In 2024, the Malta Financial Services Authority’s (MFSA) Financial Supervisors Academy (FSA) collaborated with the University of Malta to launch a new Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Regulation and Compliance, aimed at elevating competency levels within the financial services industry.
From October 2026, the programme will become a full Master’s degree.
The programme offers a practical, industry-aligned pathway into financial regulation, focusing on the realities faced by regulated entities today.
With content addressing digital finance, regulatory compliance, governance, risk management, and sustainable finance, participants gain a working understanding of how regulatory expectations translate into day‑to‑day operations across financial services.
Particular emphasis is placed on digital and innovative financial services, acknowledging the growing impact of fintech, technology-enabled business models, and regulatory oversight in an increasingly digital environment.
Alongside this, the programme develops a strong ethical and governance mindset, ensuring graduates are equipped to support sound decision‑making, transparency, and accountability within regulated institutions.
Designed with working professionals in mind, the course is delivered on a part‑time, evening basis over five semesters, allowing participants to balance advanced studies with full‑time employment.
The flexible structure also enables learners to exit with a recognised qualification at Certificate, Diploma, or Master’s level, empowering them to tailor their learning journey according to their career goals and professional commitments.
Aleksandra Dimitrova, Deputy Head, Financial Services Academy, explained that there was a great need in the market to educate existing industry professionals, career changers, and the wider public when it comes to financial regulation and compliance.
“The curriculum itself is created by the MFSA, so you have a guarantee as a licence holder that when you send your employees to undertake this diploma – whether you are a career changer, or a new and upcoming financial director seeking to apply for a licence with the MFSA, – this Postgraduate Diploma is tailor-packaged for you,” she said.
Dimitrova said the MFSA contributed about 55 guest lecturers – including MFSA employees, industry representatives, professionals and audit firms – to diversify the material delivered to the students.
“We saw that there was a hunger for the Postgraduate Diploma to be something larger, by both the industry, but also the general public,” she said. “So what we’ve done, and I’m happy to say, is that the Postgraduate Diploma is now a Master of Science in Financial Regulation and Compliance, which is a first of its kind.”
This means that students can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma, or a Master’s of Science degree.
Dimitrova said that the programme brings practical knowledge to the industry, both from the regulators but also professionals, which is not typically available through a traditional general degree programme.
She was quick to highlight the FSA’s relationship with the University of Malta, in particular the Dean of FEMA, Prof Simon Grima. “He’s been very supportive of MFSA’s interest and appetite to work with the University,” she said.
The FSA was keen to explore different micro-credentials in different areas, in different formats. Future endeavours will not only include the traditional masters and postgraduate certificate format, but could also include boot camp weeks with the University of Malta.
This could see the creation of micro-credentials for different areas, such as internal audit or open-source intelligence for intelligence analysts in Malta, as well as crypto and blockchain.
“The market is moving quite rapidly at the moment and isvery dynamic, so providing different options to different sectors and different types of students is very important for us, Dimitorva said.
“We will definitely continue developing more and more with the University of Malta.”
Applications for the October 2026 intake are now open, with deadlines and full entry requirements available on the University’s official website here.
