The Malta Financial Services Authority and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise regulatory cooperation.
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The MoU aims to support information sharing and the exchange of best practices in financial market development, regulatory frameworks, and business structures, including in the area of retail CFD and forex trading.
MFSA, Seychelles FSA Sign Cooperation MoU
The MoU also seeks to “promote the fitness and properness of licensed or registered persons,” encourage “high standards of fair dealing and integrity,” and strengthen enforcement within both jurisdictions.
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The FSA is responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising non-bank financial services in Seychelles. The jurisdiction is widely used by retail CFD and forex brokers serving international clients. Compared with European regimes, Seychelles has historically offered lower capital requirements, faster licensing processes, and fewer product restrictions, including higher leverage limits.
Seychelles Updates Rules, Licenses CFD Brokers
Recent changes by the Seychelles regulator include stricter capital thresholds and enhanced compliance measures. These updates reflect a move toward closer alignment with international standards.
Within the current regulatory framework, Cyprus-based WeTrade Capital has been granted a Securities Dealer Licence by the FSA. Other CFD brokers licensed by the authority include ICM.com, Trade Nation, Moneta Markets, and ZenFinex.
Malta Regulator Reviews Firms’ Market Abuse
Separately, the MFSA has continued its supervisory and enforcement activity in Malta. A recent FinancialMagnates report noted that the MFSA published findings from inspections covering 2020–2024 of firms licensed under Malta’s Investment Services Act, including CFD brokers.
The review found gaps in how some firms monitor and report suspicious trading activity and flagged weaknesses in systems, controls, and staff training related to the EU’s Market Abuse Regulation. The MFSA said firms should update procedures and training to close identified gaps and improve compliance.
