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If you are in the process of expanding, diversifying or re-engineering your business, our advisory team can help you make better decisions. The combination of...

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Sustainability is indeed a broad concept. Aside from mitigating the environmental changes caused by the interaction of the industrial world and society with nature, social and governance matters are subjected to increased public and government scrutiny, calling for the promotion of a sustainable performance agenda.
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Entities in Malta, including companies, partnerships, foundations, trusts and associations, have an obligation to disclose the ultimate beneficial owner/s (physical person) of the entities. A beneficial owner is defined as the individual (s) who ultimately owns or controls a legal entity or arrangement through direct or indirect ownership of a sufficient percentage of the shares or voting rights or ownership interest in that entity.

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With its balmy Mediterranean climate and favourable business environment, Malta is the ideal place to relocate your family and/or your business.

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Citizenship by naturalisation
The Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap 188) establishes who may become a citizen of Malta by naturalisation, provided that the applicant satisfies the relative provisions.
Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
With the continuously changing global dynamics and evolving geopolitics, there is an ever-growing number of highly-talented high-net-worth individuals who are willing to invest and relocate to give themselves and their family members the chance to broaden their horizons and become part of a welcoming community.
Grant of Citizenship for Exceptional Services
Malta has enacted legislation which extends to individuals providing excellent or manifestly superior contributions in the fields of science, research, sports, arts and culture as well as people of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta, the right to become Maltese citizens.
Acquisition of citizenship by registration
The Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap 188) establishes who can register as a citizens of Malta. The Act was amended on 1st August 2007, this making it possible for second and subsequent generations born abroad to acquire Maltese citizenship by registration.

Family businesses

Our business solutions for family businesses center on alignment of all aspects of the family and business, including culture, vision, mission, values,...

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Maltese Family Businesses Resource Centre
For over 30 years Grant Thornton’s advisory teams have assisted family businesses in navigating the challenges of leadership and succession across generations
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Preparing the next generation for leadership and ownership is an integral part of any succession process. Grant Thornton can help formulate the necessary grooming plan for all the potential successors.
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Using a combination of reason and instinct, we can work with clients to develop a strategy that helps them understand and manage their tax liability in a transparent and ethical way.
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Having a proper governance structure is essential to ensure that the family and business strategies are achieved. Grant Thornton can advise on this, and facilitate the implementation of the ideal governance structure based on the exact scenario.
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Letting go of your family business is difficult for all owners and even more so for founders; however, in a family business the additional challenge presented by the family component increases the complexity of this process. Our team of family business advisors will ensure that such ownership issues are dealt with in an effective and structured approach.
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There are many 'exit strategies' that need to be considered to minimise the risk of conflict. They can arise from the eventual exit of a family member from the ownership ranks and can have many causes. See how we can help.
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By implementing our family business guidelines to family succession and a proper governance structure, the management succession process can be completed with minimal conflict and will result in the most competent successor being chosen.

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At Grant Thornton, we specialise in providing comprehensive assistance to navigate the complex landscape of National and European Union (EU) funding. Our team...

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Transform the way you go about your business, through the power of digital.

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Shaping Malta's Future: GenAI
Join our exclusive GenAI Design Thinking Workshop with Microsoft and industry leaders. Gain practical insights, explore real-world AI use cases, and leave with a blueprint for your next AI-driven innovation - potentially 100% funded by Microsoft!
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Firms within the financial sector face a critical imperative to fortify their operational resilience in the digital sphere. Get ahead & prepare for DORA!
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The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) have transformed the way we handle personal data. This regulation is a game-changer for businesses operating within the EU, or the handling of EU citizens' data worldwide.
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A study published in 2018 by market intelligence and strategic consultancy firm Prohibition Partners, has forecasted that the European cannabis market will be valued €115.7 billion by 2028. According to the same study, while patient numbers are currently below 100,000 across the region, their number is set to grow to over 30 million in the next decade. In 2018 Malta introduced a bill to legalise the use of medical marijuana and attract companies willing to produce high-grade medical cannabis for the European market.
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As an entrepreneur, business owner, parent or guardian, you will want to ensure that whatever happens in the future, the rewards from your hard work can be protected as efficiently as possible. Grant Thornton Fiduciaire Limited (Grant Thornton) understands this and provides a professional and holistic trust management service.
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Grant Thornton is authorised and regulated by the Government of Malta to handle and submit applications for both citizenship applications as well as residence...

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Grant Thornton is authorised and regulated by the Government of Malta to handle and submit applications for both citizenship applications as well as residence permits under the various residence programmes available in terms of Maltese law.
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Any EU, EEA or third country national who resides in Malta for more than 3 months is obliged to apply for a Residence Permit. There are various grounds upon which an applicant may apply to require a residence permit, including: Self-Sufficiency, Employment or Self-Employment, Family Members, Permanent Residence, Study Purposes.
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Malta provides qualified persons employed in the field of aviation with an opportunity to enjoy a 15% flat personal tax rate on income generated from their direct employment in Malta. For a candidate to qualify, their annual income must exceed €45,000. This does not include the value of fringe benefits and applies to the derived income received from an eligible office.
Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity (Personal Tax) (Amendment) Rules, 2019
These Rules allows persons employed in a role directly engaged in carrying out, or management of research, development, design, analytical or innovation activities, to enjoy a 15% flat personal tax rate on income generated from their direct employment in Malta.
Qualifying Employment in Maritime and Offshore Oil & Gas Industry Rule
Malta provides qualified persons employed in the field of aviation, with an opportunity to enjoy a 15% flat personal tax rate on income generated from their direct employment in Malta.
Nomad Residence Permit
The NOMAD residence permit, which was launched in June 2021, allows third-country nationals who would normally require a Visa to travel to Malta, to retain their current employment based in another country whilst legally residing on the island.

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Malta's new Labour Migration Policy comes into effect on 1 August 2025, reshaping how foreign nationals live and work on the island. Published by Identita' Malta, the policy aims to align migration practices with labour market needs, increase transparency for foreign workers, and enforce compliance. Employers and professionals must act now to adapt to new rules on residence permits, employment licensing, and sector regulations.

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Tax services

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2018 Amendments of the Income Tax Act
The following is a brief overview of the new tax provisions introduced in 2018 by the Budget Implementation Act (Act VII of 2018) and other legislative enactments

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Our ESEF reporting service is tailored to assist listed companies in complying with the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) requirements. As of 2020, ESEF is mandated for annual financial reports of issuers with securities listed on regulated markets. We provide services for mapping the taxonomy and generating audit/regulator-ready xHTML reports.
Prospects MTF
As of 2016, small and medium-sized enterprises in Malta can access the capital markets through Prospects - a market of the Malta Stock Exchange (MSE) designed specifically for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME). Prospects offers a cost-effective opportunity for entities looking to raise up to €5 million per issue.
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Industries

Transport Services

Due to the breadth of expertise available, Grant Thornton can provide players in three main sectors of the transport industry; these being Maritime, Aviation,...

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Aviation
The Maltese Government is constantly remaining to improve the position as the best place to do business within the aviation industry through exhaustive tax agreements, powerful legislation, and many aviation professionals. This is the best time for airlines, financiers and aircraft owners to be located in Malta.
Maritime
For Maritime, Grant Thornton provide direction with regards to VAT guidelines for yacht leasing, as well as ship and aircraft registration.
Automotive
We offer a broad range of services relating to automotive, ranging from Transaction advisory, access to finance, business advisory, process and inventory management, tax advisory, audit and advisory, outsourced support services.

Consumer goods

The industry is emerging at a very fast rate. Consumers are building the industry by demanding lower prices and findings new ways to buy food and drinks,...

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Public sector

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iGaming

With a sound jurisdiction that steers clear of bureaucracy and that has a proven track record, the iGaming industry in Malta is continuing to build on its...

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Gaming Regulations
Malta recently overhauled the framework regulating the iGaming sector. Going forward operators will still be required to obtain authorisation to carry out regulated activities.
Licensing Process
Prior to submission all applicants are advised to go through a pre-application process with one of the MGA’s Licensing Officers. This will ensure that the application has been correctly compiled and all the key ingredients are present.

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Malta Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
As part of the 2019 budget, the government has pledged to introduce a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) framework in Malta.

Hospitality & tourism

The hospitality and leisure industry is going through a period of extraordinary, inevitable change and will look very different in 2020 than it does today. On...

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Healthcare

Healthcare is a swiftly changing sector. Providers and commissioners of healthcare encounter the challenges of rising public expectations, an ageing...

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Financial services

Financial services businesses engage in an increasingly complex and heavily regulated environment. Grant Thornton's multi-disciplinary Financial Services Group...

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The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) II
MiFID II aims to protect investors and make sure that financial markets operate in the fairest and most transparent way possible. Building on stock and investment trading regulation introduced in 2007 it sets to ensure a more integrated financial market.
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At Grant Thornton we help innovative firms and entities operating in the fintech space launch new propositions and grow their business. We also help established businesses transform and take advantage of the fintech revolution.
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At Grant Thornton we help innovative firms and entities operating in the fintech space launch new propositions and grow their business. We also help established businesses transform and take advantage of the fintech revolution.
Banking
Grant Thornton combines local insight with global scale to help banks meet regulatory expectations, improve technology, and finance the right companies. If you’re looking for a partner in the banking industry, our expertise can make a difference

Compliance with MFSA Regulations & Market Abuse Prevention

Navigating Malta's Financial Market Abuse Rules

By:

Wayne Pisani

22 Jul 20251 min read

The Prevention of Financial Markets Abuse Rules, issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), provide a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Malta's financial markets. These Rules, grounded in the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and aligned with ESMA guidelines, are essential for ensuring transparency, fairness, and investor confidence.

Who is Affected?

The Rules apply to a broad spectrum of market participants, including:

Issuers of financial instruments listed on the Malta Stock Exchange (including Prospects)
Market operators and trading venues
Investment firms and entities arranging or executing transactions
Persons discharging managerial responsibilities (PDMRs) and their close associates

Key Compliance Areas

The Rules impose detailed obligations across several areas:

Disclosure and Transparency: Issuers must manage inside information responsibly and ensure timely public disclosure.
Market Sounding: Procedures must be followed when gauging investor interest prior to transactions.
Manager Transactions: PDMRs and their associates must notify the MFSA of personal trades in issuer securities.
Insider Lists: Issuers are required to maintain up-to-date records of individuals with access to inside information.
Commodity and Spot Market Conduct: Specific provisions apply to firms operating in these sectors.

Why It Matters

Non-compliance with these Rules can result in significant reputational and financial consequences. As regulatory expectations evolve, market participants must ensure their internal controls, reporting mechanisms, and governance structures are robust and up to date.

How Grant Thornton Can Help

At Grant Thornton Malta, we support clients in navigating the complexities of financial markets regulations. Our services include:

Regulatory gap analysis to assess compliance with the Rules
Policy and procedure development tailored to MAR and MFSA requirements
Training for directors, compliance officers, and PDMRs
Assistance with regulatory reporting and disclosures
Ongoing advisory support to manage market conduct risks

Access the full Rules here: MFSA Prevention of Financial Markets Abuse Rules

Navigating Malta's Financial Market Abuse Rules

Who is Affected?

Key Compliance Areas

Why It Matters

How Grant Thornton Can Help

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Navigating Malta's Financial Market Abuse Rules

Who is Affected?

Key Compliance Areas

Why It Matters

How Grant Thornton Can Help

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