The Malta Business Registry is once again making Beneficial Owner (BO) information available to a wider – albeit still restricted – audience, after the introduction of a new legal notice implementing a provision in the EU's latest package of anti-money laundering rules.

Shareholder information that is currently publicly accessible will not become subject to new restrictions, the MBR confirmed when contacted by WhosWho.mt.

This newsroom contacted the Registry over concerns that the restrictions on who may access BO information, which is limited to persons with a legitimate interest which include journalists and NGOs, may be carried over to shareholder information.

However, the MBR allayed these concerns, noting that “information on shareholders is still going to be visible.”

The changes are therefore limited to the BO register, and represent a significant move towards more transparency, broadening access to this important information.

This clarification comes after concerns emerged over recent changes to the Companies Act (Register of Beneficial Owners) Regulations, which took effect on 10th July through Legal Notice 127 of 2025. The amendments implement Article 74 of the Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD6), which focuses on improving mechanisms to prevent the use of the financial system for money laundering or terrorist financing.

Access to BO information was restricted in 2022 after a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which struck down key provisions of the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive on grounds that unrestricted public access to BO registers infringed on fundamental rights to privacy and data protection.

As a result, Malta had restricted access to BO data, limiting it to national authorities and subject persons – such as financial institutions and legal professionals – a move that was widely criticised for limiting transparency and hampering due diligence efforts.

Now, to obtain the information, applicants must submit a written request along with their identification details, any supporting documentation or credentials, and a declaration confirming the legal basis of the request. The Registrar has the discretion to ask for additional documentation if necessary, and may consult with other authorities before reaching a decision. In the event of a refusal, the applicant must be informed in writing and may appeal the decision in court within 20 working days.

In addition to access rules, the new regulations introduce revised statutory forms for the reporting of beneficial ownership. These forms are designed to improve reporting accuracy and transparency, and now include a requirement to disclose multiple nationalities where applicable. The updated forms have been made available on the MBR website and are mandatory with immediate effect. Older versions are no longer valid.

The MBR has also published updated user guidelines to assist companies in complying with the new requirements. Requests for BO access can be submitted via email to: [email protected].

Finally, the Registry reminded companies that penalties may be imposed for non-compliance and advised company officers to seek legal or accounting advice where needed.