Malta’s MFSA-regulated investment firm XNT Ltd, part of the Exante Group, has won the first hurdle in its court battle against Malta’s FIAU. After years of the inaction of flagrant abuse in well-renowned cases, the FIAU dished out fines to small firms and continued with its action against top firms. Following media pressure, the FIAU opted to fine some larger firms such as XNT. It has so far failed to publicly take action against the likes of Calamatta Cuschieri despite shocking court revelations.
A wave of court cases has been filed in Malta’s courts against the FIAU, headed by Kenneth Farrugia. The regulator is under harsh criticism for acting late or not acting at all against the big fish while being too strong with the weak. The FIAU dished out a €94,868 fine against N Trust Limited earlier this year. N Trust Limited has appealed the fine and sued the FIAU for allegedly acting as judge, jury, and prosecutor, which would violate constitutional and human rights.