In a bid to develop a strategic partnership and strengthen cross-regulator collaboration, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit’s (FIAU) have held a number of joint-workshops in order to strengthen Malta’s anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) capabilities and streamline supervisory processes.
FIAU’s head of supervision Claudia Callus, said, “ongoing collaboration between the FIAU and MGA is crucial in effectively monitoring whether gaming operators have a sound AML/CFT compliance framework. Well-trained employees who understand each other’s work and processes is another key to being effective in AML/CFT supervision.”
The MGA’s anti-money laundering unit teamed up with the FIAU’s supervision unit for a joint workshop to prepare for and consolidate a number of examinations that were carried out during the first quarter of 2023.
MGA’s head of financial crime compliance, Antonio Abdilla Zerafa, said that both regulators shared a strong and ongoing collaborative bond which played a crucial role in the gaming industry’s AML/CFT supervision endeavours.
“To ensure this, the FIAU and the MGA organise a number of workshops which take on varying forms – including those that take place before and after joint supervisory engagements – to ensure that they are conducted in the most effective and efficient manner,” he said.
Both authorities, together with the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), also participated in a full-day training session on supervisory techniques and processes for staff engaged in carrying out compliance examinations.
The aim was to share insights and best practices between the authorities.
Featured Image: Workshop held by the MGA and the FIAU (via mga.org.mt)
Package expected to bring 'significant changes' to the rules for many financial products and services
Changes to the existing Key Employee Initiative scheme were also announced
Six-tenant limit was introduced in 2014, update of rent law simply a way to enforce it