual Asset Service Provider Risks

The FATF has published a report detailing the risks associated with offshore virtual asset service providers (oVASPs) and methods to mitigate them. The report highlights how regulatory gaps are exploited for illicit activities and provides best practices for supervision and cooperation.

MONEYVAL Report on Money Laundering Risks from Conflict Proceeds

The FIAU Malta has published a MONEYVAL report detailing risks and trends associated with money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing derived from conflict proceeds. The report identifies vulnerabilities in financial systems exploited by criminals using complex schemes and highlights the need for enhanced international cooperation.

AMLA Data Collection Exercise for Financial Sector

The Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) has launched a data collection and testing exercise for the financial sector to develop and calibrate its risk assessment models. Selected entities were notified and must submit their reporting package by April 22, 2026.

IDPC Decision on Incomplete Personal Data Copy Complaint

The Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC) of Malta has initiated an investigation into a complaint alleging that a data controller provided an incomplete copy of personal data to a complainant exercising their right of access under GDPR. The controller has been unresponsive to the Commissioner's requests for information, leading to formal orders invoking investigative powers.