TITLE: Malta Financial Services Authority Publishes Marketing Compliance Findings from 2025 Supervision Review
BODY:
On June 11, 2026, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) published findings from its 2025 Outcomes-Based Supervision review of marketing communications in the insurance and investment sectors. The review assessed whether marketing communications issued by regulated entities are fair, clear and not misleading, and whether consumers receive information necessary to make informed decisions.
The MFSA identified marketing communications as a key supervisory priority for 2025, reflecting the important role advertisements and promotional materials play in influencing consumer and investor decisions. The review identified several areas requiring improvement, including shortcomings in the documentation of marketing policies and procedures, weaknesses in post-publication monitoring processes, deficiencies in record-keeping practices, and instances where disclosures relating to risks, regulatory status and external website links were not sufficiently prominent or comprehensive. The Authority also noted the importance of ensuring marketing communications remain accurate, up to date and appropriately targeted to their intended audience.
Alongside identified shortcomings, the MFSA highlighted examples of good market practice across the sectors reviewed, including regular reviews of marketing policies, structured compliance monitoring programmes, standardised disclosure templates, marketing compliance checklists and enhanced oversight controls designed to support fair and transparent communications. Christopher P. Buttigieg, Chief Officer Supervision at the MFSA, said: "Consumers and investors should be able to rely on marketing communications that are fair, clear and not misleading. Through our Outcomes-Based Supervision framework, we continue to engage with industry to strengthen standards, promote transparency and support informed decision-making across Malta's financial services sector."
The MFSA issued Dear CEO Letters to investment firms and insurance entities setting out the Authority's expectations and providing guidance on addressing identified shortcomings and enhancing compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. The Authority will continue engaging with firms as part of its three-year supervisory cycle to assess compliance outcomes achievement.