It operates as the national financial intelligence unit (FIU) in compliance with international standards and frameworks.

The FIAU collects financial intelligence and passes it on to the police, who can then carry out criminal investigations or arrest/prosecute any person.

In addition, it received more than 2,500 suspicious transaction reports from banks, legal professionals, casinos, gaming companies and real estate agencies, up by 65% from the previous year.

Over the years, the FIAU expanded the criteria for violations under said legislation, leading to increased administrative penalties.

In September 2022, Pilatus Bank owner Ali Sadr Hasheminejad, won his case in front of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, which recommended a suspension of all proceedings by Malta against Ali Sadr until it decided on the case,[9] after he claimed that he was wrongfully prosecuted by the Maltese financial authorities.