Malta & ICO: How to Launch an ICO from an ICO-

friendly Jurisdiction
There's some great news in the ICO world. Malta, most known as a Mediterranean paradise,
has officially made itself very available as an ICO launchpad destination as of November 1st,
2018. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) passed the Virtual Financial Assets Act
back in July, and the virtual finance's community has been eagerly awaiting the VFAA's
enactment ever since.

Also, they've passed the Technology Arrangements and Services Act, this year, meaning
Malta is serious about embracing technology in all forms, including the booming digital
currency industry. The idea of virtual money isn't new to many of you who're reading this.
However, digital assets are still somewhat of a taboo in mainstream banking destinations.

Malta, among a select few other global destinations, has recognized a hole in the finance
market and is seeking to fill that gap. Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Distributed Ledger
Technologies (DLTs) and other emerging fintech’s are important to investors and possibly the
future of finance in general.

The Blockchain Island

By now, we all recognize offshore destinations like Switzerland, the Caribbean, Belarus, the
Baltics, and Gibraltar as very "token friendly." Malta has realized the value of embracing
fintech. As of a few days before this writing, they made themselves one of a few places on the
planet currently to not just accept, but embrace digital currency is a tangible asset.

Malta didn't just coin itself with this new moniker, they aggressively pursued the title during
their infamous 2017 Malta Innovation Summit. The crypto-sphere, including the "crypto-
media," apparent heard a thing or two they liked, as they (Malta) were quickly regarded as
THE global destination for ICOs and crypt-banking thereafter. This came long before the
VFAA's official enactment in November of this year (2018).

Malta's VFAA is a game changer

If you're looking to launch an ICO, Malta and a few others are your best choice.

From the MFSA:

"A Virtual Token is defined in the VFAA as a token whose utility, value or application is
restricted solely to the acquisition of goods or services, either solely within the DLT
platform on or in relation to which it was issued or within a limited network of DLT
platform (excluding trading platforms). A VFA is defined in the VFAA as a token that is
 used as a digital medium of exchange, unit of account, or store of value and that is not
‐ (a) electronic money; (b) a financial instrument; or (c) a virtual token."

The banking authorities in Malta aren't making it super simple to register and launch an ICO.
You will need to provide a detailed (and verifiable) white paper prior to approval. The
regulators in Malta are taking crypto seriously, and it's important to recognize that there's
nothing shady about the banking practices in this country, despite occasional allegations of
corruption.

Malta wants to become a global cryptocurrency hub

Silvio Schembri, Parliamentary secretary of financial services in Malta, has been very vocal
about the country's plans to embrace digital currencies, via the launch of the Malta Digital
Innovation Authority. In February 2018, he issued this statement about crypto, and the digital
currency industry, stating what he and other Malta authorities thought about the future of
crypto and it's future in the market:

“A new industry, potentially as large as the iGaming industry, and capable of creating
thousands of new jobs, will compliment and reinforce other sectors and act as a
catalyst for the creation or development of new economic sectors such as supply chain
management and fintech.”

All the major players in Asia, the UK, Europe, and America are planning to make moves into
Malta, in order to make use of the multi-million-dollar crypto pathway Malta is providing for
those seeking to embrace it.

Malta diversifying their investment portfolio offerings to the public

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), the financial regulatory agency in Malta, is
open to any ICO that is legitimate and can offer investors values. There are a number of
regulation in place. With that said, launching an ICO out of Malta is a great idea, due to the
fact regulators in the country have made education in this industry among officials a definite
priority.

You'll need a Maltese bank account, and again, a detailed white paper to add legitimacy to
your offering. In short, Malta has opened her proverbial banking arms. There are a few decent
options about where you can successfully launch an ICO, with limited "red tape."

Malta is a great option and given how slow developed countries are to embrace digital
currency, it's best to establish your still taboo currency among the majority within an
infrastructure that embraces and promotes it. This, rather than one that lacks confidence in
crypto's long term viability.

You can learn more about launching an ICO here. If you want to talk with an International
business service specialist, you can consult with us.