The Malta Financial Services Authority is the single regulator for financial services in Malta. Established in 2002, the MFSA oversees banking, financial services, insurance, and pensions. As a full EU member state regulator, MFSA-licensed firms benefit from MiFID II passporting across the European Economic Area.
About the MFSA
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single integrated regulator for financial services in Malta, established by the Malta Financial Services Authority Act of 2002. The MFSA is responsible for the licensing, regulation, and supervision of banks, investment services companies, trust companies, insurance companies, pensions, and other financial services entities.
Regulatory Framework
As an EU member state regulator, the MFSA's framework is fully aligned with European directives including MiFID II, enabling regulated firms to passport their services throughout the European Economic Area. Malta has positioned itself as an attractive jurisdiction for financial services firms through a combination of robust regulation, competitive tax structures, and a skilled workforce proficient in English.
Investor Protection
The Investor Compensation Scheme provides coverage of up to €20,000 per eligible investor in the event of a licensed firm's failure. The Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services offers an independent, fair, and accessible dispute resolution mechanism for customers of authorised financial services providers.
- Investor Compensation Scheme — up to €20,000 per investor
- Full MiFID II compliance with EU passporting rights
- Client fund segregation requirements
- Negative balance protection for retail clients
| Instrument | Retail | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Major Forex | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| Minor Forex | 1:20 | 1:400 |
| Gold | 1:20 | 1:400 |
| Indices | 1:20 | 1:400 |
| Shares CFDs | 1:5 | 1:200 |
| Crypto | 1:2 | 1:50 |
Passporting Regions
Restricted Countries
Malta is a popular EU licensing jurisdiction due to competitive tax structures and efficient licensing.
Body: Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services
Visit Dispute ResolutionRelated Regulators
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FINMA
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CySEC
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BaFin
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AMF
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CNMV
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