MFSA launches a consultation document on Chapter 1 of the Financial Institutions Rulebook

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  • Publication
  • 1 minute read
  • August 22, 2025

As part of its continued efforts to improve the regulatory framework applicable to financial institutions, the Malta Financial Services Authority (‘MFSA’) has recently published a consultation document inviting licence holders and other stakeholders to provide their feedback to an updated version of Chapter 1 of the Financial Institutions Rulebook (‘FIR/01’). Once adopted, the new FIR/01 will replace the current Financial Institutions Rule 1 which covers the relevant authorisation procedures for persons seeking authorisation under the Financial Institutions Act (Cap. 376 of the laws of Malta).

The key changes introduced by FIR/01 include:

  • More clarity on the MFSA’s authorisation process, with specific cross reference to the MFSA’s Authorisation Process Service Charter;
  • Clearer understanding on the scope of the Financial Institutions Act, including processes applicable to certain entities that fall out of scope;
  • Licensing considerations and expectations for the different categories of financial institutions;
  • Overview of the licensing process as well as pre- and post-licensing conditions; and
  • The procedures to be followed by financial institutions when modifying or surrendering their authorisation.

Interested stakeholders wishing to share their views on the new FIR/01 may do so on the following e-mail address: fintechpolicy@mfsa.mt. The consultation period remains open until Friday 26 September 2025.

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