Malta provides a favourable regulatory framework for electronic money and electronic institutions. The Banking Act gives credit institutions the opportunity to undertake the business of electronic banking under their banking licence. On the other hand, stand-alone electronic money institutions must operate within the frame parameters of a licence based on the framework of EU Directive 2000/46/EC.
Banking, fund and investment managers, on-line stockbrokers and credit cards can all benefit from setting up office in Malta. Malta is an excellent location for:
- the starting of new ventures;
- the location of corporate HQs for multinational companies;
- a Malta base for expansion into Europe and the Mediterranean Region;
- an efficient and low cost back office administration, call centres and help desks;
- a base for server co-location and technical support services;
- e-commerce start-ups & relocations.
Malta presents a modern financial services legislation and is on the forefront of e-commerce regulation and facilitation. E-Money operations affecting banking or investment services are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority. The financial regime operates along the best practices and separates regulatory and promotional activity. Furthermore regulations seeks to held financial organisations respond quickly to market changes and develop new products, whilst ensuring investor protection measures and the protection of Maltas global reputation.
Malta has developed its corporate tax regime to provide a wide range of benefits and possibilities to corporations.
The e-money sector is regulated by the Electronic Commerce Act 2001, since it provides for the validity of transactions carried out and the information submitted through electronic communication. The Act provides for electronic contracts, electronic signatures and certification, data protection and responsibilities in the event of suspected or actual criminal activity.
The misuse of electronic signatures, signature creation devices and certificates and fraud are criminal offences, as is the unlawful access of use of information and the misuse of computer hardware.
