The Malta Business Registry (“MBR”) has informed the public that series of important changes to the Companies Act (Register of Beneficial Owners) Regulations, by virtue of LN 127 of 2025 have entered into force on the 10th July 2025.
As part of the initial phase in Malta’s transposition of the Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, in accordance with Article 74 of Directive (EU) 2024/1640, substantial changes have been introduced to enhance EU-wide efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
A key update involves the amendment of Regulation 7, which now allows individuals to access beneficial ownership data from the Registrar’s register, provided they can demonstrate a legitimate interest in preventing money laundering, its predicate offences, or terrorist financing.
To apply, interested parties must submit a formal written request that includes:
- Personal identification details
- Relevant qualifications or credentials
- A legal declaration justifying the request
The Registrar reserves the right to request additional documentation and may publish procedural guidelines to assist applicants. All decisions will be communicated in writing, and where requests are refused, applicants have the right to appeal within twenty (20) days by submitting a sworn application to the Court.
Requests should be sent via email to accesstobo@mbr.mt
Alongside regulatory changes, updates have been made to several MBR statutory forms. Notably:
- Form BO2, Section A: For changes solely affecting the extent or nature of beneficial ownership, only the full name and surname of the beneficial owner are required in the first column, along with a description of the change.
- Identical updates apply to:
- The Annual Confirmation BO Form
- The Change in Senior Managing Officials Form
- The Change in Details of BO/Senior Managing Officials Form
It is essential to note that the use of the updated forms is mandatory; previous versions are now invalid.
To assist stakeholders, the Malta Business Registry has issued comprehensive User Guidelines detailing procedures, obligations, and best practices.
These reforms mark a significant advancement in Malta’s commitment to uphold EU anti-money laundering standards. By improving access to beneficial ownership data and strengthening corporate transparency, the MBR continues to promote robust regulatory compliance.
At Phoenix Wise Solutions, we strongly advise company officers and compliance professionals to review the amended regulations carefully. Our team remains available to provide tailored support and guidance as needed.
Dr. Stephan Gauci
Managing Director
