Monaco’s Blacklisting: Why Malta Stands as a Premier Alternative for Global Investors

Monaco’s Blacklisting: Why Malta is the Best Alternative for Investors

On June 10, 2025, the European Union added Monaco to its list of high-risk jurisdictions due to weaknesses in its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) frameworks. This move follows the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) decision to greylist Monaco.

For investors and businesses looking for a trusted and compliant jurisdiction, Malta stands out as the best alternative.

Strong AML and CFT Framework in Malta

Malta has a robust regulatory system to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Its Prevention of Money Laundering Act criminalizes these activities under an “all crimes” approach. The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) closely monitors compliance with strict regulations.

In summer 2025, the new Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) should be operational. This is an EU-wide agency that strengthens oversight of high-risk financial entities.

Malta Meets Global Standards

Malta’s laws align fully with EU directives and FATF recommendations, ensuring high transparency and security. The country’s proactive AML/CFT approach has earned strong recognition internationally.

Why Choose Malta?

  • EU Membership: Access to the single market and trusted EU regulations.
  • Reputable Financial Sector: Strong banking, investment, and insurance industries under tight supervision.
  • Strategic Location: Central Mediterranean position connects Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Skilled Workforce: Multilingual and knowledgeable professionals in finance and law.
  • Hybrid legal system: an understanding of other legal systems which helps with compatibility
  • Double Tax treaties: with treaties with over 70 countries around the world, this helps with ensuring that tax is only paid once
  • Reputable maritime jurisdiction: a long-standing white flag and entrenched in maritime history and tradition, the Malta flag is respected in major ports around the world. This tonnage tax system is also much favoured by shipowners (and commercial yacht owners).
  • Growing and favoured aviation jurisdiction: the pragmatic and forward-looking approach has encouraged several companies to register their aircraft and owning structures here, for several reasons.

Conclusion

With Monaco blacklisted, Malta is a secure, compliant, and strategic choice for investors and financial institutions. Choosing Malta means partnering with a jurisdiction that prioritizes financial integrity and regulatory excellence.

At Asteria Advisory, we provide tailored solutions for registering your yacht or aircraft, setting up trusts or companies to own your asset, and creating tax-efficient structures to maximise Malta’s benefits.

If we don’t have the direct solution, we bring together the best professionals in our network to ensure your needs are fully met—no matter how complex.

Contact Asteria Advisory today and let us build the bridge to your seamless asset management in Malta.

Yachting Update: Commercial Yacht Code

Transport Malta has issued a new Commercial Yacht Code, applicable as of the 01 July 2025. This comes after months consultation and effort to bring together an updated standard for the industry.

🛥️ Scope & Applicability

  • Applies to all commercial yachts over 24 m in length, with any gross tonnage, replacing CYC 2020.
  • Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC) remains in effect for yachts under 24 m.

🔍 Key Updates & Enhancements

1. Regulatory Alignment & Streamlining

  • Reflects international safety standards, updated technologies, and industry practices.
  • Aims to streamline the regulatory framework, making compliance more operationally effective.

2. Enhanced Safety Measures

  • Greater emphasis on safety systems, including improvements in navigation, firefighting, and structural integrity (though specific clauses are in the full Code).

3. Environmental & Operational Efficiency

  • Introduces stricter provisions on pollution prevention, waste handling, and fuel safety for onboard aviation refuelling, reflecting modern environmental best practices.

4. Technological Advancements

  • Broadened acceptance and specific requirements for battery-powered and hybrid vessels, with mandatory classification throughout certification.
  • Updated provisions for helidecks, including CCTV coverage and fuel handling protocols.

5. Surveying & Certification Regime

  • Maintains existing structure: initial, intermediate, and annual surveys for vessels ≥ 24 m, renewing every five years.
  • Potential allowance for alternative compliance agreements, enhancing flexibility.

6. Crew & Operational Management

  • While details are in the Code, improved clarity is suggested for manning, training, and crew welfare.

🧭 Why This Matters

  • Regulatory consistency: Harmonises Malta’s code with global standards and advances in marine design.
  • Ongoing compliance: Existing vessels are given a clear update pathway, minimizing disruptions.
  • Environmental leadership: Demonstrates Malta’s dedication to marine ecology through enhanced pollution controls.
  • Tech readiness: Encourages adoption of eco-friendly propulsion and modern safety systems.

✅ What You Should Do:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the full CYC 2025 document, especially chapters relevant to safety, environment, and systems integration.
  2. Schedule your vessel’s first renewal survey after 31 Dec 2025 to ensure compliance.
  3. Discuss with your surveyor/RO about updated battery and helideck requirements, classification needs, and operational policies.
  4. Follow this page, or our profile on LinkedIn, or see what Geraldine is up to in the yachting world.

Asteria is attending 7th CAMS

Asteria is attending 7th CAMS Conference, being held in Malta and organised by Aeropodium.

CAMOs operate at the intersection of operational responsibility and legal accountability. While their goal is technical—ensuring ongoing airworthiness—their playing field is deeply shaped by an ever-evolving regulatory framework.

Dr Geraldine Spiteri is moderating the conference, which will deal with data issues, rethinking CAMO operations, director responsibilities and much more. She will be presenting on key challenges facing CAMO, focussing on regulatory challenges.

Watch this space for an update on the information shared during the conference.

Asteria attending EBACE in Geneva

Asteria Advisory is attending European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), taking place in Geneva from 20 to 22 May 2025.

EBACE is one of the most important events in the global business aviation calendar, bringing together manufacturers, operators, service providers, and professionals from across the aviation sector. As a boutique legal practice specialising in aircraft registration, ownership structures, and cross-border advisory, Asteria’s presence at EBACE is a reflection of our commitment to staying at the forefront of this fast-moving and highly regulated industry.

Our goal during EBACE is to engage with stakeholders, explore current developments in aircraft operations and ownership, and continue building strong, responsive relationships with clients and service providers in the sector.

Whether you’re an aircraft owner, operator, financier, or part of the broader ecosystem, feel free to connect during the event. Asteria Advisory offers tailored legal and regulatory support across aircraft jurisdictions — with a strong focus on Malta and European operators.

📩 If you would like to meet during EBACE, get in touch — we’d be delighted to connect.

Asteria is attending EBACE 2025

Asteria Advisory at the 2025 Palma International Boat Show: A Promising Start to the Yachting Season

The 2025 Palma International Boat Show (PIBS), held from April 30 to May 3 at Palma’s Moll Vell, once again marked the commencement of the Mediterranean yachting season. This year’s event witnessed record-breaking attendance, with over 30,000 visitors and 304 exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations in the yachting industry.

Palma superyachts at their mooring
Palma superyachts at their mooring

Networking and Industry Insights

PIBS 2025 provided an invaluable platform for networking and gaining insights into current trends and developments within the yachting sector. The introduction of the Superyacht New Build Hub at Club de Mar highlighted the industry’s focus on bespoke, large-scale yacht constructions .

Asteria Advisory engaged with various stakeholders, strengthening relationships with clients and service providers. Our collaborations aim to offer comprehensive services to ultimate beneficial owners, ensuring seamless yacht registration and compliance processes.

Flag Registrations: Malta and Marshall Islands

A notable observation at the show was the prominence of yachts registered under the Malta and Marshall Islands flags. The Malta flag, in particular, was prevalent among larger yachts, reflecting its reputation for a robust regulatory framework and favorable tax regimes. The Marshall Islands registry continues to be a preferred choice for owners seeking flexibility and efficiency in international operations.

Malta Flag graces one of the superyachts
MAlta Flag graces one of the superyachts

Asteria Advisory specializes in facilitating yacht registrations under both Malta and Marshall Islands flags, providing tailored legal and regulatory support to meet the unique needs of our clients.

MArshall Island Flag graces one of the superyachts
MArshall Island Flag graces one of the superyachts

Market Trends and Outlook

While the post-COVID era saw a surge in yacht sales and purchases, the current trend indicates a normalization of the market. This adjustment is not indicative of a downturn but rather a stabilization, suggesting a resilient and positive outlook for the industry – see the Majorca Daily Bulletin for more info.

Asteria Advisory’s Commitment

Our participation in PIBS 2025 reaffirms Asteria Advisory’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the yachting industry. We continue to provide expert guidance on yacht registration, ownership structures, and compliance, ensuring our clients navigate the complexities of maritime regulations with confidence. For more pictures of the event, jump across to the Palma International Boat Show homepage.

Interested in registering your yacht under the Malta or Marshall Islands flag? Contact Asteria Advisory today to learn how we can assist you in achieving seamless and compliant yacht ownership.