The Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) recently launched a consultation process on the proposed regulation of collective investment schemes incorporated with the key objective of investing in Virtual Currencies (“VCs”). This consultation process is symbolic of the Maltese government’s consistent efforts to become a pioneer in the state-wide implementation of blockchain and the more commonly...
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has announced the launch of a new framework applicable for notification of Alternative Investment Funds (known as the “Notified AIFs”) which will be promoted to qualifying or professional investors. The AIFs falling within the scope of the notification process shall be managed by a full-scope AIFM. The Notified AIF is...
The Government of Malta has recently issued Legal Notice 225 of 2015 which brings into force amendments to the Highly Qualified Persons Rules. The Highly Qualified Person Rules apply a beneficial tax rate of 15%, on employment income derived in respect of work or duties carried out in Malta, to individuals holding a senior position...
Malta’s decision to retain its “professional investor fund” regime alongside the AIFMD regime was acclaimed by both speakers and participants at a seminar organised by the international law firm Withers, Bank of Valletta, Valletta Fund Services and David Zahra & Associates Advocates. The seminar, entitled “Ahead of the curve: il mercato unico degli AIF in...
The Regulation on European long-term investment funds was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 May 2015. The regulation sets out a new investment fund framework designed for investors who want to invest money into companies and projects for the long term. It contains harmonised rules for the authorisation, investment policies and...
Considering the vital role directors play in the proper operation of an investment fund and investment companies, the Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) has recently updated the Corporate Governance Manual for Directors of Investment Companies and Collective Investment Schemes by taking into account the requirements of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (2011/61/EU). The Manual was...
The UCITS V Directive was published in the European Union’s Official Journal on 28 August 2014. The Directive addresses three main areas: (i) the duties, delegation, eligibility and liability of the depositary (bringing the UCITS framework in synch with the certain aspects of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive); (ii) remuneration policies and practices of...
A technical analysis of wealth management instruments and investments funds in Malta is being organised by FinanceMalta, a public-private initiative set up to promote Malta as an international financial centre, in Milano, Italy on Wednesday 7 May 2014 between 1530 hours and 1845 hours at Star Hotel Rosa, Piazza Fontana, Milano. The event will be in Italian...
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has recently published an FAQ aiming to provide answers to the questions that the MFSA has been receiving with regards to the implementation of the provisions of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive. The contents of the FAQ shall be updated to reflect further requests for clarification/ information as...