Malta’s Rising Role in Private Equity & Venture Capital

As the Managing Director of Fexserv Fund Services, part of Finance Malta, and EFAMA, Anabel Mifsud discusses Malta’s advantages as a fund jurisdiction within the EU, highlighting its cost-efficient structures, regulatory flexibility, and tailored approach to fund administration.

Malta’s proactive regulatory framework, combined with an approachable regulator and English as the official business language, makes it an attractive destination for fund managers, particularly those operating smaller and mid-sized funds. The country’s diverse fund structures, including the Professional Investor Fund (PIF), Notified RAFE, and the newly introduced Notified PIF, offer flexibility, faster time-to-market, and cost efficiency.

A key advantage of Malta is its absence of rigid diversification requirements, allowing for more streamlined fund structures. Additionally, recent updates have introduced Special Limited Partnerships (SLPs) to align with international market practices and have made Notified PIFs accessible to family offices and self-managed setups.

Malta has also been a leader in digital asset fund regulation, being the first EU jurisdiction to introduce crypto fund frameworks as early as 2018. Its tax-neutral fund structure, along with favorable tax policies for high-net-worth individuals and fund managers, further enhances its appeal.

With growing regulatory cost pressures across Europe, Malta stands out as a value-driven jurisdiction, attracting fund promoters seeking flexibility, efficiency, and a business-friendly environment. Annabel emphasizes that Malta’s commitment to innovation and adaptability will continue to strengthen its position as a preferred alternative fund jurisdiction for private equity, venture capital, and digital assets.