• Outline of legislative framework for financial services

The Investment Services Act creates a regulatory framework for the setting up and licensing of Collective Investment Schemes and investment services.

The Malta Financial Services Centre Act instituted the MFSC as the regulator of Collective Investment Schemes and investment services.

The Companies Act has upgraded Maltese Company Law and has introduced the most recent concepts of European Company Law (including provisions for Investment Companies with variable share capital (Société d'Investissement à Capital Variable, or SICAV).

The Recognition of Trusts Act enables unit trusts governed by foreign trust law to be recognised and managed in Malta.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act which conforms with EU Directives makes money laundering an offence in Malta, and establishes clear rules on "knowing one's client" and keeping of proper records.

The Insider Dealing Act is broadly modelled on English law while incorporating EU standards on this matter.

The Professional Secrecy Act ensures secrecy for legitimate business information while allowing appropriate exceptions, which include express statutory authorisations.

The Banking Act is a comprehensive law which regulates the business of banking in Malta introducing the best practices of EU Banking regulations and supervision requirements.

The Financial Institutions Act governs the regulation and licensing requirements of companies which are engaged in certain designated financial activities which do not amount to banking or investment services.