Event | The Notary AML Forum 2026: Sanctions, new regulatory updates, tax benefits
Date: Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Time: 13:00 – 17:30
Location: Grand Hotel Excelsior, Floriana
Hosted by: Forvis Mazars in collaboration Inscope AML
Accreditation: Includes CPE certification
Fee: Complimentary
Time: 13:00 – 17:30
Location: Grand Hotel Excelsior, Floriana
Hosted by: Forvis Mazars in collaboration Inscope AML
Accreditation: Includes CPE certification
Fee: Complimentary
This event is strictly to Notaries.
2026 AML/CFT – The Road Ahead for Notaries:
The AML framework is entering a new phase of convergence and heightened scrutiny. The EU Single Rulebook (Regulation (EU) 2024/1624) has now been formally adopted and published in the Official Journal, with its binding application commencing in July 2027. Whilst Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) under the new EU framework are still being finalised, their direction is becoming clearer. This forum will explore what is expected to change under the evolving EU framework, clarify current regulatory expectations, and discuss how Maltese Notaries can remain confident and well-positioned in a tightening compliance environment.
At this Forum, we will examine how the emerging regime is expected to reshape AML/CFT obligations for Notaries, particularly in areas such as beneficial ownership verification, complex and opaque structures, sanctions exposure and the level of due diligence to be applied. Key discussions will also cover supervisory priorities for 2026, enforcement themes, and outsourcing accountability.
Status-quo for Malta’s Sanctions Regime in 2026:
This session will examine the current sanctions landscape and supervisory expectations, before exploring how sanctioned individuals attempt to circumvent controls, particularly through beneficial ownership concealment and source of funds obfuscation in property and notarial transactions.
Tax Benefits for Notaries:
Beyond AML developments, the event offers a practical edge; a focused session on tax benefits available to notarial practices. Are you aware which tax benefits and incentives you may already be eligible for and which could improve tax efficiency?
Hosted by Forvis Mazars and Inscope AML in collaboration with the Kunsill Nutarili, the event brings together regulatory decision-makers including Heads of Section from the FIAU and the Sanctions Monitoring Board, together with recognised AML, sanctions and tax experts from Forvis Mazars and Inscope AML, offering attendees the opportunity to hear directly from regulators, engage in discussion, and raise practical concerns affecting the profession.
Time | Session |
|
|---|---|---|
13:00 – 13:30 | Registration and welcome coffee |
|
13:30 – 13:40 | Welcome remarks – Your role, your risks, your responsibilities | Mr Alan Craig Advisory Partner, Forvis Mazars |
13:40 – 14:25 | Panel: AML 2026: What changes, what tightens, what Notaries must know - New regulatory updates, EU Single Rulebook (Regulation (EU) 2024/1624).
- Supervisory Plan 2025/2026: Adherence with beneficial ownership obligations with a focus on complex/opaque ownership structures and/or shell companies.
- Latest enforcement themes. Most common deficiencies and weaknesses for Notaries.
- Outsourcing AML Obligations: Notaries are ultimately responsible. The Do’s and Don’ts. | Panellists:
Ms Elena Tabone Head - Enforcement, FIAU Dr Graziella Agius Farrugia President, Kunsill Nutarili Ms Alicia Vella Advisory Director, Forvis Mazars Moderator: Dr Sarah Attard Cassar Advisory Manager, Forvis Mazars
|
14:25 – 14:45 | Afternoon coffee |
|
14:45 - 15:30 | Panel: Sanctions risk & evasion techniques — Understanding BO concealment, SOF obfuscation and the liability of the Notary Sanctions risk in property and notarial transactions: - The status quo of sanctions enforcement and regulatory focus - How sanctioned individuals attempt to bypass controls through layered ownership and nominee structures - Source of funds obfuscation techniques in real estate dealings - Identifying behavioural and transactional red flags - Applying a defensible, risk-based approach in high-risk scenarios | Panellists:
Dr Jonathan Phyall Head - Legal Affairs, FIAU Mr Simon Azzopardi Partner, Inscope AML Mr Alan Craig Advisory Partner, Forvis Mazars Ms Gabrielle Caligiari Conti Director - Transnational Threats and Sanctions, SMB Moderator: Dr Sarah Attard Cassar Advisory Manager, Forvis Mazars |
15:30 – 16:00 | Tax smarter, not harder: Tax benefits available to Notaries - Capital allowance, Micro-invest scheme, Tax Credits, Income Tax Deductions – a practical approach. | Speakers:
Mr Paul Giglio Tax Partner, Forvis Mazars Ms Ruth Farrugia Tax Director, Forvis Mazars |
16:00 – 17:30 | Networking drinks and refreshments |
Want to know more?
Alicia Vella Advisory Director - Birkirkara
Sarah Attard Cassar FCC Manager - Birkirkara
Paul Giglio Tax & Assurance Partner - Birkirkara
