MFSA Launches Public-Private Partnerships To Tackle Fraud

Malta has taken a decisive step in strengthening its defences against financial crime, with the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) launching a new public-private partnership designed to bolster the detection, prevention and disruption of fraud across the financial system.

The initiative unites some of the country's most important public authorities, including the Malta Police Force, the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services, the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) and the Central Bank of Malta (CBM), alongside leading private sector players such as the Malta Bankers' Association (MBA) and retail-focused credit institutions. The first formal meeting of the partnership took place on 8th April 2026 at the MFSA, marking what the regulator described as a “significant step” in national coordination against financial crime.

Led by the MFSA's Financial Crime Compliance function, the partnership provides a structured way to share intelligence on fraud trends, emerging threats, and weaknesses across sectors. This collaborative approach comes at a vital moment, as fraud schemes grow ever more sophisticated and digitally driven.

MFSA Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farrugia welcomed the launch as an important milestone in safeguarding consumers and protecting the integrity of the financial system, highlighting that stronger cooperation and information-sharing will enable authorities to identify risks earlier and respond more effectively together.

In its first phase, the partnership will focus on consumer retail payment fraud, including unauthorised transactions and social engineering cases in which individuals are scammed into transferring funds. The initiative is built around four pillars: information sharing, enhanced cooperation and coordination, guidance and outreach, and policy development with targeted supervisory action.