Company Service Providers

We have extensive experience working with Company Service Providers (“CSPs”) and we understand that as a Company Service Provider you are providing essential services to a company right from its inception. We will be able to guide you in all your regulatory and compliance requirements in a timely and efficient manner. We guide CSPs through all regulatory and compliance requirements efficiently and in line with the latest 2025 legislative updates.

Licensing

In terms of the Company Service Providers Act (the “CSP Act”), a CSP means any natural or legal person which, by way of business, provides any of the following services to third parties:

1. Formation of companies or other legal entities;

2. Acting or arranging for another person to act as director or secretary of a company or similar positions; or

3. Provision of registered office and other related services.

The term “by way of business” refers to the scenario were a person holds himself out as providing company services by, inter alia, soliciting the services on offer to members of the public or provides company services on a regular and habitual basis. Another requirement is that in providing these services, this person is in receipt of remuneration or other benefits.

Any person who operates in or from Malta as a CSP shall apply for registration with the MFSA in terms of this Act. Upon receipt of the registration application, the MFSA will review the documentation provided and will also conduct its fitness and properness test in order to ensure that the applicant has the necessary competence, integrity and solvency to provide these services.

Should you already be licensed, authorised or recognised by the MFSA, the fitness and properness test is not required to be undertaken again. In such a scenario, you would still be subject to registering your business as a CSP, however the registration process would entail a notification letter accompanied by the prescribed application fee.

Should you require any assistance with the application for registration with the MFSA, we will be able to assist you with the following:

1. Structuring, legal and regulatory advice;

2. Assisting with the entire licensing process;

3. Drafting of all internal rules, internal policies, and internal procedures;

4. Liaising with the competent Maltese authorities on an ongoing basis;

5. Assisting with the company incorporation; and

6. Advising to ensure compliance with all the Anti-Money Laundering (“AML“) requirements and establishing effective KYC procedures.

Following Act X of 2025, effective 19 May 2025, Malta’s CSP regulatory framework has been strengthened to enhance proportionality while improving clarity. Key updates include:

Registration Requirement – Limited Company Service Providers

• Individuals providing directorship and/or company secretary services by way of business are now required to register under Article 3A(2) of the CSP Act;
• These individuals are termed Limited Company Service Providers;
• Involvement Limit: Up to 10 directorships/secretarial roles; and
• Compliance: A new Registration Form is available on the MFSA website.

Notification Requirement – Restricted Company Service Providers

• Individuals offering these services on a non-commercial basis (not by way of business) must notify the MFSA under Article 3B(1);
• Termed Restricted Company Service Providers (Restricted CSPs); and
• Involvement Limit: Up to 5 positions, across a maximum of 2 groups.

Proportionality & Scope

• These amendments introduce clear classifications for CSPs (Full, Limited, Restricted) with tailored obligations and thresholds, ensuring that regulatory requirements are proportional to the scale of operations.

Regulatory Advisory

Whether you are already operating as a CSP or are looking to establish such a business, our firm offers comprehensive regulatory advisory services tailored to your needs. We provide guidance on the full spectrum of regulatory requirements applicable to CSPs, including licensing obligations, compliance with local and EU legislation, ongoing reporting obligations, and adherence to AML and counter-terrorist financing (“CTF”) rules.

Our team can assist with interpreting complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring that your operations remain fully compliant with MFSA and other relevant regulatory bodies. We also advise on corporate governance, risk management, and internal control systems necessary for CSPs to meet both statutory and best-practice standards.

Whether you need advice on setting up a new CSP, expanding your existing services, or maintaining compliance amidst evolving regulations, our firm provides practical, actionable solutions designed to safeguard your business and reputation.

Compliance Services​

We understand that adherence to the applicable legislation is vital to any Company Service Provider. Our services include the following: ​

1. Acting as a Compliance Officer on your regulated entity;

2. Preparing an Annual Compliance Program;

3. Assistance with implementing adequate policies and procedures to identify breaches by the Companies and to minimise such breaches;

4. Ensuring that the activities of the Company are in line with the applicable laws and MFSA rules;

5. Ensuring that an adequate reporting procedure is in place for any breach;

6. Assistance with Informing the Authority and management in case of any material breaches by the Companies;

7. Monitoring returns provided to the MFSA to ensure that all information is in order;

8. Assistance with ensuring that your staff is familiar with the applicable legislation and any relevant conditions applicable to their role;

9. Providing adequate training to the officers of the Companies with regards to any compliance issues; and

10. Any other duty that is ancillary or complimentary to the above duties.