Malta: FIAU launches 2025 Risk Evaluation Questionnaire for gaming operators

The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has officially opened the 2025 Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ) for iGaming operators in Malta, with submissions required by 10 April 2025. The REQ is a compliance measure designed to support the integrity of the gaming industry and reduce the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing.

The questionnaire is accessible exclusively through the Compliance and Supervision Platform for Assessing Risk (CASPAR) portal, which went live with the REQ on 3 March 2025. While operators can use Excel and PDF versions of the questionnaire for preliminary information gathering, final submissions must be completed within the CASPAR system.

Failure to meet the submission deadline could result in breaches of Regulation 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLFTR) and Sections 5.12 of the Implementing Procedures, potentially leading to administrative penalties under Regulation 21 of the PMLFTR.

To complete the REQ, gaming operators must ensure their Subject Person Profile on the CASPAR portal is fully updated. This profile should include detailed information on ownership, business structure, financial data, and target markets. Additionally, a Business Risk Assessment must be conducted and uploaded to the portal as part of the compliance process.

The FIAU stated the importance of accurate and timely submissions to maintain regulatory compliance and safeguard against financial crimes. Operators who did not engage in 'relevant activity' or 'relevant financial business ' during the review period may apply for an exemption by contacting the FIAU via email at [email protected] before the submission deadline.

The FIAU provides support for operators through detailed guidance on each question within the questionnaire and offers resources such as the CASPAR user guide to assist with the registration and submission process.