Are you looking for expert insights, timely updates, and valuable resources? Subscribe to our newsletter today!
At the heart of Malta's thriving financial ecosystem lies a versatile array of fund structures tailored to meet the needs of investors, fund managers, and project promoters. Whether you're seeking to establish an investment company, an incorporated cell company, or a unit trust, Malta offers a comprehensive framework designed to facilitate efficient fund setup and management.
A collective investment scheme (CIS) is defined by the Malta Investment Services Act as a scheme or arrangement which has as its object the collective investment of capital acquired by means of an offer of units for subscription, sale or exchange and which has any of the following characteristics:
A CIS may be set up in Malta as a:
CISs can be licenced as follows:
Collective Investment schemed in Malta are monitored by the Malta Financial Services Authority which, besides having the responsibility for the licensing process, is also responsible for the regulation and ongoing supervision of Collective Investment Schemes. It is to be noted however that the following Malta CIS are exempted from the requirement to operate according to the principle of risk spreading:
The nature, structure and operation of each fund will depend on the purpose and objectives of that specific fund.
At Grant Thornton Malta, we specialize in providing comprehensive advisory and support services to fund promoters, managers, and investors seeking to navigate Malta's dynamic fund industry. Our team of experienced professionals offers tailored solutions to assist you at every stage of the fund setup and management process, from regulatory compliance to operational efficiency.
Ready to Explore Your Options? Contact Us Today.
Malta-registered collective investment schemes (CISs) are generally not subject to Malta tax. Given that CIS are properly structured, such schemes generally can take advantage of a number of tax benefits. When it comes to taxation of investors in collective investment schemes, this will depend on what type of income is being received, whether the investor is a Malta resident or not, and if the shareholder is an individual or a body-corporate?
A UCITS is a mutual fund based in the EU that can be sold to any investor within the European Union under a harmonised regulatory regime. Designed to enhance the single market while maintaining high levels of investor protection, UCITS funds have also been successful in Asia and Latin America.
NAIF refers to a fund where participating AIFs only require their AIFM to notify the governing authority (MFSA) of their set up. NAIFs do not require authorisation or approval by the authority and are not subject to ongoing supervision.
Notified Professional Investor Funds (NPIFs), is a sub-category of Professional Investor Funds (PIF) which is a specialised class of non-retail collective investment schemes. NPIFs are exempt from licensing under the Act, but must be included in the MFSA's list of NPIFs.
Private funds refer to collective investment schemes which limit the total number of participants to fifteen individuals and where the competent authority is satisfied this following points.
An Alternative Investment Fund is an entity or other type of collective investment scheme where funds are raised from a number of investors with a view to invest them in accordance with a defined investment policy.
Professional Investor Funds (PIF) are Maltese regulated investment funds for professional and sophisticated investors, benefitting from a lighter regulatory regime.
Malta-registered collective investment schemes (CISs) are generally not subject to Malta tax. Given that CIS are properly structured, such schemes generally can take advantage of a number of tax benefits. When it comes to taxation of investors in collective investment schemes, this will depend on what type of income is being received, whether the investor is a Malta resident or not, and if the shareholder is an individual or a body-corporate?
Private funds refer to collective investment schemes which limit the total number of participants to fifteen individuals and where the competent authority is satisfied this following points.
A UCITS is a mutual fund based in the EU that can be sold to any investor within the European Union under a harmonised regulatory regime. Designed to enhance the single market while maintaining high levels of investor protection, UCITS funds have also been successful in Asia and Latin America.
An Alternative Investment Fund is an entity or other type of collective investment scheme where funds are raised from a number of investors with a view to invest them in accordance with a defined investment policy.
NAIF refers to a fund where participating AIFs only require their AIFM to notify the governing authority (MFSA) of their set up. NAIFs do not require authorisation or approval by the authority and are not subject to ongoing supervision.
Professional Investor Funds (PIF) are Maltese regulated investment funds for professional and sophisticated investors, benefitting from a lighter regulatory regime.
Notified Professional Investor Funds (NPIFs), is a sub-category of Professional Investor Funds (PIF) which is a specialised class of non-retail collective investment schemes. NPIFs are exempt from licensing under the Act, but must be included in the MFSA's list of NPIFs.
