Includes special features of this country’s banking system and rules/laws that might impact U.S. business.

The 2002 Central Bank of Malta Act and the 1994 Banking Act govern banking in Malta; the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) primarily administers the banking legislation.  The two major banks in Malta are HSBC (Malta) Ltd. and Bank of Valletta.  They each operate about 40 branches across Malta, and together they control over 80 percent of the Maltese banking market.  The next three leading banks are Lombard Bank (Malta), Banif Bank, and APS Bank.  Commercial banks offer all forms of commercial banking services.  Interest rates on foreign exchange deposits are in line with those prescribed by international money markets.

Backed by a worldwide correspondent network, banks in Malta offer a broad range of foreign exchange operations, including forward cover and expenditure payment services.  However, most U.S. correspondent relationships rely on European intermediaries, often resulting in higher transaction fees.  The banks provide standard lending services:  overdraft, loan, and trade finances.  Banks in Malta are flexible in considering applications for finance.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.