Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Fintech in Malta

Ganado Advocates

Ganado Advocates‘ fintech team is instructed by a variety of financial institutions, from digital banks to payment institutions and electronic money institutions. The group’s range of work is equally as broad, combining regulatory advice with advice on emerging areas in fintech, such as blockchain and cryptocurrency, an area of strength for practice head Leonard Bonello. Mark Caruana Scicluna is key for licensing matters, while James Farrugia is described as ‘truly unique in his knowledge and understanding of complex financial products.’

Praxisleiter:

Leonard Bonello


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mark Caruana Scicluna; James Debono; James Farrugia


Referenzen

‘Practical knowledge of regulations.’

‘James Farrugia and Mark Caruana Scicluna are very knowledgeable.’

‘They are always cutting-edge when it comes to innovation. I cannot imagine running my business without their skilled advice.’

GTG Advocates

Supplementing its ‘comprehensive and forward-thinking advice‘ in the tech industry, including on emerging tech such as blockchain, AI, and cryptocurrency, the group at GTG Advocates is also strong in the regulatory sphere. In particular, managing partner Ian Gaucihas a deep understanding of Maltese and European Union regulations’ and heads up the team alongside Cherise Abela Grech, who is key for the group’s investment services work and virtual currencies work. Josef Cachia is a go-to contact for AML advice in the fintech space.

Praxisleiter:

Ian Gauci; Cherise Abela Grech


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Josef Cachia; Terence Cassar


Referenzen

‘GTG Advocates has a strong reputation in the fintech space.’

‘GTG Advocates stands out for its deep understanding of both the legal and technological aspects of fintech. They have a dedicated team of lawyers who are not only experts in financial regulations and legislation but also possess a strong grasp of emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and cryptocurrencies. This allows them to provide comprehensive and forward-thinking advice to clients navigating the complex fintech landscape.’

‘Ian Gauci has quality when it comes to regulatory compliance, blockchain and cryptocurrency, innovation regulation, policy and legal framework drafting. He has a deep understanding of Maltese and European Union regulations related to fintech, including data protection (GDPR), anti-money laundering (AML), financial services, and virtual financial assets (VFAs).’

Kernmandanten

The Government of Malta


Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA)


RS2 Software plc


Hacksaw Gaming


Bitpanda


FMPay


Shift4


ForumPay (System 73 Ltd)


Evolution Travel


Tech.mt


BMIT plc


Dolfin Asset Services Limited


StablR


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the MDIA on the implications of the EU Regulation on Artificial Intelligence, specifically on how it will affect the MDIA as Malta’s digital innovation authority.
  • Advised Open Loop on a public report relating to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, exploring the AI regulatory sandbox being introduced under the Act.
  • Assisting BMIT Plc in aligning its legal compliance with the obligations that will be imposed by the upcoming Digital Operational Resilience Act (“DORA”) on ICT Service Providers which service financial entities.

Mamo TCV Advocates

Some of Malta’s largest banks turn to Mamo TCV Advocates for fintech matters, ranging from fintech regulatory compliance to setting up fintech companies. The group also assists fintech clients with employment law issues. Practice head Katya Tua regularly assists clients with crypto-asset regulation and regulation related to other digital tech, and her knowledge also extends to licensing matters in the fintech sphere. Mario Mizzi is another key name to note in the group.

Praxisleiter:

Katya Tua


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mario Mizzi


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted a crypto exchange with acquiring a licence to offer crypto derivatives as CFDs.
  • Advised an American-based startup in Malta on establishing an e-money institution and payment services fintech licence.

WH Partners

WH Partners is adept in large-scale tech licensing transactions, often related to software and software platform licensing, and has a deep knowledge of VFA and MiCA licensing. In relation to regulatory compliance, the group is commended for its ‘deep understanding of regulations and the regulator.’ Among the group’s clients are crypto-assets service companies. ‘Reliable, available and innovative’ Joseph Borg is at the helm, leading many of the group’s matters for blockchain companies.

Praxisleiter:

Joseph F. Borg


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Galyna Podoprikhina; Gaby Zammit


Referenzen

‘They have a deep understanding of regulations and the regulator. Their responses are timely and quick. They adjust to the client’s needs.’

‘The entire fintech team is extremely responsive. Joseph Borg sets the tone and is a goldmine of knowledge of the sector and its frameworks in many jurisdictions. In turn, Gaby Zammit and Galyna Podoprikhina leverage the strategic direction with their own extensive expertise and dedication, resulting in an all-around outstanding level of professional service.’

‘Offering comprehensive advice in this novel area of legal practice.’

Kernmandanten

Payhound


Everest Network


Pooky


Soilfarm


NetBet


Weavr


FalconX


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted embedded finance solutions provider Weavr with obtaining a Financial Institution Licence from the Malta Financial Services Authority.
  • Assisting Payhound with ongoing VFA regulatory framework compliance advice.

GVZH Advocates

GVZH Advocates has an established offering in the Maltese fintech industry, regularly providing Maltese licensing law advice to clients in the gaming industry. The group’s digital currencies work builds on a strong foundation of knowledge of the tech and e-commerce industries more widely. Managing partner Andrew Zammit heads up the team and is proficient in financial regulatory issues.

Praxisleiter:

Andrew Zammit


Referenzen

‘Very responsive and provides advice within timelines.’

Kernmandanten

eToro


Ashurst LLP


Syspay


Baker & McKenzie Canada


Bird & Bird London


Mastercard


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Ashurst LLP (London) with a comprehensive analysis of a proposed offering from both financial services and gambling regulatory perspectives.
  • Assisted Baker & Mckenzie Canada with a multi-jurisdictional regtech (regulatory technology) compliance project for a large bank.
  • Advised Bird & Bird London on various fintech models in 2023 and 2024, covering legal and regulatory issues, including Malta’s interchange fee rules.