Licence applications and ongoing regulatory support across aviation, financial services, gaming, maritime, and more.
zeta.'s regulatory advisory team guides businesses through the full licence application process and provides ongoing compliance support across a wide range of regulated sectors. From aviation and maritime to financial services, gaming, and digital assets, we help clients obtain and maintain the authorisations they need to operate with confidence.
Advisory for Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Operator Licence (AOL) applications, aircraft registration, and corporate structuring, both in Malta and Gibraltar. We support operators through the full regulatory process to ensure compliance with national and international aviation standards.
Learn MoreEnd-to-end advisory on banking licence applications, including preparation of business plans, governance frameworks, and regulatory submissions to the competent authorities.
Licence applications under the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and Malta's Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) framework. We assist with regulatory classification, whitepapers, and ongoing compliance.
Advisory on obtaining authorisation as a European Crowdfunding Service Provider under the ECSP Regulation, covering platform structuring, investor protection measures, and regulatory filings.
Regulatory guidance for decentralised finance protocols and platforms, addressing compliance challenges unique to DeFi including governance token classification and smart contract risk.
Licence applications for electronic money issuance and associated payment services. We guide clients through capital requirements, safeguarding obligations, and supervisory submissions.
Regulatory advisory for financial technology companies navigating complex licensing landscapes, including sandbox applications, regulatory mapping, and cross-border passporting strategies.
Support for fund structuring, prospectus preparation, and listing applications. We advise on UCITS, alternative investment funds, and pre-IPO capital reorganisation processes.
B2B and B2C licence applications across multiple jurisdictions, including Malta, Gibraltar, and Nevis. We support operators and suppliers through the licensing process, compliance programmes, and ongoing regulatory obligations.
Learn MoreAuthorisation and ongoing regulatory support for insurers, reinsurers, captives, and insurance managers under Malta's Solvency II-aligned framework, including Protected Cell Company (PCC) and Incorporated Cell Company (ICC) structures.
Protection and registration of trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights. We handle filings, licensing agreements, and enforcement strategies across jurisdictions.
Registration of yachts and commercial vessels under the Malta flag, one of the largest ship registries globally. We manage the full registration process and ensure compliance with maritime regulations.
Licence applications for payment institutions covering payment accounts, card payments, money remittance, and related services. We support clients from initial application through to authorisation and beyond.
Malta has established itself as a reputable jurisdiction for insurance and reinsurance operations within the European Union. The sector is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and benefits from a robust legal framework aligned with EU directives, including Solvency II. Malta offers a flexible yet well-regulated environment for insurers, reinsurers, captives, and insurance managers seeking efficient market access and operational structuring.
Insurance and reinsurance undertakings licensed in Malta can passport their services across the European Economic Area (EEA), enabling access to a broad single market without the need for additional authorisations.
Malta is a pioneer in the use of Protected Cell Companies (PCCs) and Incorporated Cell Companies (ICCs). These structures allow for the segregation of assets and liabilities into distinct cells within a single legal entity, facilitating effective risk isolation, cost efficiency, and reduced administrative complexity.
Malta offers a cost-efficient operating environment compared to other EU jurisdictions, without compromising on regulatory standards or infrastructure quality.
The jurisdiction benefits from a well-developed ecosystem of legal, regulatory, actuarial, and financial services professionals, supported by a highly qualified and multilingual workforce.
Malta provides a competitive and fully EU-compliant tax regime, with opportunities for tax efficiency at both corporate and individual levels, subject to proper structuring and substance.
Malta has attracted a number of multinational groups, including BMW, Nissan, and Vodafone, which have established captive insurance operations on the island to underwrite group risks efficiently.
The Internal Audit Function provides independent and objective assurance on the effectiveness of an organisation's internal controls, risk management framework, and governance processes. It plays a critical role in safeguarding the organisation against financial, regulatory, operational, strategic, cyber, IT, fraud, and anti-money laundering (AML) risks.
In an increasingly complex and evolving risk landscape, driven by regulatory developments, technological change, and heightened scrutiny around data protection and financial crime, an effective Internal Audit Function is essential to maintaining organisational resilience and regulatory compliance.
Under applicable regulatory frameworks, including those issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), certain licensed entities are required to establish an independent Internal Audit Function. This function must operate with sufficient autonomy and report directly to the Board of Directors, while maintaining appropriate engagement with the relevant supervisory authority.
Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems and risk management frameworks across the organisation.
Evaluate adherence to internal policies, procedures, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Provide objective assurance and advisory services to the Board of Directors, maintaining independence from executive management.
Identify emerging risks and control gaps proactively, enabling timely mitigation before material issues arise.
External providers enhance independence by eliminating potential conflicts of interest inherent in internal reporting structures.
Access to experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of Maltese and EU regulatory frameworks, including AML/CFT obligations and sector-specific requirements.
Avoid the fixed costs and operational complexities associated with building and maintaining an in-house internal audit team.
Contact us to explore how our advisory and structuring expertise can support your objectives.
