Malta: Malta Stock Exchange Sees Growth In Shareholder Register Administration Services

The Malta Stock Exchange houses both the Admission to listing and trading operations that are synonymous with normal exchange business, as well as the Depository services that comprise the clearing and settlement duties, the full range of register administration services as well as custodial services.

During the last year, a number of unlisted companies have chosen the MSE's depository to administer their shareholders' register, which is operated in a dematerialized environment, and make the best use of the Depository's relationship with Clearstream. This registry service is very cost effective since it offers the organisation a seamless process of handling of all administration, management and notarial functions that go hand in hand with the service, as well as international access to the depository's platform through the Clearstream custodial relationship. The Company seeking such a service may be registered in Malta, or may be completely independent of the Maltese domicile, being incorporated elsewhere and having non Maltese shareholders. Of course, the due diligence process in respect of the shareholders and directors of the company would need to be carried out, however in circumstances where the applicant is already a financial services licenced entity, this may not be required.

It is interesting to note that whilst this service remains of prime interest to organisations that are listed and traded on the Malta Stock Exchange, the service is also being availed of by an increasing number of unlisted organisations that clearly recognize its cost effective and efficient operation. The Malta Stock Exchange is a relatively young Exchange which is a significant member of the Maltese financial services sector but which, through its Clearstream custodial relationship and the use of the Xetra trading platform, is carving out a niche of specialised services available to international organisations.

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