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FinancialRegulation

Prediction Markets in Malta: Financial Instruments, Crypto-Assets or Bets? Financial Services Regulatory & Fintech

Prediction Markets in Malta: Financial Instruments, Crypto-Assets or Bets?

Will a company's share price rise? Will a football team win its next match? Prediction markets allow people to trade contracts based on the outcomes of such events. While the concept may appear straightforward, the legal position is less so. Depending on the nature of the contract, what looks like a simple prediction could be treated as a financial instrument, a crypto-asset or a bet. On 19 October 2026, the Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) issued a circular on Prediction Markets and Event Contracts, clarifying how existing regulatory frameworks may apply to this increasingly prominent business model. What Exactly Are…
Rachel Gauci
23rd October 2026
MFSA Revises Regulatory Framework for CFD and Rolling Spot Forex Providers Investment Services & Funds

MFSA Revises Regulatory Framework for CFD and Rolling Spot Forex Providers

On 6 August 2026, the Malta Financial Services Authority ("MFSA") issued a circular announcing amendments to Section 13 of Part A and Section 7 of Part BI of the Investment Services Rules for Investment Services Providers. The changes primarily affect applicants and licence holders offering contracts for difference ("CFDs") and rolling spot forex contracts. The amendments form part of the MFSA's ongoing review of its Rulebook to ensure that regulatory requirements remain proportionate and aligned with applicable EU legislation and evolving supervisory expectations. Streamlining Authorisation Requirements One of the more significant changes concerns the removal of the definition of "Trading…
Mamo TCV Advocates
18th August 2026
Valletta Skyline
Malta’s Shariah-Compliant Funds Framework Investment Services & Funds

Malta’s Shariah-Compliant Funds Framework

Malta’s recent revamp of its Shariah-compliant investment funds framework is a strategic move to attract investors and asset managers from the Middle East and North Africa (‘MENA’), including family offices from the Gulf region (‘GCC’) to the EU’s southernmost jurisdiction. The Malta Financial Services Authority (‘MFSA’) informed the industry through a circular about this update in November 2025. This update continues positioning the islands as a bridge between Europe and Sharia finance. Being EU and Eurozone currency member, Malta offers MENA investors a seamless point of entry into the EU’s single financial market. For Middle Eastern fund promoters looking to…
Mario Mizzi
24th November 2025