Legislation

Maltese Legislation

The various laws and standards aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing are being continually updated on international and local levels to respond to the evolving threats posed by criminals and terrorists.

Click on the following page links to access the applicable legislative provisions and recommendations:

EU AML Legislative Package

The EU AML Legislative Package proposed by the European Commission aims at enhancing the EU’s AML/CFT framework. This comprehensive package includes the following key components:

• Recast of the Transfer of Funds Regulation – This Regulation enhances the traceability and transparency of funds transfer  across the EU. It became applicable on the 30th of December 2024.
• The 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD6)– it establishes specific rules for competent authorities to update and strengthen the organization of national AML systems. Member States must transpose the AMLD6 in their national legislation by 10 July 2027, at which point the current AMLD4, as amended by the AMLD5, will be repealed. However, certain provisions have earlier deadlines: Article 74 concerning the central registers of beneficial ownership of corporates and trusts, must be transposed by 10 July 2025; Article 11-13 and 15, addressing beneficial owner registers are to be transposed by 10 July 2026; and Article 18 must be transposed by 10 July 2029.
• The AML/CFT Regulation(AMLR)–  this Regulation harmonises for the first time AML/CFT rules across the EU for subject persons, aiming to close loopholes exploited by criminals to launder illicit funds or finance terrorism through the financial system. It will become applicable from 10 July 2027, save for the provisions which bring football agents and (in respect of certain transactions) professional football clubs into scope as subject persons, which provisions will apply from 10 July 2029.
• The Anti-Money Laundering Authority Regulation (AMLAR)– creating the EU’s first central AML/CFT Authority (AMLA), the Regulation will start applying as of 1 July 2025. However, certain articles of the AMLAR have already become applicable on 26 June 2024.