Increased number of Malta Custodians expected in 2011

A recent article published on the influential Hedge Funds Review has predicted that a number of 'international heavyweights' are expected to set up fund custody businesses in the jurisdiction throughout 2011. The article recognizes the fact that Malta's funds infrastructure is still somewhat underdeveloped when it comes to custodial services providers, but optimistically notes the country's keenness to increase the number of custodians and mentions industry rumours regarding the possibility of a number of well known names moving into the jurisdiction.

The article also emphasizes the fact that the existing custodians, which include some well known international service providers, are also upping their game and are expected to focus more on this business.Taken together the expected growth in the number of serice providers and the increased effort and focus of the existing ones are expected to boost the jurisdiction's fund servicing abilities and will serve to better prepare Malta for the new regulatory environment which is to be introduced by the AIFMD.