The Malta Business Registry has published its Annual Report and Financial Statement for the financial year ending 31st December 2020. During 2020, the Malta Business Registry focused on the enhancement of due diligence processes and legislative frameworks that safeguard the Maltese jurisdiction whilst ensuring an accurate Registry. Moreover, the Malta Business Registry implemented all MONEYVAL recommendations resulting in the introduction of new rigorous procedures that improve governance and compliance. The compliance Unit reviewed more than 12,000 forms and conducted more than 27,000 checks. Furthermore, the screening related to new companies amounted to around 11,000 checks which included analyses of directors and shareholders/beneficial owners. In 2020, this unit conducted 828 onsite inspections and is projecting to carry out around 1,000 during 2021. The Malta Business Registry undertook significant legislative developments headed by the legal and enforcement unit as per the evaluation report compiled by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of the Anti-Money laundering measures and the financing of Terrorism, the legislative initiatives put forward by the European Union and the digitalization drive being undertaken by the MBR to launch a new electronic system using the latest technology. The legal unit undertook the challenging task of keeping the Register of Commercial Partnerships in good order by the striking of defunct companies that were in breach of the Companies Act and its subsidiary legislation. The breaches concerned matters of failure to register the required information on the ultimate beneficial owners of the respective entities, lack of filing of annual financial statements and returns for several years, lack of appointed company officers as required by statutory provisions, being in the process of dissolution for 10 or more years or having had their license revoked. In view of this, the legal and enforcement unit issued 56,000 notifications sent as legal letters resulting in the striking off 11,289 companies from the register as well as an additional 1,166 companies that failed to file the beneficial ownership information. As for the enforcement, 509 legal letters were sent to company officers as final warnings to settle outstanding duties as well as the issuance of 21 judicial letters as enforcement penalties. On the other hand, it is worth pointing out that albeit the Covid19 impact on the global economy, the MBR registered 3,514 new commercial partnerships in 2020. ‘The MBR has stepped up its due diligence procedures by endowing itself with the power to take concrete actions that prove the seriousness and credibility of the entity in question- from asking for additional documentation for verification purposes and applying sanctions when necessary to conducting onsite inspections, increasing administrative penalties and enhancing the enforcement of penalties’ said the Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Business Registry, Mr. Joseph Farrugia. For the MBR Annual Report 2020, the theme of Coastal Towers around the Maltese Islands was used in order to reflect the MBR’s main focus in 2020 to represent itself as a tower watching over incoming activities by consolidating MBR’s due diligence practices and legislative frameworks to maintain an accurate and an up-to-date Register. The MBR’s Annual Report 2020 can be found here.

Kindly note that this guidance document sets out an overview of requirements in terms of the Companies Act (Register of Beneficial Owners) Regulations. Its purpose is solely to provide information and guidance for Maltese-registered companies. You can download the document here.

Today the MBR launched its strategic plan for 2020 – 2025. This Strategic plan was structured around the understanding that the MBR’s role and responsibilities have been broadened as it serves additional business interests besides being Malta’s business registry. It will take significant restructuring for the MBR to establish itself as a key stakeholder and competent authority within Malta’s financial services sector. With this in mind, it was deemed necessary to review contemporary themes that are impacting the strategies of many organisations, particularly public sector agencies. Together with the latest developments in strategy formulation, four main trends will help shape a way forward for the MBR: internationalisation, information and communication technology, changing purposes, and knowledge and learning. ‘This strategy will take us towards being a modern, fully digital industry, offering fast, efficient services to companies, and crucially, easy access to searchers. Four main trends shaped the way forward for this Strategic Plan, these are: internationalisation, information and communication technology, changing purposes and knowledge and learning,’ highlighted Mr. Joseph Farrugia, the Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Business Registry. Furthermore, Mr. Kenneth Brincat, Chief Operations Officer of the Malta Business Registry claimed that ‘This strategic plan is about transformation. Transformation in HR and technology to provide the most efficient and effective service. Thus, this strategic plan in a nutshell is outlining the strategies to have a hardworking workforce using the latest technology to provide service of excellence to our clients.’ ‘In order to lessen unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, the Malta Business Registry will address the demand for an enhanced holistic register by maintaining such Register, complemented with the proposed introduction of a Business Register which will ensure that accurate data is consistently stored and used as a single source for current and future submissions. All economic operators will have the opportunity to update this central register which will contain the necessary identifiers to link the economic operators to various other Government entities – a system which interlinks all services offered by Government to businesses and self-employed,’ explained Minister Schembri. The 5-Year Strategic plan also paves the way for MBR to further safeguard the reputation of the Maltese jurisdiction by bolstering good governance and enhancing its due diligence methods, core values which strongly complement the Maltese Government’s economic strategy. ‘Hence over the next 5 years MBR will seek to make changes, mostly requiring legislative adaptation, which will deter, and act against, those who persist in misusing the register. The strategic plan is also highlighting the global perspective through the internationalisation of MBR’s purposes by adjourning with international developments,’ said Minister Schembri. Minister Schembri commended Malta Business Registry for its major investment in its new online portal, which is based on blockchain technology thus ensuring transparency and efficiency in the services provided as well as MBR’s proactive stance in putting forward suggestions that shape the adoption of new business models in such a manner that Malta anticipates such changes, changes which ultimately lend our jurisdiction a competitive edge in the attraction of new businesses. ‘The Malta Business Registry’s successful strides are a result of a dedicated, well-trained workforce that consider this agency as their second home. The agency’s modus operandi in this regard is already serving as a point of reference within the public sector; a model player within the same sector. The fact remains that in an ever-evolving scenario, one must be ahead of the game. As a Government, we grasped upon the opportunities despite these challenging times and sought to navigate through unprecedented storms to ensure that Malta retains its competitive edge,’ said Minister Schembri. The MBR’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 is available on our Website on: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yasjl/rbqy/#p=1

The Malta Business Registry (MBR) proudly hosted the European Business Registry Association (EBRA) Malta Conference, bringing together business registry professionals, policymakers and industry experts from across Europe to explore the future of business registries in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The conference provided an important platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, focusing on key themes including digital transformation, transparency, compliance, innovation, and the evolving role of business registries in supporting sustainable economic growth. Delegates examined emerging challenges and opportunities, including the impact of artificial intelligence, anti-money laundering initiatives, and the growing need for secure, reliable and accessible business information systems. By hosting the conference, the Malta Business Registry further strengthened Malta’s position as an active and valued contributor within the European registry community. The event underscored the MBR’s commitment to international cooperation and the promotion of best practices, while facilitating meaningful dialogue and networking opportunities among stakeholders from across the continent. The successful organisation of the EBRA Malta 2026 Conference reflects the MBR’s ongoing dedication to transparency, innovation and collaboration. It also reinforces Malta’s standing as a trusted, forward-looking jurisdiction and a key participant in shaping the future of the European business environment.

The Malta Business Registry (“MBR”) hereby informs the general public that the following Companies Act (Central Data Repository) Regulations, 2026, Legal Notice 151 of 2026, have entered into force on the 15th May 2026 by virtue of Legal Notice 152 of 2026. In order to better understand each provision in terms of Legal Notice 151 of 2026, one is encouraged to refer to the User Guidelines which seek to guide users to manage and selectively share their personal and corporate data with competent authorities and subject persons through a secure digital repository. These User Guidelines are to be read in conjunction with Legal Notice 151 of 2026. Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas Registrar & CEO

The general public is kindly being informed that the Malta Business Registry offices will be closed on Thursday 26th December and Friday 27th December, 2024. On the said day, the online services shall continue to be available as usual on the MBR’s website: https://register.mbr.mt/

The Malta Business Registry (“MBR”) hereby informs the general public that, in virtue of Legal Notice No. 110 of 2026, the following articles: 21, 23, 24 and 25(a) of Act XVIII of 2025 (the “Act”) have come into force. Previously, where a company was required to report and file its annual financial report in accordance with the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) reporting standards, in line with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 of 17 December 2018 supplementing Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on the specification of a single electronic reporting format, such report was submitted directly to the Malta Business Registry through the BAROS portal. Going forward, and in terms of the above-mentioned articles of the Act, where a company is required to report and file in accordance with ESEF, under the aforementioned provisions of the Act, the balance sheet, directors’ report, auditors’ report and annual accounts shall be prepared and filed with the respective competent authority, being the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The same financial report, shall in turn, be transmitted directly to the Registrar through secure channels, without the need for the company to file a separate copy with the Registrar via BAROS. The described revisions shall become mandatory for financial reporting periods starting on or after 17/04/2026. Dr. Geraldine Spiteri Lucas Registrar & CEO

The Co-operatives Board and the Registrar of Companies hereby notify the general public that, with effect from 13th April 2026, the Office of the Co-operatives has been relocated to the Malta Business Registry. This transition has been undertaken to enhance the efficiency of the registration process of co-operatives, as well as to streamline ongoing reporting requirements. The Co-operatives Board further informs the public that all registrations and filings of notifications may now be carried out through the BAROS system. If you opt for this option, please contact MBR’s ICT Support Unit on ictsupport.mbr@mbr.mt . For any queries or assistance, the designated contact persons are: Co-Operatives Board; Ms Natalie Farrugia; and Mr Damian Borg George. The new email address is koperattivi@mbr.mt . The Co-operatives Board registered address has also changed to Malta Business Registry, AM Business Centre, Triq il-Labour, Zejtun. ZTN 2401. The opening hours to the general public are: Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 14:30 Friday: CLOSED The Board appreciates your cooperation in this transition. Chairperson of the Co-operatives Board and Registrar of Companies

The Malta Business Registry in collaboration with the National FDI Office hosted an international meeting organised by the EU Commission aimed to strengthen cooperation and best practices amongst screening authorities within the European Union.    Over the three-day programme, participants engaged in expert discussions, policy labs, and workshops aimed at enhancing collaboration and supporting the continued development of effective screening mechanisms across the European Union.

The Malta Business Registry (“MBR”) hereby informs the general public that the Various Laws relating to Corporate Sustainability Reporting (Amendment) Act, 2026 , (ACT No. I of 2026) , hereinafter referred to as “The Act’’, has been published. Further to the above, and in virtue of L.N. 61 of 2026 the following articles of the Act have come into force: 17, 26, 27, 28,29, 31, 41 and 42. The Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2023/2775 of 17 October 2023 amending Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the adjustments of the size criteria for micro, small, medium-sized and large undertakings or groups has also been transposed into Maltese law and with respect to Part II of the Act. Kindly note, the new thresholds as set out in Articles 185(1), 185(5), and Item 1 of the Third Schedule to the Companies Act . The enclosed revisions are mandatory for financial reporting periods starting on or after 20 th March, 2026. Early adoption or retroactive application is strictly prohibited. Reference is also to be made to Part V of the Act dealing with administrative penalties for which the User Guidelines  should be read in conjunction with such amendments. Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas Registrar & CEO

The Malta Business Registry (“MBR”) hereby informs the general public that the following  Companies Act (Youth Enterprise) Regulations, 2026  has entered into force on the 12 th March 2026 by virtue of Legal Notice 56 of 2026. In order to better understand each provision in terms of Legal Notice 56 of 2026, one is encouraged to refer to the  User Guidelines  which seek to guide youth enterprises, their members, mentor and all stakeholders involved throughout the process. These User Guidelines are to be read in conjunction with Legal Notice 56 of 2026. MBR would like to inform the general public that youth enterprises are to submit the relative forms via the following link:  baros.mbr.mt Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas Registrar & CEO

The Malta Business Registry (MBR) has just launched the Application Programming Interface (API) packages, an initiative aimed at further strengthening digital service delivery and enhancing collaboration with Subject Persons. In an environment where data exchange and automation are integral to operational efficiency, the MBR is establishing a framework that enables secure, reliable and scalable system-to-system integrations. This initiative is designed to support trusted data consumption, improve service responsiveness and enhance the overall client experience. Following a comprehensive consultation with Subject Persons, the MBR launched the following API packages: Package 1 – Company Search API : Gives users the ability to search for companies using the company name or the company registration number or both. Retrieves Company Name, Registration Number, Registration Date and State of a company. Package 2 – Basic Company Details API : Retrieves Company Name, Registration Number, Registration Date, Registered Address and State of a company using the company registration number. Package 3 – Full Company Details API : Retrieves all details in Basic Company Details API plus involvements, share capital data and a list of document filings using the company registration number. Package 4 – Bundle API: Gives the user access to all the 3 APIs in one application. The adoption of MBR APIs will significantly improve interoperability by allowing Subject Persons to integrate their internal systems directly with MBR services through machine-to-machine communication, eliminating the need for manual data retrieval and processing. The APIs will support automated data exchange, real-time information access and enhanced data consistency across platforms. Furthermore, the use of the MBR’s APIs will enable large institutions to optimise resource allocation by automating routine data queries and transactional processes. This allows human resources to be redeployed towards higher-value, analytical and compliance-focused activities, while ensuring that the daily operational data is generated and processed efficiently. The MBR’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas remarked the offering of API services seals the MBR’s commitment in further bolstering digital services, reducing manual processes and increasing efficiency when providing information at real-time.  ”This initiative reinforces the MBR’s commitment to modern, data-driven public services that support regulatory compliance and improve the overall user experience. Most importantly, it puts Malta’s registry at par with other registries in terms of digital registry standards, sharing of information and real-time data and compliance support in relation to AML/CFT directives” said Dr Spiteri Lucas. The MBR’s Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Registrar, Ms Annalise Zammit, explained that from an operational standpoint, the introduction of API packages will enable both the MBR and Subject Persons to streamline workflows through enhanced automation and interoperability. “This long-awaited initiative will significantly facilitate the day-to-day implementation of AML/CFT obligations by Subject Persons. By enabling access to real-time registry information, institutions can optimise resource allocation, improve processing efficiency and redirect human expertise to higher-value, analytical and risk-focused activities,” said Ms Zammit. She further noted that this initiative forms an integral part of the MBR’s broader digital transformation strategy. “The deployment of API services supports the MBR’s objective of becoming a paperless entity, while simultaneously encouraging Subject Persons to modernise and strengthen their digital infrastructure in an environment that is increasingly data-driven” said Ms Zammit. For further details, interested Subject Persons are requested to send an email on ictsupport.mbr@mbr.mt .