MFSA

Corporate and M&A

MFSA Reminder: Existing CSPs to Comply with new Rules by September

This article was written by Dr Simon Pullicino, Dr Petra Attard, and Dr Laura SpiteriThe Malta Financial Services Authority ('MFSA') has issued a circular directed at authorised company service providers ('CSPs') that were registered to provide CSP services prior to the entry into force of the new CSP rules. CSPs that offered CSP services on the date of entry of the new rules – 16 March 2021 – could only continue to offer such services if they applied for authorisation with the MFSA by the 16 May 2021. This application for authorisation resulted in the MFSA classifying company service providers…

Simon Pullicino8th July 2021

Investment Services & Funds

MFSA implements Fast-track Filing Procedure for Offering Documents of Collective Investment Schemes amended to comply with the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulations.

Following the entry into force of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation ("SFDR") in December 2020, the provisions of the said Regulations will become effective on the 10th March 2021.By way of background, the SFDR will require financial market participants and financial advisors to make pre-contractual and ongoing disclosures to investors regarding the integration of sustainability risk, the impacts of adverse sustainability, as well as the promotion of ESG characteristics and sustainable investments (as applicable). In this respect, pursuant to a circular dated 9th February 2021, the Malta Financial Services Authority ("MFSA") communicated the process to be adopted for the submission…

Katya Tua16th February 2021

COVID19 Measures Trusts, Foundations and Wealth Management

COVID-19: MFSA Extends Deadlines for Regulatory Reporting for Trustees and CSPs

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MFSA has announced that it will be accepting delays in some of the reporting requirements relating to submissions as required from Trustees and Corporate Service Providers ("CSPs") and which fall due by March or April 2020. Audited Annual Financial StatementsThe MFSA is granting Trustees and Corporate Service Providers an extension of two months for the submission of the Audited Annual Financial Statements which are due by March or April 2020.Annual Compliance ReturnNo extension has been granted in respect of the submission of the Annual Compliance Return falling due by March or April 2020.Statement…

MamoTCV Advocates25th March 2020

COVID19 Measures Insurance & Reinsurance

MFSA issues circulars in the light of COVID-19 outbreak

Amidst the constant unfolding of the situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, the Malta Financial Services Authority ("MFSA") has recently issued a number of circulars targeted at the local financial services sector in general and also sector specific. The following is an overview of the COVID-19 related circulars issued by the MFSA between the 10th March and the 13th March 2020: A.MFSA General Circularsa)MFSA expects licensed firms to have in place COVID-19 Contingency and Business Continuity PlansOn the 10th March 2020, MFSA issued a general circular applicable to all local financial services reguslated entities highlighting the MFSA expectations that regulated firms take…

Romina Bonnici17th March 2020

Banking & Finance COVID19 Measures

MFSA Issues Circular to Credit Institutions on Temporary Capital and Operational Relief in Reaction to Coronavirus (COVID-19) – 13th March 2020

In a circular issued following the press release published by the European Central Bank ("ECB") on 12th March, the MFSA informed licensed credit institutions and the general public that the measures introduced by the ECB in terms of the aforementioned press release are to apply in their entirety to all credit institutions licensed under the Banking Act (Chapter 371 of the laws of Malta) with immediate effect and until further notice.These measures include the following: Banks can fully use capital and liquidity buffers, including Pillar 2 Guidance; Banks will benefit from relief in the composition of capital for Pillar 2…

Nicole Portelli16th March 2020

Banking & Finance COVID19 Measures

MFSA Issues Circular to Financial Institutions authorised in terms of the Financial Institutions Act on Contingency Preparedness in the Context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – 13th March 2020

In a circular issued on Friday 13th March, the MFSA called upon Financial institutions to inform it of any adverse change in customer behaviour, imminent difficulties in ensuring the continuity of services and/or to inform it should contingency plan/s be put into effect. Financial Institutions were also encouraged to communicate with critical service providers to understand and ascertain how services continuity shall be ensured.The MFSA further communicated that it is constantly monitoring developments in relation to the spread of COVID-19 and that it is in close cooperation with the Central Bank of Malta and the European Supervisory Authorities.The full circular…