Picture this: Malta’s historic Auberge de Provence, now the Grandmaster’s Palace, buzzing with a different kind of power. Not the knights of old, but the who’s who of Malta’s legal and financial sectors, gathering for the Notary AML Forum 2026. The air is thick with anticipation, not just for the stunning views of the Grand Harbour, but for the revelations and updates set to shape the island’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) scene.

Sanctions: The New Normal

Kicking off the forum, Dr. Joseph F. Borg, a familiar face in Malta’s legal scene, took the stage. His opening remarks? “Sanctions are no longer a niche topic. They’re here to stay, and they’re evolving.” He wasn’t wrong. From Russia to Iran, sanctions have become a global language, and Malta, with its strategic location and strong financial sector, is paying close attention.

Borg highlighted the recent EU sanctions against Belarus, emphasizing the need for local professionals to stay updated. “It’s not just about knowing the rules,” he said, “it’s about understanding the geopolitical context that shapes them.” A sentiment echoed by many in the audience, nodding along from their seats in the palace’s grand Salottto.

Regulatory Updates: Malta’sAML Playbook

Next up was Dr. Ian Scerri Diacono, Director of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU). He didn’t mince his words, “Malta’s AML regime is under scrutiny. We’ve made progress, but we need to do more.” He outlined the upcoming regulatory updates, including stricter beneficial ownership rules and enhanced due diligence requirements for high-risk sectors.

Diacono also touched on the proposed Central Bank of Malta’s enhanced role in AML supervision, a move that’s been met with both praise and concern among local professionals. “Change is never easy,” he admitted, “but it’s necessary. And Malta is ready for it.”

Tax Benefits: Malta’s Competitive Edge

Balancing the stern regulatory talk was Dr. Gordon Cordina, a tax specialist known for his practical insights. He reminded the audience that while AML compliance is crucial, Malta’s tax benefits remain a significant draw for international businesses.

“We’re not just competitive on tax,” he said, “our refundable tax credit system, our IP regime, they’re all designed to attract and retain businesses. And they’re working. We just need to ensure our AML framework doesn’t become a barrier to entry.” A sentiment that resonated with the notaries and lawyers present, many of whom advise international clients.

As the forum wound down, the mood was one of cautious optimism. Malta’s AML scene is changing, and the professionals gathered at the Grandmaster’s Palace were ready to navigate those changes. Because, as one notary put it, “Malta’s success story isn’t over yet. It’s just getting more complex.”

And with that, the forum closed, the historic palace emptied, and the future of Malta’s AML regime stepped out into the Maltese sunshine, ready to face whatever comes next.