The acquisition of MeDirect by Czech-based Banka CREDITAS delivers one of the most significant recent foreign investments into Malta’s financial services sector, bolstering the capital base of the country’s first digital bank.

The €60 million capital injection from Banka CREDITAS marks a pivotal moment for MeDirect, which has grown from its Maltese roots into a pan-European challenger bank with more than 160,000 customers and over €6 billion in assets.

For Malta, this investment underscores the country’s attractiveness as a hub for international financial services, reinforcing its position as a jurisdiction where foreign players see value in building long-term partnerships.

A sign of confidence in Malta

MeDirect CEO Jean-Claude Maher tells MaltaInvest.mt that the acquisition brings not only capital but also international credibility. “The acquisition of MeDirect by Banka CREDITAS has injected €60 million into our business. This is the financial firepower we needed to really push forward with our existing strategy to be the main challenger bank in the markets we operate in,” he says.

He reiterates that the bank will remain firmly anchored in Malta. “I reiterate the fact that MeDirect will remain a Maltese bank, headquartered in Malta, and committed to serving the Maltese economy,” he notes.

A boost to competition

The arrival of a new shareholder with deep resources is expected to invigorate competition within the local banking market, traditionally dominated by large incumbents.

According to Mr Maher, “the €60 million investment from Banka CREDITAS invigorates our ability to compete with the traditional banks in Malta. With the new resources available, we will be able to make sure that many more people in Malta hear about MeDirect and understand that our combination of a market leading digital banking platform, world class IT infrastructure and personalised support is a powerful one.”

Expanding Malta’s financial ecosystem

The transaction, which was finalised after approval from the European Central Bank, highlights the role of Malta’s regulatory framework in facilitating cross-border deals that strengthen the local economy.

While the acquisition is not expected to immediately expand MeDirect’s geographical reach, it provides the bank with greater resources to scale up within its current footprint. “Our shared focus on innovation and customer centricity gives us an incredible opportunity to consolidate the strength of both banks and grow our collective footprint in existing markets,” Mr Maher explains.

Malta’s evolving role in European banking

Founded in Malta in 2004, MeDirect has steadily transformed into a pan-European challenger bank. With this latest foreign investment, the bank’s position as a key financial player in Malta is further reinforced, while also enhancing the country’s standing within the wider European banking landscape.

For Malta, the deal not only brings additional capital into its financial sector but also reaffirms the jurisdiction’s appeal to international investors seeking exposure to the European Union’s regulated banking market.