The Partit Demokratiku has said that if Malta's regulators are weak, Malta's foundations will grow weak and the economy will weaken.

Partit Demokratiku said that "the interest of the country is bigger than that of a single shady operator and its dependents. Pilatus bank does not have a good repute which has been further degraded by the US indictments of its chairman Ali Sadr. If Malta is to hold its hard-earned status as an international financial services centre and a reputable jurisdiction, we must show that we have both the teeth and the willingness to curb illicit entities and conduct. This applies to both the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance who should shoulder political responsibility and ensure that the national interest is given priority."

"It is acknowledged that MFSA does have the necessary statutory powers to act swiftly and in the general interest of Malta rather than the operators' interest. Why was the MFSA not more aggressive and timely in the measures imposed on Pilatus Bank, when the MFSA knows that the repercussions can potentially be wide, and effect the whole sector? The regulatory failure shown is bound to have wider repercussions, directly on financial services, and other sectors of the economy that are doing well on the back of these thriving sectors."

"If we really want our financial services sector to remain an international centre, and one of good repute, we cannot remain insular and short sighted, but must be pragmatic and always keep the sustainable momentum of the economy in mind rather than the interests of one operator and its dependents. It is time to take a holistic approach rather than a silo view."

PD notes that the financial sector is doing well so expects that government's policy should be one so as to govern by an effective regulatory policy. "It is not the number of companies that ensures sustainability but effective regulation and supervision."