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Credit and Financial Institutions in Malta

Malta continues to be an attractive domicile for investors and financial entities seeking a dynamic European base that is professional, practical, safe and cost effective.

Malta’s credit and financial institution system remains well-capitalised, liquid, and profitable; however, banks’ risk appetite has become ever more conservative, which means the island is increasingly turning to FinTech players for the next stages of growth.

Malta has one of Europe’s healthiest and most profitable credit and financial institution sector, yet, concerns that the country is not doing enough to keep the sector free from crime, coupled with the fact that some market segments of the island’s finance centre remain under-served, mean this sector is in need of adjustment. The island’s ever-growing economy has exposed the need to expand the scope of credit and financial institution services, especially to serve smaller corporate clients. However, increasing the number of credit and financial institutions is a tough challenge as the global banking sector has retreated into consolidation mode due to heightened capital requirements and rising compliance costs, which have affected banks’ risk appetite. The good news though is that fintech companies and neobanks have Malta on their radar, and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) expects to welcome new entrants to Malta’s financial scene in the near future.

25

Banks

50

Financial Institutions

42

Payment Providers

16

e-Money Institutions

Why Malta for Credit and Financial Institutions Guide | 2023 Edition

Download your Why Malta for Credit and Financial Institutions Guide; contents include Banking and Fintech, Digital Opportunities, Tech-friendly Ecosystem, a dynamic industry.

Credit and Financial Institutions – Our Sector at a Glance  

From trade finance and corporate banking, to payments and fintech, Malta has attracted companies across the entire banking and finance spectrum due to a range of converging factors: EU membership, strong support for technology and a cost-effective operating environment.
  • Banking and FinTech

Banking has long been a cornerstone of our financial services sector, and the sector continues to evolve. Today, no less than 24 banks and 50 financial institutions are located here. While some institutions focus on the local market, most banks offer specialist services. These international banks do not take local deposits, but rather transact business with non-residents, focus on intragroup transactions supporting their parent bank abroad or concentrate their activities on areas such as trade and project finance, syndicated loans and investment banking. Many of them hold executive responsibility for specialised areas of their group’s global operations. In addition, a considerable number of payment providers and Fintechs have chosen Malta as their EU hub. They have nurtured a new financial cluster that continues to see strong investment.

  • Digital Opportunities

In Malta, as elsewhere, Fintechs are continuing to transform how financial services are delivered to consumers. While there is demand for traditional banking services that support the niches that Malta’s finance sector has built up, ranging from wealth management and investment services to maritime and aviation finance, the greatest opportunity currently lies in the development of new digital solutions. Payment providers and financial institutions in the FinTech space have a set up in Malta to serve customers in the EU and the neighbouring countries of North Africa. The expectation is that Africa’s demand for digital financial services, especially as the population remains largely un- or under-banked – will continue to increase. Malta offers Fintechs a base in the European Union from where to target the emerging economies of the region.

  • Tech-Friendly Ecosystem

We have a fast-growing digital sector, which is quickly becoming the largest driver of new banking solutions and payment innovation. It strengthens our competitive position as the ideal hub for investors, start-ups and established FinTech companies wanting to make inroads in the banking sphere. Our Government and regulatory authorities are very supportive of new technologies, including AI, IoT and quantum technologies. There is a willingness to get new ideas to market faster and offer firms the critical support they need to advance projects. We are also an ideal test market, offering a good representation of customers from around the world. Malta has a large expat population, with around 20% of its residents born in a foreign country.

  • A Dynamic Industry

EU passporting rights and moderate operating costs add to our appeal as a centre for banking and financial institutions. Our banks continue to be profitable and well capitalised. All regulatory capital ratios are above the minimum levels required. As an EU member state, banking legislation is founded on EU legislation and is compliant with the Basel Core Principles. The supervision of the island’s three largest banks falls under the remit of the Single Supervisory Mechanism, while the Malta Financial Services Authority is directly in charge of the supervision of all other institutions. Malta’s banks are increasingly embedding ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors into their strategies and started to offer sustainable finance products. FinTech firms with expertise in blockchain, cryptocurrency, PayTech and asset management are equally considering Malta a dynamic operational hub that continues to evolve in line with global market trends and consumer demands.

Disclaimer

The content in this website is for informational purposes only. The information contained therein should not be construed as providing legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by FinanceMalta.

Credit & Financial Institutions Articles

01
Bank of Valletta has supported this year’s opera by Gioachino Rossini – ‘Armida’
Bank of Valletta

by Bank of Valletta

18th March 2024

Changing the terms of a credit agreement and forbearance policies and measures: new obligations on lenders in consumer and residential property credit agreements
Ganado Advocates

by Ganado Advocates

23rd February 2024

The HSBC Malta Foundation supports Three-Year UM Research Project through RIDT
HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.

by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.

19th February 2024

BOV RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION FEATURING WORKS BY NOEL GALEA BASON OFFICIALLY INAUGURATED
Bank of Valletta

by Bank of Valletta

17th January 2024

Goal-line Defenders: Scoring Victory Against Financial Crime with the Three Lines of AML/CFT Defence
CSB Group

by CSB Group

12th January 2024

Agreement reached on the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (“AMLA”)
Ganado Advocates

by Ganado Advocates

3rd January 2024

FIAU Thematic Review on Company Service Providers when providing Company Formation Services
Ganado Advocates

by Ganado Advocates

3rd January 2024

Directive 93/13/EEC and mandatory statutory or regulatory provisions in consumer contracts
Ganado Advocates

by Ganado Advocates

3rd January 2024

MiCA Update: Consultation Process on the Proposed Updates to Chapter 3 of the VFA Rulebook
Ganado Advocates

by Ganado Advocates

1st November 2023

Continuing to disclose the topic EU funding for Startups ¦ Startup Definition
Griffiths + Associates Ltd

by Griffiths + Associates Ltd

31st October 2023

Credit & Financial Institutions Events

01
March

21

M24022 – Deductions for Companies ITA with particular focus on capital allowances (Webinar)

Online

March

22

M24001 – Communicating Financial Results to Non-Financial People (Webinar)

Online

March

26

M24006 – Directive 2, Code of Ethics for Practitioners (Webinar)

Online

March

27

M24004 – Fiscal Consolidation – Malta income tax practical considerations (Webinar)

Online

April

9

M24005 – How to attract and engage young talent. An interactive workshop (Webinar)

Online

April

15

M24030 – Lessons learnt from Quality Assurance Unit inspection visits (Webinar)

Online

Credit & Financial Institutions Publications

01

Other Finance Sectors

ESG

ESG

Family Offices & Private Wealth

Family Offices & Private Wealth

Insurance & Reinsurance

Insurance & Reinsurance

Investment Funds & Asset Management

Investment Funds & Asset Management

FinTech

FinTech