Business Law and Corporate Law

Ireland's EU Council Presidency from July to December 2026 brings an ambitious financial services agenda centered on European competitiveness.

Modern family wealth is increasingly international. Entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth families often hold assets across multiple jurisdictions, while family members may reside in different countries.

Since its introduction in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa programme has undergone various changes. Staying abreast on the latest developments and requirements is important for investors planning permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal.

The EU Green Bond Regulation reaches a critical juncture on 21 June 2026 when the transitional regime for external reviewers ends and mandatory ESMA registration becomes operational. This shift transforms the European Green Bond framework from a soft-launch phase into a fully regulated system with strict compliance requirements, ongoing supervision, and enhanced investor protections. Market participants must understand how these changes affect issuers, external reviewers, and the broader sustainable finance

Malta's Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit has introduced significant amendments to its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations through Legal Notices 82 and 83 of 2026.

Luxembourg has introduced a new law allowing founders of private limited liability companies (SARLs) to defer the cash payment of the EUR 12,000 minimum share capital for up to 12 months following incorporation. This legislative change addresses the practical challenge of opening bank accounts before incorporation, enabling businesses to launch quickly without immediate funding requirements while maintaining statutory minimum capital safeguards.

The EU Green Bond Regulation reaches a critical juncture on 21 June 2026 when the transitional regime for external reviewers ends and mandatory ESMA registration becomes operational. This shift transforms the European Green Bond framework from a soft-launch phase into a fully regulated system with strict compliance requirements, ongoing supervision, and enhanced investor protections. Market participants must understand how these changes affect issuers, external reviewers, and the broader sustainable finance

The Malta Financial Services Authority has launched a consultation examining whether distributed ledger technology can be integrated into Malta's financial ecosystem for tokenising financial instruments and real-world assets. The regulator seeks industry input on priority asset classes for pilots, infrastructural readiness including token registries and smart-contract audits, and legal issues surrounding ownership and settlement finality.

The Anti-Money Laundering Regulation introduces sweeping changes to EU financial compliance, establishing a EUR 10,000 cap on cash transactions, prohibiting anonymous financial instruments, and mandating the conversion of bearer shares. These measures fundamentally reshape how businesses handle large payments and corporate ownership structures, with strict deadlines and automatic penalties for non-compliance.

The Luxembourg Administrative Tribunal has ruled that repayments of share premium to shareholders, without a formal share capital reduction, do not qualify for tax exemption and may be subject to 15% dividend withholding tax. This decision challenges common corporate finance practices and raises important questions about the tax treatment of distributions from equity reserves in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg has introduced a new law allowing founders of private limited liability companies (SARLs) to defer the cash payment of the EUR 12,000 minimum share capital for up to 12 months following incorporation. This legislative change addresses the practical challenge of opening bank accounts before incorporation, enabling businesses to launch quickly without immediate funding requirements while maintaining statutory minimum capital safeguards.

This article is part of a series exploring court actions available under the Companies Act (Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta).