29th November 2022
The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) wishes to draw subscribers’ attention to a notice issued today by the Malta Business Registry (MBR), explaining how access to the Register of Beneficial Owners is being changed due to a decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union. This was delivered on 22 November 2022, whereby the Court of Justice ruled that the provisions in Directive (EU) 2015/849 which granted public access to Registers of Beneficial Owners to legal entities are invalid.
As stated in the MBR’s notice, only competent authorities and subject persons are to be allowed access to the Register of Beneficial Owners – access by the general public has been suspended. Subject persons are to note that their access is conditional on registration with the MBR through its portal and a favourable outcome to their request to access the Register of Beneficial Owners.
For further information, please refer to the MBR’s notice which can be accessed below: