Category: General

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 have now come into force, implementing important changes to the rights and welfare of seafarers under Maltese law. These amendments transpose the 2022 updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, as adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The updated rules reflect Malta’s continued alignment with international maritime standards, ensuring that ships flying the Maltese flag meet the evolving expectations of the global shipping industry when it comes to the working and living conditions of seafarers.

Key Areas of Amendment

The new rules introduce practical improvements in several key areas, including:

• Seafarers’ welfare: Seafarers are now entitled to shore-based welfare services without cost, regardless of nationality or religious beliefs.
• Entitlement to food and drinking water: These provisions now extend to all seafarers on board, with improved requirements regarding quality, quantity, and variety of meals.
• Repatriation procedures: Ships must now provide clear information onboard about repatriation rights and procedures, helping seafarers understand their entitlements.
• Social connectivity at sea: The amendments stress the importance of improving onboard internet access for seafarers, in line with modern expectations. While cost management is still a factor, shipowners are expected to provide access where reasonably practicable.
• Medical care: Enhanced obligations are introduced to ensure prompt access to medical care ashore when needed, with additional protections for seafarers who fall ill or are injured in the course of service.
• Deaths of seafarers: New rules provide that the next of kin must be promptly notified and offered counselling or support services where available. Shipowners are also required to make reasonable efforts to manage and repatriate the deceased’s body, unless otherwise requested.

Malta’s Commitment to High Standards

By enacting these changes through Legal Notice 96 of 2025, Malta continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the rights of seafarers and promoting decent working conditions onboard vessels under its flag. The updated rules also reinforce Malta’s strong position in the international maritime community.

Shipping companies and operators are advised to review their current policies, employment contracts, and onboard procedures to ensure compliance with the new obligations.

Asteria Advisory is available to assist with contract drafting and reviews or updates. We are happy to provide guidance on how best to implement these changes operationally. Contact us if you have queries about seafarers’ employment terms or wish to review your seafarers’ work conditions.