Information

Payment Institutions in Malta

Malta has become a destination of choice for the setting up of Payment Institutions (also referred to as Payment Services Providers or PSPs).  A number of advantages has contributed to this success, mainly but not limited to the fiscal incentives granted not only to the payment institutions themselves, but also to their shareholders and highly qualified expatriates.  Other advantages include passporting rights and a thriving and a rapidly growing i-Gaming and e-Commerce industry.

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Capital requirements for Payment Institutions

PSPs licensed to carry out the above-listed Second Schedule activities are subject to the following initial capital requirements:

  • Where the institution only provides money remittance, its capital shall at no time be less than €20,000;
  • Where the institution provides the payment service listed in paragraph (g) of the Second Schedule to the Act, its capital shall at no time be less than €50,000; and
  • Where the institution provides any of the payment services listed in paragraphs (a) – (e) of the Second Schedule, its capital shall at no time be less than €125,000.

For PSPs that are also licensed to carry out other activities (listed under the First Schedule to the Act) applicable to General Financial Institutions, the MFSA may:

  • set a level of initial capital as applicable to GFIs; and
  • require additional capital depending on the activities undertaken by the respective PSP’s licensable activities.

Why Malta?

Some of the main advantages that Malta has to offer include:

  • Advantageous tax treatment
  • Access to a wide tax treaty network
  • Malta is an EU member state with access to the various EU Directives
  • Passporting rights
  • A well-educated and English speaking workforce
  • Sound technological infrastructure
  • Specialist professionals such as accountants, auditors, lawyers and tax advisors
  • Attractive tax rates for highly qualified employees working with such institutions

How can we help?

We offer a wide range of consultancy, tax, compliance and accountancy services to assist you throughout in each step of the application process. Our multi-disciplinary team of professionals will not only assist you during pre-licensing process but will be able to provide you with the on-going support you may need with respect to regulatory compliance, accounting and tax matters.

For further information please contact the firm’s tax and corporate services partner Stephen Balzan ([email protected]).

TAX ADVISORY sERVICES

ACT is a well-known and respected boutique tax advisory firm providing high-quality tax advice to Multinational Enterprises, SMEs including family owned and other owner-manged companies, family offices, trusts, foundations, employees and high net worth individuals.  

Corporate Taxation in Malta

Maltese companies are subject to tax at the rate of 35% on their worldwide income and capital gains. Malta grants various fiscal incentives to both companies and their shareholders upon the distribution of a dividend.

Setting up a Company in Malta

Setting up a company in Malta is a relatively straight forward procedure and can be set up within 2 working days, provided we are in receipt of all the information, funds and due diligence documentation we need.

Taking up Residence in Malta

Warm climate, friendly people, excellent communication infrastructures, low criminality and many other features of the Maltese islands have made Malta an excellent destination for people to take up residence in.

Remote Gaming in Malta

Malta was the first EU Member State to specifically regulate the remote gaming industry in 2004 and has ever since established itself as one of the prime jurisdictions for remote gaming operators. The Malta Gaming Authority (“MGA”) is the regulatory of gaming in Malta.

Payment Institutions in Malta

Malta has become a destination of choice for the setting up of Payment Institutions (also referred to as Payment Services Providers or PSPs). A number of advantages have contributed to this success, e.g. fiscal incentives granted.

Electronic Money Institutions in Malta

Malta has recently seen an increase in the number of Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) looking to set up their operations in Malta. This has been largely due to the growth in the e-commerce and the i-gaming industries.

Initial Coin Offering (ICO) Services in Malta

Malta has always been on the forefront of technology and innovation. A number of initiatives have been launched, aimed at establishing an innovative and attractive regulatory framework for entities operating in the blockchain industry.

Assistance to Family Businesses in Malta

Malta has recently introduced legislation to encourage good governance in the management of family businesses, to assist family businesses to operate in an efficient way and to assist in the transfer of business from one generation to the other.