meta_id 3089649

On 22 April 2026, the Central Bank of Malta launched a public consultation on the proposed Central Bank of Malta (CBM) Directive No. 21, which seeks to support the development and adoption of a pan-European scheme for peer-to-peer and point-of-interaction payments based on Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) instant credit transfers. The Directive aims to enhance efficiency, resilience and integration in the Maltese payments landscape, while reducing reliance on non-European payment solutions and promoting a harmonised, interoperable and pan-European approach. The proposed Directive establishes the criteria for the selection of an eligible scheme at national level and sets out obligations for payment service providers. These obligations include the provision of instant transactions to consumers free of charge, support for both peer-to-peer and point-of-interaction use cases, and coordinated market adoption. The initiative reflects the Central Bank of Malta's commitment to strengthening the domestic payments infrastructure and aligning with broader European payment system objectives. The consultation is open to all stakeholders, including payment service providers, financial institutions, and other interested parties. Feedback on the proposed Directive must be submitted by 22 May 2026 via email to the Central Bank of Malta. The Central Bank of Malta will review all responses received during the consultation period before finalising the Directive.