Assistant Manager (Authorisation)

About the Function

The FinTech Supervision function is responsible for the authorisation and supervision of entities operating under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the Financial Institutions Act. The function also acts as the Authority’s centre of expertise on digital finance and FinTech-related supervisory and policy matters. The function also works closely with internal stakeholders, national competent authorities, and European institutions to ensure consistent, effective, and forward-looking supervision in a rapidly evolving digital finance environment.

About the Role

This application is for a candidate to join the Authorisations Team. The Authorisations Team is responsible for managing and assessing applications falling within the remit of the FinTech Function, including applications relating to Financial Institutions, Crypto-Asset Service Providers, and other technology-driven financial services activities. The Team reviews business models, ownership structures, governance arrangements, operational set-ups, systems and controls, and applicable regulatory requirements to support robust, consistent, and risk-based authorisation decisions. The Team liaises closely with applicants, advisors, internal MFSA functions, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that applications are assessed effectively and in line with applicable local and European regulatory frameworks.

As an Assistant Manager, you will be expected to:

• Possess a comprehensive understanding of the Maltese Financial Institutions Act, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, the Market Abuse Regulation, and other relevant local and European regulatory frameworks applicable to the FinTech sector.
• Manage and oversee authorisation workstreams concerning Financial Institutions, Crypto-Asset Service Providers, emerging financial technologies, Distributed Ledger Technology, and related areas within the Function’s remit.
• Review, challenge, and approve, where appropriate, reports, briefing notes, technical papers, policy documents, recommendations, regulatory positions, and other submissions prepared for senior management, internal committees, and external stakeholders.
• Lead the development, implementation, review, and continuous enhancement of the Function’s policies, procedures, methodologies, supervisory approaches, operational frameworks, and internal processes, ensuring alignment with the MFSA’s strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership, technical direction, and guidance to team members on authorisation, supervisory, regulatory, policy, and strategic matters, while supporting the professional development and effective performance of Analysts and Senior Analysts.
• Coordinate and manage the Function’s contribution to MFSA cross-functional projects, strategic initiatives, working groups, and regulatory developments, ensuring timely delivery, consistency of approach, and appropriate escalation of key matters.
• Represent the Function in internal and external engagements, including meetings with regulated entities, industry participants, national authorities, European institutions, international bodies, and other stakeholders, as assigned by the line manager or the Head of Function.
• Lead or oversee the preparation of the Function’s positions and contributions to consultations, legislative proposals, policy initiatives, technical discussions, and European or international regulatory workstreams, ensuring that the Authority’s views are effectively articulated.
• Monitor, assess, and advise on key market, technological, regulatory, and supervisory developments impacting the FinTech sector, providing strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making, risk identification, and the achievement of the Function’s objectives.
• Undertake any other duties, responsibilities, or projects as may be assigned by the line manager or the Head of Function.