The Malta Business Registry (MBR), established under Subsidiary Legislation 595.27, is responsible for the registration of new commercial partnerships and other legal entities, the registration of documents related to commercial partnerships and other legal entities, the issuing of certified documentation including certificates of good standing amongst others, the reservation of names, the collection of registration and other fees, the publication of notices and the imposition and collection of penalties. 

The MBR is also responsible for the Register of Beneficial Owners of commercial entities and other legal entities. The MBR also conducts investigations on all commercial entities for the verification of Beneficial Ownership information.  

In 2021, the MBR became a supervisory authority in terms of Regulation 2 (1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLFTR). This new role for the MBR strengthened its supervisory functions to maintain an accurate and transparent central register of basic and beneficial ownership information for all legal persons. Furthermore, it enhanced MBR’s position to work closely with competent authorities, subject persons, companies, foundations, and associations in defining acceptable standards undertaken by the MBR on its policies and procedures related to regulatory functions and to continue in its fight against money laundering and terrorist finance.

The MBR also houses the Insolvency and Receivership Services which is also responsible for the Insolvency Register.