MGA and MFSA Sign MoU to Strengthen Regulatory Oversight

Two of Malta’s most influential regulators are joining forces to boost the country’s compliance and regulatory framework.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) have signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration.

This landmark agreement expands cooperation beyond AML/CFT and introduces structured training, shared enforcement strategies, and proactive information exchange.

Operators and financial institutions must align with evolving expectations as Malta intensifies cross-sector supervision and inter-agency coordination.

MGA and MFSA Join Forces: New MoU Elevates Malta’s Regulatory Synergy and Supervisory Strength

Key Points

• The MGA and MFSA formalised a new MoU, focusing on shared enforcement, intelligence, and skills development.
• The agreement enhances regulatory reach, extending beyond AML/CFT to include training and joint oversight strategies.
• Both authorities aim to elevate supervisory effectiveness, reinforcing Malta’s position as a responsible, high-compliance jurisdiction.

Malta Enhances Regulatory Firepower with MGA–MFSA Bilateral Memorandum of Understanding

In a significant step toward tightening regulatory coherence across sectors, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) have signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement is designed to deepen inter-agency collaboration, expand regulatory alignment, and strengthen Malta’s global reputation as a trusted and well-supervised jurisdiction.

Moving Beyond AML/CFT

While Malta already enforces cross-agency cooperation through a multi-party framework—including the Sanctions Monitoring Board and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU)—this new MoU creates a dedicated bilateral structure between the MGA and MFSA.

It extends well beyond anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) efforts. Instead, the focus now includes joint enforcement actions, shared regulatory oversight, and structured staff training initiatives across both authorities. The goal is to ensure both supervisors are equipped to respond swiftly to emerging threats and complex compliance demands.

MGA CEO Charles Mizzi emphasized the strategic importance of this alignment:

“This agreement marks another step forward in our commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration. We’re not only enhancing the exchange of information but also fostering a shared commitment to high regulatory standards and professional development.”

MFSA CEO Kenneth Farrugia echoed the sentiment, stressing the value of cooperation given the overlapping nature of the sectors they supervise:

“The MoU enhances our mutual cooperation on due diligence and enforcement. It also focuses on the upskilling of our supervisors who are instrumental to the daily operations of both authorities.”

Why This Matters: Cross-Sector Risk and Shared Responsibilities

The gaming and financial services industries in Malta increasingly intersect through payments, compliance obligations, and risk oversight. Companies operating in both sectors often fall under the purview of multiple regulators, making clear inter-institutional communication essential.

This MoU addresses that gap, allowing the MGA and MFSA to coordinate more effectively on investigations, share intelligence in real time, and design joint training programmes for supervisory staff. With global regulatory expectations rising and financial crime becoming more sophisticated, a siloed approach is no longer viable.

Notably, the agreement supports Malta’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its international standing following the country’s removal from the FATF grey list in 2022. Since then, the island has made significant strides in restoring regulatory credibility and investor confidence.

MGA’s Growing Regulatory Role

This development comes on the heels of the MGA’s recently published 2024 Annual Report, which revealed €84.1 million in revenue and a noticeable uptick in compliance enforcement:

• 17 new licenses issued
• 25 administrative fines imposed
• Dozens of on-site audits conducted

These figures reflect the MGA’s enhanced regulatory posture and its intention to work more closely with the MFSA to streamline investigations and prevent systemic risk.

The signing of the MGA–MFSA Memorandum of Understanding marks a pivotal moment in Malta’s regulatory evolution. By moving beyond AML/CFT coordination and investing in structured cooperation, enforcement, and shared learning, the island is demonstrating that regulatory integration is the future of effective governance.

For licensed gaming operators and financial service providers alike, this MoU signals a more holistic, intelligence-driven regulatory environment. Transparency, cooperation, and compliance are no longer optional—they are prerequisites for sustainable operation in Malta’s evolving business landscape.