Legal Notice 145 of 2026 makes subsidiary regulations under the Consumer Affairs Act (Chapter 378) implementing the EU Distance Marketing of Financial Services Directive 2002/65/EC as amended. The regulations apply to contracts for financial services — banking, insurance, payment services, investment services, and pension products — concluded at a distance (by telephone, internet, or other electronic means) between a supplier and a consumer.

The regulations impose pre-contractual information obligations: before conclusion, the supplier must provide, on a durable medium, comprehensive information about the supplier, the financial service, the distance contract, and available redress mechanisms. For internet sales, all information must be accessible from the landing page; for telephone sales, the supplier must obtain explicit consent before the call and provide a paper copy within three working days. Consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal for most financial products (30 days for life insurance and personal pension products) without penalty and without giving reasons; the supplier may charge only for services actually rendered before withdrawal.

The regulations require clear, upfront disclosure of the total price (including all taxes and charges), any right the supplier has to vary the price, automatic renewal clauses, and early termination fees. Unsolicited telephone marketing for financial services is prohibited unless prior consent has been obtained. The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) is the enforcement body, with powers to impose administrative fines of up to €46,600 per breach. The regulations came into force 30 days after publication.

Consumer Rights (Distance Financial Services) Regulations (A.L. 145 of 2026)