Malta Forex License

A forex license in Malta ranks next to Cyprus and Bulgaria as one of the top licensing jurisdictions available in the European Union. With a regulatory framework established under the Investment Services Act, Malta allows for a full range of brokerage activities: market making, STP, and advisory permissions. With the ability to passport, or offer forex trading services across all 28 EU member states, Malta is an ideal jurisdiction for FX brokers looking to establish a presence in Europe. Additional benefits afforded to FX brokers licensed in Malta are an array of local banking options as well as the global recognition of the local regulator, the Malta MFSA.

Applying for a Forex License in Malta – Key Takeaways

  • Malta is one of the EU’s most recognized fintech hubs and the headquarters for a plethora of financial institutions 
  • One of the few jurisdictions in the EU with a flexible licensing regime for FX & CFDs
  • Capital set at €150,000 for “STP” permissions; €750,000 for Market Making permissions
  • Category 2 permissions allow for riskless principal / STP permissions
  • Category 3 permissions are required in order to perform market making
  • Ability to passport license across all EU member states
  • Estimated license approval period is more than 12 months

How to Get a Forex License in Malta – A Step-by-Step Guide

  • To begin the application process, our team will collect some basic KYC documentation related to your business and directors.
  • Upon receiving all necessary documentation, the first step is to select the desired name of the broker and incorporate a local business entity in Malta.
  • Upon successful company registration, we’ll then proceed with the license application.
  • During the application process we’ll communicate with your team about the application status as well as any any additional documentation that may be required.
  • After the license has been approved, we’ll then proceed with establishing a bank account.

Malta Forex License Requirements 

  • €300,000 is the suggested minimum budget to cover capital, staff, office rent, accounting, and compliance reporting 
  • MiFID II guidelines require a physical presence in Malta plus local staff
  • Capital starts at €125,000 for STP (Straight Through Processing) permissions 
  • The license owners should have a strong background in finance
  • A minimum of 3 directors are required, 2 of which should have executive capabilities
  • Forex brokers looking to obtain market making permissions must maintain €750,000 in capital

Atomiq Consulting – Your Forex Broker Licensing Partner

Why partner with Atomiq Consulting for your forex license in Malta? Experience is the top reason as our firm was founded in 2014. Under the guidance of CEO, Jonathan Baumgart, Atomiq Consulting has assisted a global portfolio of clients with their licensing needs. Our services are not limited just to the application but the appointment of directors, guidance with office rental. Finally, we can provide accounting and ongoing compliance services in Malta. There is no better firm than Atomiq Consulting to assist you in obtaining a forex license in Malta. 

If you would like to obtain a forex license in Malta, don’t hesitate to contact our team of consultation specialists today! Once we learn some basic details about your business plans, we are more than happy to provide a free quote and overview of the entire license process. With decades of experience in the foreign exchange industry, Atomiq Consulting is the ideal partner for establishing your forex broker license in Malta.

How to get a Forex license in Malta? – Contact Us For A Free Price Quote Today!

To learn more about our license offerings, receive a breakdown of costs, and any ask other questions related to a obtaining a forex broker license in Malta, feel free to contact us today!

    Why Obtain a Malta Forex License? 

    FX brokers looking to establish a regulatory footprint in Europe should seriously consider the many advantages offered by a forex broker license in Malta.
    Obtaining a forex license in Malta positions brokers alongside other leading EU jurisdictions such as Cyprus and Bulgaria. Thanks to EU passporting rights, a license issued in Malta enables firms to provide forex trading services throughout all 28 European Union member states. Malta also stands out for its strong financial infrastructure—brokers can access a range of local banking solutions—while the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) enjoys worldwide recognition as a respected and trusted regulator.

    Malta MFSA Forex Broker License FAQ

    Are there any Malta fore broker licenses for sale?

    In addition to license consultation, we can also assist you in acquiring an existing licensed broker. Because our offers vary based on availability in the market, it is best to contact us directly to discus any licenses we may have on sale.

    After receiving the license in Malta, is a bank account also offered as part of the consultation package?

    Yes, Atomiq Consulting will also assist your brokerage with the establishment of a bank account in Malta.

    Which regulatory body oversees forex trading in Malta?

    Forex trading in Malta is regulated by the MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority).

    What type of  license do forex brokers receive from the Malta MFSA?

    A Category 2 license for STP permissions or Category 3 for market making activities. Advisory services are found under Category 1.

    How do I get a forex license in Malta?

    One must make a formal application with the Malta Financial Services Authority in order to obtain a license. The first step is to appoint the necessary directors and beneficial owners. Once this has been established, a consulting firm like Atomiq Consulting will assist with the application. During this period we’ll also establish a local company in Malta. The longest aspect of the process is waiting for regulator feedback which can take several months of back and forth correspondence. Upon approval the last stage is to establish an office in Malta to fulfill the regulator requirements. Finally, a bank account will be established once the license has been approved.

    Which jurisdictions are similar in nature to Malta?

    Brokers seeking regulatory options in Europe should also consider a forex broker license in Cyprus. Another jurisdiction in the European Union worth exploring would be a forex broker license in Bulgaria.

    Under what law or guidelines is forex regulated in Malta?

    In Malta, forex regulation is governed by The Investment Services Act, Cap. 370.

    Is forex trading legal in Malta?

    Yes. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is responsible for the regulation of forex & CFD activity in Malta. As an EU member state, Malta is fully compliant with MiFID II guidelines which provide the regulatory framework for financial services through the European Union. 

    What are the minimum capital requirements?

    Unlike a forex broker license in BVI, where capital is determined on a case-by-case basis, capital requirements in Malta start at €150,000.

    How many directors are required to obtain a forex broker license in Malta?

    A minimum of 3 local directors are required.

    About the Author

    This article was written by Jonathan Baumgart, Founder and CEO of Atomiq Consulting. With over a decade of experience in the forex industry, Jonathan specializes in helping businesses launch brokerages and navigate global licensing requirements.

    Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn



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