Members Spotlight - Mellifera Kartiera - A SOLUTION FOR PAYMENTS AND MORE
A SOLUTION FOR PAYMENTS AND MORE
Malta’s reputation as a FinTech hub is attracting many companies: one of these, Mellifera Kartiera, believes that there is considerable growth potential. Chairperson Joseph Camilleri explains.
For those who don’t know your company, can you provide some background?
Mellifera Kartiera Ltd is a Malta-based financial institution providing businesses with modern, secure, and efficient payment solutions. We specialise in IBAN accounts, international payments, SEPA credit transfers (including instant payments), card acquiring services, and virtual card issuing for Visa and Mastercard.
We are part of a broader FinTech group that has been operating for five years, with our flagship entity, Colibrix Ltd, licensed as an EMI in the UK. Due to Brexit-related limitations, we are now expanding our European operations through Mellifera Kartiera, leveraging the expertise and infrastructure built over the years.
Beyond financial services, our sister company, Mellifera Operations Ltd, delivers advanced IT solutions tailored for the FinTech sector. Our in-house tech team of over 100 specialists develops compliance platforms powered by AI-driven fraud detection, multi-channel payment gateways, and core banking support for electronic money institutions. This combination of financial services and deep tech expertise allows us to provide end-to-end solutions for businesses navigating today’s complex financial landscape.
Can you share a little-known fact about your company?
The name “Mellifera” comes from Apis mellifera, the Latin term for the Western honeybee. Bees are diligent, efficient, and collaborative – qualities we strive to embody in our work. Just as a beehive thrives through synergy, our goal is to build strong partnerships and seamless financial solutions that help businesses scale.
“Kartiera” means “wallet” in Maltese, representing our mission to make payments simple, secure, and efficient.
What are you currently working on, and what are your company’s plans and strategic priorities for the coming years?
We’re focused on expanding our acquiring services, strengthening open banking capabilities, and making payments faster and more seamless for businesses – whether through instant SEPA transfers, cross-border transactions, or secure card payments.
In 2025, our priorities include launching virtual card issuing for corporate clients, expanding acquiring solutions via Mastercard and Visa, enhancing account servicing, and improving accessibility and connectivity for open banking services.
Our long-term vision is to establish Mellifera Kartiera as a leading European financial services provider, combining financial expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Are there any projects or achievements that you are exceptionally proud of?
Securing our MFSA Financial Institution licence was a major milestone, allowing us to operate under the highest regulatory standards in Europe.
We’re also proud of our technology-first approach. From day one, we built a robust infrastructure to support high-volume, secure transactions. Our team has deep expertise in compliance, payments, and risk management – critical for businesses navigating complex financial operations.
Another key achievement is our onboarding process. We know that time is money, so we’ve streamlined client onboarding to ensure businesses can start processing payments without unnecessary friction.
Beyond business, we are proud to support the UN-backed AI for Good Innovation Factory Malta, where we are organising a startup competition and bootcamp. One standout team will go on to represent Malta in Geneva this summer.
What makes Malta an effective jurisdiction to set up a business?
Malta offers a strong financial ecosystem with a well-defined regulatory framework, making it easier for financial institutions to operate while ensuring full EU compliance. The country is also home to a growing FinTech sector, attracting startups and financial services providers looking for a strategic European base.
With its pro-business environment, access to key European markets, and established banking infrastructure, Malta is well-positioned as a hub for companies like Mellifera Kartiera that need a stable yet forward-thinking jurisdiction.
What kind of people or companies in the financial services community would you like to connect with?
We’re looking to collaborate with:
● FinTech companies & PSPs – Businesses seeking innovative, compliant payment solutions.
● E-commerce platforms & online marketplaces – Companies that need secure, scalable payment processing.
● Regulated financial institutions & alternative banking providers – To explore synergies in payments, compliance, and financial technology.
● Corporate service providers & compliance specialists – Partners who assist businesses in navigating financial regulations.
● Investors & strategic partners – Those interested in scaling financial services across Europe.
As we continue expanding, we’re also open to conversations with businesses that share our vision for simplifying financial operations through smarter, more connected payment solutions.
Joseph Camilleri built a long-standing career at Bank of Valletta, holding managerial and executive roles across various divisions. He spent seven years in Milan, helping the bank expand its international business opportunities, and later took on leadership positions at BOV Asset Management and BOV Fund Services. Since his retirement from the bank, Joseph has taken up a number of directorships in a non-executive position of regulated entities.
Beyond banking, Joseph has been a key player in promoting Malta as a fund and fund management domicile, representing the country at international conferences and roadshows. He is also a Board Member of FinanceMalta, representing MASA, where he also serves as a Committee Member and Executive Secretary.
A lifetime member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (UK), Joseph earned his ACIB diploma in 1993.