A constitutional tug of war over Malta’s rent laws
For decades, Malta’s rental laws have been a legal minefield, balancing the rights of landlords against the protection of tenants. However, recent constitutional judgments are shaking up the status quo, with court ruling that aspects of Malta’s rent control framework infringe upon property owners’ fundamental rights.
MFSA seeks industry feedback on EU Banking Package implementation
On the 9 May 2025, the MFSA issued a consultation document on the national transposition and implementation of the Banking Package,1 namely CRDVI2 and CRRIII. While the requirements of CRRIII3 are legally binding and were largely applicable as from 1 January 2025, the provisions of the CRDVI need to be transposed into local legislation and shall apply from …
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Publication of draft delegated act in terms of the Listing Act
As part of the reforms introduced by the EU Listing Act (“Listing Act”), important amendments have been made to article 17 of the Market Abuse Regulation (“MAR”), specifically in relation to (a) the disclosure of inside information during “protracted processes”, and (b) the delay of disclosure of inside information. These changes will begin to apply …
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Case Note: CJEU’s Commission v Malta — rethinking citizenship by investment
CJEU rules Maltese naturalisation framework breaches EU law Citation: Case C-181/23, CJEU (Grand Chamber), Judgment of 29 April 2025 Case Reference Court: Court of Justice of the European Union (Grand Chamber) Judgment date: 29 April 2025 Case number: C-181/23 Parties: European Commission (Applicant) v. Republic of Malta (Defendant) Type of Action: Infringement …
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MFSA revises bancassurance policy in the light of ECJ judgment
On the 16th April 2025, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has issued a Circular introducing key regulatory changes affecting bancassurance in response to a 2022 European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling.
The interpretation of ‘Pre-Existing Medical Condition’ clauses in travel insurance policies
On 5 February 2025, the Court of Appeal (in its inferior jurisdiction), delivered its final judgment in the case of ‘D.M. v X Insurance’ which related to an appeal filed by X Insurance (the “Insurer”).
Malta Ship Registry to issue electronic certificates effective 1 June 2025
On 12 May 2025, the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta issued Merchant Shipping Notice 193, which introduces a significant regulatory development concerning the issuance and legal recognition of statutory certificates by the Malta Ship Registry.
Salvage claims and debt recovery: Legal perspectives on compensation obligations
Introduction In ‘Sandy Yacht Marina Limited v. Bastiment M/Y Leymour’ decided by the First Hall of the Civil Court (the “Court”) on 27th March 2025, the Court held that defining whether services qualify as ‘salvage’ is a key consideration to make when determining the payment of salvage services.
The validity of post-insolvency transactions: Interpreting Article 31(1) of the EU Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings
On 27th March 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) delivered a ruling in the case Matthäus Metzler, acting as insolvency practitioner in insolvency proceedings vs. Auto1 European Cars BV (Case C‑186/24) concerning the interpretation of Article 31(1) of Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on insolvency proceedings (the …
Overview of Hong Kong’s Stablecoins Bill
On 6 December 2024, the Hong Kong government published the Stablecoins Bill, which aims to establish a comprehensive licensing regime and regulatory framework for specified stablecoins in Hong Kong. The Stablecoins Bill follows the consultation conclusions jointly published by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau on 17 July …