In October 2026, professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in financial services will be able to enrol in a new Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Regulation and Compliance.

Offered through the ongoing, successful partnership between the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and the University of Malta, the programme aims to provide participants with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving regulatory and compliance environment.

One of the programme’s defining strengths is its integration of academic theory with workplace relevance. Alongside a strong theoretical foundation in financial regulation, governance, compliance and risk management, participants engage with real-world case studies, simulations and scenario-based learning.

By bridging theory and practice, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to apply what they learn in a professional setting. This approach benefits both experienced practitioners seeking to broaden their expertise and those preparing to enter the financial services sector.

Designed for graduates, professionals already working in financial services and individuals looking to transition into the sector, the programme offers a flexible learning pathway that supports a wide range of career goals, thus enabling participants to develop specialist knowledge while remaining connected to industry practice.

Financial services organisations require professionals who can navigate regulatory requirements, embrace innovation, manage risk effectively and make informed decisions. The new MSc has been designed to develop exactly these capabilities, supporting both those entering financial services and experienced professionals seeking to broaden their expertise or prepare for more senior roles.

In recognising that career journeys differ, the programme offers three academic exit routes.

Participants may complete a Postgraduate Certificate, continue towards a Postgraduate Diploma, or progress to the full Master of Science through the completion of a dissertation. This structure allows students to achieve recognised qualifications while balancing their studies with professional and personal commitments.

The curriculum reflects the nature of today's financial services landscape. Participants explore areas including governance, compliance, risk management, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), sustainable finance, digital finance, business ethics and internal audit, while examining the regulatory developments shaping global financial markets.

Emerging technologies also form a key part of the programme. Topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital assets, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), cybersecurity and ICT risk ensure that participants develop an understanding of the regulatory challenges accompanying the digital transformation of the financial services sector.

A defining feature of the MSc is the expertise available to students. Teaching is delivered through a collaboration between the University of Malta and more than 55 guest lecturers from the MFSA, other local regulatory and public authorities, leading financial services organisations, and experienced industry practitioners.

Students learn directly from professionals responsible for shaping regulation, supervising financial services institutions and managing complex compliance and risk functions across Malta’s financial services sector. By combining academic excellence with real-world industry perspectives, the programme offers a learning experience that remains closely aligned with the realities of today's financial services environment.

Applications are now open for the October 2026 intake. With flexible study pathways, multiple qualification exit points and a faculty comprising more than 55 experts from academia, the MFSA, other public authorities and the financial services industry, the programme offers one of Malta's most comprehensive opportunities for postgraduate study in financial regulation and compliance.

Participants will benefit from an internationally recognised qualification, while developing practical knowledge through applied learning, engaging with the industry and gaining the real-world perspective required to succeed in one of the country's most important industries.

Whether seeking to enter the financial services sector, advance an existing career or prepare for more senior responsibilities, graduates will be equipped with the expertise, professional network and practical perspective needed to succeed in an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.