FIAU opens 2025 Risk Evaluation Questionnaire for gaming operators

The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has launched the 2025 Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ), requiring gaming operators to assess and report their financial crime risk exposure. The REQ is now accessible via the Compliance and Supervision Platform for Assessing Risk (CASPAR) portal, with a submission deadline set for 10th April 2025.

As Malta continues strengthening its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) framework, the FIAU’s REQ serves as a key compliance tool, ensuring that licensed entities provide detailed insights into their operations. Operators must disclose critical data, including ownership structures, financial transactions, target markets, and comprehensive Business Risk Assessments.

To streamline the submission process, the FIAU has made both Excel and PDF versions of the questionnaire available for internal preparation, though final submissions must be completed through the CASPAR portal. Failure to submit the REQ on time could result in breaches of Regulation 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLFTR) and Section 5.12 of the Implementing Procedures. Such breaches may lead to administrative penalties under Regulation 21 of the PMLFTR.

Gaming operators that did not engage in 'relevant activity' or 'relevant financial business' during the reporting period may seek an exemption. Requests for exemptions must be submitted to the FIAU via email before the 10th April deadline.

The FIAU’s oversight in this area reflects Malta’s commitment to upholding international AML and CFT standards. The regulator urges all operators to ensure their CASPAR profiles are up to date and to adhere strictly to compliance obligations. More details on the 2025 REQ process can be found on the official MGA website.