The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), with the European Commission’s Reform and Investment task force (SG REFORM), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Malta’s Ministry for Finance, hosted a workshop to present and discuss survey findings on the financial literacy and investment behaviours of Maltese retail investors under an EU-funded Technical Support Instrument project. Results indicate Malta’s overall financial literacy is slightly above the OECD average, but investment knowledge and participation remain uneven. The study surveyed over 1,500 adults aged 16–79 between July and September 2025. Only a minority reported holding investment products, with barriers including fear of losing money, limited disposable income and a preference for real estate; those who do invest mainly cited retirement income, higher returns and wealth-building for future generations. While understanding of simple and compound interest was strong, knowledge of bonds and more complex instruments was limited, with higher investment literacy scores among men and respondents with higher education and income; digital financial literacy was generally solid but weaker among lower-income or less-educated adults. The survey also found home ownership is a core goal, with 70% owning their property, and that two-thirds expect to rely primarily on public pensions in retirement, while one-third plan to supplement income through private savings or pension schemes. MFSA indicated the findings will continue to guide targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening consumer awareness and participation in capital markets.

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