Malta has grown into one of the foremost business hubs for international financial services in the Euro-Med region. Diligent yet flexible regulation built the foundations for the Maltese financial services industry which has continued to grow through the years, expanding around 25% annually. The Maltese financial services industry has been able to withstand the test of the 2008 financial crisis with Malta being the only EU Member State to maintain steady economic growth despite the financially turbulent times. This is also backed by having the 10th soundest banking system (World Economic Forum 2014-2015 Global Competitiveness Index).
Offering significant advantages for operators in the financial services industry, Malta has drawn and continues to draw several international operators.
Malta is not considered to be a tax haven. As an onshore jurisdiction providing internationally recognised standards and a member state of the European Union since 2004, it is actively involved with the OECD, the EU and the Commonwealth in modelling global regulatory policy.
Financial institutions domiciled in Malta benefit from the possibility of operating throughout the EU in accordance with EU passporting procedures. At the same time, Malta has a wide network of Double Taxation Treaties that have contributed in affording significant tax advantages in international tax planning.
The Malta Financial Services Authority, the single regulator for financial institutions in Malta, provides efficient and inexpensive licensing and registration methods and ensures that Malta is at the forefront of any changes in legislation required to adapt to emerging trends and realities.