MFSA's FinTech2030 signals regulatory direction for crypto, AI and tokenisation in Malta

MFSA brought together international regulators, policymakers and industry experts for its FinTech2030 conference, examining the regulatory and technological shifts shaping the next era of financial services.

Opening the event, MFSA Chief Executive Kenneth Farrugia said the pace of technological change is reshaping financial services and creating both opportunities and new risks. He stressed that regulators must remain responsive while ensuring innovation happens within a framework that supports resilience, market integrity and confidence.

The conference opened with a strategic overview from Christopher P. Buttigieg, followed by international perspectives on the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. Peter Kerstens from the European Commission outlined the next phase of MiCA, while Carlo Comporti and Giles Swan shared supervisory experiences from across Europe.

The discussion extended beyond Europe, with Christos Efthymiopoulos from the Bermuda Monetary Authority and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now an OKX board member, providing regulatory perspectives on crypto-assets from their jurisdictions.

Christopher Aquilina, Head of FinTech Supervision at the MFSA, offered a local perspective on Malta's readiness for the implementation of PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation, signalling the next phase for digital payments infrastructure.

Tokenisation featured prominently, with Sulolit Raj Mukherjee, Pedro Gurrola-Pérez and Ian Meli addressing opportunities and challenges in tokenised securities and fund units. A separate panel examined practical and regulatory considerations for asset tokenisation.

The programme also tackled the implications of artificial intelligence for financial services, with a panel featuring representatives from the MDIA, the European Central Bank and industry. Cybersecurity and quantum readiness were explored in separate sessions, highlighting emerging technological risks.

The final session focused on money laundering risks in crypto-assets, with Jason Sandoval of Asset Reality and a panel moderated by the FIAU's Jonathan Phyall discussing the need for effective AML/CFT frameworks and cross-sector cooperation.

Closing the conference, Kenneth Farrugia emphasised sustained collaboration between regulators, policymakers and market participants. The event also marked the announcement of Malta Finance Week, the MFSA's flagship financial services event, with further details on the 2027 edition to be announced separately.

For Malta's business community, the conference signals the regulator's direction on key issues such as MiCA, PSD3, tokenisation and AI governance. Companies operating in fintech, crypto and digital payments will need to align with the evolving framework to stay compliant and competitive.