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Europe · MT

Malta

An EU member state with a long-standing remote gaming framework and a financial regulator covering payments, investment services and crypto-assets.

At a glance

Status
EU member state
Region
Europe
Regulated sectors
GamingPaymentsCryptoInvestment
Authorities
MGA · MFSA · FIAU
Licensing routes
5
See also
EU / MiCA

Overview

The framework

Malta combines a mature online gaming licensing regime with EU financial services authorisation. Gaming licences are issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, distinguishing between business-to-consumer and business-to-business activity.

Financial services, including payment and e-money institutions, investment services and crypto-asset services under MiCA, are authorised and supervised by the Malta Financial Services Authority, with passporting available under EU law.

Authorities

Who regulates what

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Licensing and supervision of gaming services, B2C and B2B.
Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)
Financial institutions, investment services and crypto-asset services.
Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU)
AML/CFT supervision.

Regimes

Licensing routes

  • B2C gaming licence

    For operators offering gaming services to players.

    Sectors: Gaming

  • B2B gaming licence

    For suppliers providing critical gaming supplies to operators.

    Sectors: Gaming

  • Financial institution licence

    Payment and e-money institution authorisation.

    Sectors: Payments

  • MiCA CASP authorisation

    Crypto-asset services authorised under MiCA.

    Sectors: Crypto

  • Investment services licence

    Investment firm authorisation under MiFID II.

    Sectors: Investment

Applications and regulator engagement for these routes are handled by our Regulatory & Licensing practice.

Considerations

What to weigh up

  • Expect meaningful local substance, including key function holders.
  • Gaming licensing does not by itself grant access to markets that require local licences.
  • Financial licences benefit from EU passporting.

This overview is general information, summarised at a high level. Requirements change and depend on the specific activity; seek advice on your circumstances before acting.

Insights

Related analysis

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