In a world where fintech hubs are multiplying by the day, Malta is a serious contender. But what sets Malta apart? Igor Tsybolyuk, CEO of Malta-based Papaya Ltd., shares his insights on why fintech companies and startups in particular should consider Malta for a strategic base in Europe. Malta offers a powerful combination: a business-friendly regulatory regime, targeted financial support, strong digital infrastructure, and seamless access to the EU market. Malta鈥檚 financial regulator, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), has made fintech a strategic priority. Rather than taking a 鈥渨ait and see鈥 approach, it actively collaborates with innovators through its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox. This allows startups to test their products under real-world conditions, with clear feedback and supervision from the regulator. What is particularly valuable, unlike bureaucratic institutions, the MFSA doesn鈥檛 hide behind the screen. For example, MFSA representatives recently participated in Money 20/20, one of the biggest fintech events, and personally talked to businesses about opportunities in Malta. Of course, almost every modern fintech brand works with blockchain or crypto-related services. And when it comes to crypto, Malta offers one of the most structured regulatory environments in Europe. Already in 2018, Malta created a dedicated legal framework, the Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, providing clarity around licensing, compliance, and investor protection. In 2024, Malta updated this framework to align with the EU鈥檚 new MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation, and crucially, removed the requirement to hire a VFA Agent 鈥 a local intermediary previously needed to submit applications. This streamlining makes it easier and more cost-effective for crypto startups to set up and operate legally in Malta while staying fully EU-compliant. Apart from regulatory support, Malta backs the intention to grow the tech community with real money and structured programs through Malta Enterprise, the country鈥檚 economic development agency. Here鈥檚 what fintech companies can access: Business Start grant: up to 鈧10,000 to help validate your early-stage product or idea. Start-Up Finance: up to 鈧1.5 million in funding for growth-stage companies, especially those in tech and digital sectors. Seed Investment Scheme: angel investors receive up to 35% in tax credits when they invest in qualifying startups. Flat income tax (15%) for key employees in qualifying tech firms. But sometimes launching a successful business is not only about money. It often happens that startups need advice or a third party鈥檚 expertise. For this, Malta launched the Digital Innovation Hub (DiHubMT) that offers mentorship, R&D resources, and access to EU innovation networks. It鈥檚 free and purpose-built to help startups test and refine their tech. There are other educational programs mentored by MFSA 鈥 for example, a postgraduate program in Financial Regulation and Compliance at the University of Malta. Papaya Ltd. also participates in this program. To sum it up, whether you鈥檙e building the next neobank, launching a crypto exchange, or developing regtech for EU clients, Malta offers a regulatory, financial, and digital environment that鈥檚 built to support you, not slow you down.