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 20th 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 12th 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.

The Insolvency and Receivership Service within the Malta Business Registry has just published the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Insolvency Practitioners. This Code defines the requirements of professional conduct for insolvency practitioners, with the purpose of safeguarding the standing of their profession, continuously updating it and to create a uniform set of rules of conduct, setting out their duties and obligations to meet the ethical standards expected of them. At the same time, this Code aims to ensure the quality and transparency of the services provided by insolvency practitioners, to guarantee proper performance of the work undertaken by them and moreover to best serve the interests of the creditors and the debtor client. The Code applies to authorised insolvency practitioners, ensuring that they do not act abusively or negligently, while upholding the dignity of their profession and the trust conferred on them. Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, stated: “With this Code, we are ensuring that insolvency proceedings are not only effective but fully open and accountable. We are showing that Malta is a serious jurisdiction where the rules are clear, protecting the interests of everyone involved and reinforcing confidence in our business framework.” Dr Ingrid Hamilton, Official Receiver and Head of the Insolvency and Receivership Service said that “the publication of this Code marks an important step in strengthening the integrity, transparency and professionalism of the insolvency framework in Malta. It establishes a clear and uniform set of ethical standards and obligations, ensuring that authorised practitioners carry out their duties with the highest level of competence, accountability and independence. By safeguarding the dignity of the profession and promoting proper conduct, the Code reinforces public trust while ensuring that the interests of creditors and debtors alike are served fairly and responsibly.” Referring to the MBR’s accreditation course for insolvency practitioners, now running in its second term, Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the MBR, said that “this comprehensive course convened by the Insolvency and Receivership Service in collaboration with leading academics represents a crucial step in strengthening Malta’s insolvency framework, offering practitioners in-depth legal knowledge, practical training and formal accreditation under the new legislative regime. It opens an innovative niche within the profession and equips practitioners with essential guidance to distressed businesses, supports timely debt recovery and ultimately helps enterprises and individuals secure a meaningful second chance.” The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Insolvency Practitioners is available as a printed copy and may also be downloaded here .

The Malta Business Registry (“MBR”) hereby informs the general public that the following Companies Act (Agricultural Companies) Regulations, 2025 has entered into force on the 26th December 2025 by virtue of Legal Notice 307 of 2025. In order to better understand each provision in terms of Legal Notice 307 of 2025, one is encouraged to refer to the User Guidelines which seek to guide companies, their officers and all stakeholders involved throughout the process. These User Guidelines are to be read in conjunction with Legal Notice 307 of 2025. MBR would like to inform the general public that companies are to submit the relative forms AC(1) and AC(2) via the following link: https://baros.mbr.mt/app/process/statutory_form_upload_ca Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas Registrar & CEO

The Malta Business Registry (MBR), in collaboration with the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA), wish to inform the company service providers, all subject persons and the general public that, as from 1st December 2025, a single point of online submission will be introduced for the following forms through the BAROS platform: Form T – Transfer of Shares Form H – Return of Allotments MSR Form F – Transfer of Shares This facility will apply exclusively to exempt share transfers in respect of which there is a valid determination issued in terms of Article 47 of the Duty on Documents and Transfers Act that require filing under Schedule E, as well as transactions that are exempt from filing a capital gains schedule. Additionally, clients will need to upload the necessary documents required by the MTCA via BAROS, duly signed with a qualified electronic signature, in accordance with the applicable MTCA guidelines. On the other hand, transactions involving the payment of stamp duty or capital gains shall continue to be processed under the existing procedures until further notice. Through this enhancement, clients will no longer be required to print these forms or present physical documents for endorsement at the MTCA desk hosted at the MBR offices. All online submissions will be processed entirely via BAROS. Kindly refer to Section 7 – Share Transfers and Return of Allotments in the BAROS User Guidelines. This initiative forms part of the MBR’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing service delivery. For further information or assistance, please get in touch with the MBR (ictsupport.mbr@mbr.mt / 22582300) and the MTCA (ictusharetransfer.mtca@gov.mt / 22582200) through the usual communication channels.