With EU passporting, fintech-friendly regulation and a thriving ecosystem, Malta is emerging as Europe’s premier payments gateway.
Malta offers full membership benefits of the European Union, Eurozone and Schengen Area, meaning that a license issued in Malta can be passported across the EU/EEA. Therefore, it is rapidly establishing itself as a premier payment gateway hub for the industry and across the EU, thanks to a blend of regulatory clarity, technological adoption and a supportive fintech ecosystem.
🔑Key Advantages
✅ Proactive, transparent regulation: Malta anticipated the direction of EU market reforms by implementing the Virtual Financial Assets Act as early as 2018, paving the way for seamless adoption of the MiCA regulation now in full force across the EU. This has created a significant first-mover advantage for Malta-based payment and crypto service providers seeking compliance and passporting across Europe.
✅ Passporting rights & EU market access: In the post-Brexit landscape, Malta has solidified its position as a preferred entry point to the EU for PSPs and FIs established outside the EU, including those from the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. With the loss of automatic EU passporting for UK-based firms after Brexit, Malta’s regulatory certainty and seamless EU market integration have become a strategic advantage for global firms seeking to access Europe’s single market. The country offers clear licensing procedures, a fintech-friendly regulator, the MFSA and the ability to passport services to all EU and EEA states through a single Maltese authorisation.
✅ Cutting-edge financial infrastructure: Platforms like MTEUROPAY, overseen by the Central Bank of Malta, provide direct access to the European Banking Authority’s payment clearing systems (for SEPA Credit Transfers and Direct Debits). This reduces reliance on correspondent banks, lowers credit risk and ensures efficient settlement for cross-border transactions.
✅ Recognition as a top fintech ecosystem: Independent research (McKinsey & Company, 2023) ranks Malta among the top three EU fintech ecosystems (after the United Kingdom and Sweden), recognised for its strength in company founding, funding access and scaling innovative businesses. Meanwhile, the MFSA has developed a reputation for being approachable and relatively flexible compared to regulators in larger member states.
✅ Supportive ecosystem: Malta offers a well-educated, English-speaking workforce, dedicated fintech incubators, favourable tax treatment and a robust AML/CFT framework aligned with the toughest international standards.
- Malta’s corporate tax rate is nominally 35%, but through its unique imputation and refund system, many international shareholders achieve an effective tax rate closer to 5–10%. This positions Malta as one of the most tax-efficient yet fully EU-compliant jurisdictions.
- English is recognised as the official language in business, law and regulation. This gives it a critical advantage over most European countries, where financial and legal documentation must be handled in the national language.
📈 Evidence of momentum
- Accelerated licensing of PSPs and EMIs is underway, with many leading players already setting up operations on the island. The approachable local regulator and well-established service provider ecosystem enable faster market entry, while full alignment with European regulations ensures credibility and resilience for international players aiming for both compliance and growth.
- Ongoing regulatory updates are necessary to stay ahead of EU directives, most recently aligning with the Instant Payments and DORA regulations to enhance operational resilience and ICT security.
- Government-backed initiatives and venture capital are being used to nurture fintech innovation and attract high-growth companies.
🚀If your organisation is seeking a compliant, innovative and growth-ready gateway to the entire European payments ecosystem, Malta is a strategic launchpad to consider.
🚀The combination of regulatory foresight, EU integration and a thriving fintech infrastructure makes Malta more than a gateway; it is a springboard for European and global payments growth.
💡What Bridge offers
Bridge Advice helps organisations bridge the gap in obtaining licensing from the MFSA. We have successfully assisted multiple institutions from outside the EU seeking to establish a presence in Malta.
Our team provides strategic support through expert guidance in planning, preparation and documentation of all required processes to ensure a seamless licensing journey within Malta’s payment ecosystem.
With comprehensive suitability checks and the expertise of our seasoned consultants, including former regulators from the FIAU and experienced industry practitioners, we deliver a reliable pathway to confidently launching your operations in Malta. Our advisory spans across DORA, IT Security, Risk Management, Financial Crime Compliance, Regulatory Compliance and Business Advisory.
By working in close collaboration, we ensure the achievement of strong, lasting results.
Contact us today for more information.
