Navigating Crypto Regulation In Malta 

MiCA, MFSA Oversight, and Practical Compliance Tech 

With the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation now in a transitional (“grandfathering”) period, Malta has reaffirmed its position as an early mover while facing new supervisory expectations. Here is what crypto firms need to know – and how a compliance technology partner like StarCompliance (Star) can help.  

MiCA: What Is in Force and What Is Transitioning

Since 2018, Malta’s regulator, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), has operated under a robust Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) regulatory framework, making it one of the earliest adopters of structured crypto regulation in Europe. 

Malta aligned local law with MiCA by enacting the Markets in Crypto-Assets Act, 2024 (Cap. 647) and has issued a MiCA Rulebook. Firms licensed under Malta’s earlier Virtual Financial Assets framework have a defined transition path into MiCA. Malta has begun issuing MiCA authorisations, drawing significant industry interest, while EU-level reviews have urged enhanced scrutiny of applications. 

Firms licensed under Malta’s VFA framework before December 30, 2024, may continue operating until July 1, 2026, or until their MiCA authorization is granted or refused, whichever comes first. 

Preparing for Heightened Regulatory Expectations

Malta has actively begun issuing MiCA authorizations, attracting major global platforms. As of mid-2025, the MFSA has granted at least five MiCA CASP licenses, positioning the jurisdiction as a gateway for firms entering the EU under MiCA. At the same time, EU-level reviews have urged Malta and other national regulators to apply stricter scrutiny to authorizations, especially in governance, IT resilience, and conflicts-of-interest management. 

To succeed under the MFSA’s MiCA Rulebook, firms should be prepared to demonstrate: 

• Strong board-level governance structures. 
• Effective conflict-of-interest frameworks. 
• Comprehensive AML and counter-terrorism financing compliance. 
• Robust outsourcing oversight. 
• Resilient IT and operational systems that withstand regulatory review. 

How Star Helps Firms Stay Ahead

In this evolving landscape, firms in Malta and across the EU face mounting pressure to meet robust MiCA standards, without stalling growth. That’s where a strategic compliance technology partner can make a difference.  

Star offers tailored solutions for:  

• Conflicts & Insider Trading Controls: Deploy pre-clearance protocols and real-time surveillance, to detect and prevent employee conflicts and insider abuse before issues escalate. 

• Modular, Scalable Compliance Frameworks: Our platform allows firms to scale compliance in line with business growth, from SMEs to large institutional CASPs, without overburdening operations  

• Enterprise Grade Governance, Risk, and Surveillance Tools: With automated transaction monitoring and blockchain analytics, we help firms demonstrate strong internal controls and forensic visibility, a critical advantage under MFSA and MiCA oversight 

Key Takeaways

Malta’s transition to MiCA marks a new regulatory frontier, one defined by opportunity, complexity, and the need for disciplined compliance. Star is well-positioned to help firms adapt, with pragmatic tools that align with MiCA’s proportional approach and MFSA’s evolving oversight expectations.  

Firms that integrate compliance technology strategically will not just navigate regulation, they’ll convert it into a competitive advantage. To learn more about Star’s Crypto Dealing Compliance Software, schedule a personalized demo here.