The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has issued a number of important updates impacting AML/CFT professionals, including legislative amendments, new guidance documents, and a dedicated training opportunity.
Key developments include:
• Legal Notice 82 of 2026 and Legal Notice 83 of 2026 (effective 1 April 2026):
These amendments introduce a formal settlement agreement mechanism in relation to administrative penalties and provide a transitional framework allowing for out‑of‑court settlements in cases where appeal proceedings are pending. These changes aim to enhance flexibility and efficiency in resolving enforcement matters.
• Updated Enforcement Function Page:
The FIAU’s enforcement page has been updated to reflect recent developments and now consolidates relevant guidance, practical tools and reference materials to support subject persons in their ongoing compliance obligations.
• New Guidance and Policy Documents:
- Enforcement Guide: Explains how potential AML/CFT breaches are identified, assessed, pursued and resolved, with a focus on proportionality, consistency and fostering sustainable compliance.
- Compliance Monitoring Committee (CMC) Governing Principles and Framework: Sets out the role, principles and operational framework of the CMC in determining enforcement outcomes.
- Policies and Procedures on the Publication of AML/CFT Administrative Penalties and Measures: Clarifies the legal basis, objectives and approach adopted by the FIAU when publishing enforcement actions.
- Settlement Agreement Policy: Details the legal basis, objectives and guiding principles governing the conclusion of settlement agreements with subject persons.
In line with Article 13C of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the FIAU will publish summaries of both settlement agreements and out‑of‑court settlement agreements it concludes, in accordance with its publication policy.
• Training opportunity:
The FIAU will host two identical half‑day training sessions (morning and afternoon) covering the recent legislative changes, the enforcement process, settlement and out‑of‑court settlement mechanisms, and the application of administrative measures.
For more information, visit the FIAU website: https://fiaumalta.org
This post has been adapted from the FIAU Newsletter. Please refer to the original newsletter for full details.
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For further information, please contact us at [email protected]
