MFSA highlights reporting and governance weaknesses in financial sector
Regulatory reporting and weaknesses in governance and client-fund safeguards remain key areas of concern for Malta’s financial services sector, according to a review of the Malta Financial Services Authority’s enforcement work. The MFSA handled 943 potential enforcement cases during 2025, arising from supervisory work and other sources. While many cases related to regulatory reporting requirements, the Authority also investigated potential unauthorised business, scams and shortcomings in governance and internal controls. The MFSA highlighted particular concerns involving the safeguarding of client funds at certain financial institutions, including payment and electronic money institutions. Investigations identified issues including inadequate segregation of client funds, insufficient or irregular reconciliations and weaknesses in governance and internal control frameworks. The Authority stressed that safeguarding client funds is both a condition of authorisation and an ongoing obligation for financial institutions. The MFSA said its enforcement work reflects its broader focus on regulatory compliance, market integrity and protecting consumers within Malta’s financial services sector. (Maltatoday)
Ġorġ Mallia, academic, author and cartoonist, dies aged 68
Academic, author and cartoonist Ġorġ Mallia has died at the age of 68, prompting tributes to a man remembered for his humour and contribution to Maltese culture. Mallia served as head of the University of Malta’s Department of Media and Communications, where he mentored generations of students. He was also widely known for his work as a children’s author and illustrator. His books included Ktieb ix-Xwejjaħ, Avventura taħt l-Art and the popular Pullu series, which began in 2000. His most recent children’s book was published in 2024. Mallia was involved in several children’s publications, including Sagħtar and HeyU!, and co-produced the television programme Il-Kastell Imsaħħar in 1990. He was also a Times of Malta cartoonist, with his final ŻEPP cartoon published in Sunday’s edition. Tributes have highlighted his unmistakable sense of humour and lasting contribution to Malta’s cultural and educational life. (Times of Malta)
More than 3,000 vehicles added to Malta’s roads in three months
Malta’s licensed vehicle fleet increased by more than 3,000 vehicles in just three months, according to new figures published by the National Statistics Office. A total of 3,086 vehicles were added during the second quarter of 2026, representing a net average increase of around 34 vehicles every day. Passenger cars accounted for the largest share of the increase, making up 58.1% of newly licensed vehicles. Motorcycles and e-bikes together accounted for a further 28.6%. Petrol-powered vehicles remained the most common among newly licensed vehicles, accounting for 58% of the total, while diesel vehicles represented 33.5%. Electric vehicles accounted for 3.9% of newly licensed vehicles. The figures also show growth in several hybrid categories. Diesel-electric plug-in hybrid vehicles increased by 9.3% compared with the previous quarter, while petrol-electric mild hybrids rose by 6%. (The Malta Independent)
