The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has issued a consultation on cybersecurity, associated with new technologies such as blockchain, the agency tweeted on Feb. 8. In a consultation document called “Guidance Notes on Cybersecurity,” the MFSA suggested that the agency’s cybersecurity system should comply with international standards, including guidelines by the European Banking Authority (EBA). The guidance notes are also based on a list of recognized cybersecurity policies such as CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) that was introduced in 2014 to provide guidance for the secure management of cryptocurrencies. The guidance notes are targeting professional funds that invest in virtual currencies, …

Italy's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an organ of the Central Bank in charge of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, issued a statement warning digital currency businesses to stay vigilant regarding suspicious activities due to the lack of AML/KYC requirements for Italian companies. In light of previous statements issued by the European Central Bank (ECB), the European Banking Authority (EBA), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the FIU made a public announcement on February 2, emphasizing on the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing that are facing 'virtual currency' businesses. While Italian businesses involved in digital currencies such …