Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Banking, finance and capital markets

At GTG Advocates, the practice has a strong offering in banking regulatory and operational work, and has a developing focus on blockchain, DLT and virtual currencies regulatory matters. Robert Tufigno leads the team.

Banking, finance and capital markets in Malta

Camilleri Preziosi

Camilleri Preziosi is lauded by clients as housing 'one of Malta’s top financial services practices'. Managing partner Louis de Gabriele is a highly regarded practitioner, with an excellent track record in handling acquisition and leveraged finance. Malcolm Falzon is well known for assisting with high-value equity and debt issuances, while Andrei Vella handles asset-backed finance, syndicated lending, and project finance. Andrew Caruana Scicluna advises on regulatory matters, and has established expertise in assisting with CET1 and CET2 instrument capital issues by banks. Associate Diane Bugeja is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Louis de Gabriele; Andrei Vella; Malcolm Falzon; Andrew Caruana Scicluna


Other key lawyers:

Diane Bugeja


Testimonials

‘A corporate law firm in Malta capable to meet the needs of an operator like ourselves through a 360 degree approach, including funding (capital markets), contractual and if and when necessary negotiation and litigation.’

‘Very receptive and focused to find solutions. ’

‘They are thorough, specialised and upfront.’

‘We have used Camilleri Preziosi’s legal services since 2015. They are one of Malta’s top law firms, mainly within their financial services practice. We have found them to offer top notch legal advice, and they have always acted highly professionally and are responsive. ’

‘We have retained the services of Malcolm Falzon and Andrew Scicluna in the past. CP is our go-to law firm if we have capital markets issues that need to be addressed. These individuals are highly respected and capable and have very good standing in Malta. ’

Key clients

IZI Finance p.l.c.


AX Group p.l.c.


M.Z.I. Investment Services Limited as manager of the bond issue of The Ona plc


M.Z.I. Investment Services Limited as manager of the bond issue of Gap Group plc


M.Z.I. Investment Services Limited as manager of the bond issue of Juel Group plc


Global Ports Holding plc


Mariner Finance p.l.c.


Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c.


Izola Bank p.l.c.


Work highlights


  • Advising IZI Finance p.l.c. on a €30 million unsecured bond issuance and all connected legal and regulatory matters.
  • Assisted AX Real Estate p.l.c. with an application to the Malta Financial Services Authority for admittance to the Malta Stock Exchange.

Ganado Advocates

Ganado Advocatesoffers a one stop shop for all legal advice related to banking, finance and capital markets’. Conrad Portanier is well versed in representing domestic and international financial institutions, and Leonard Bonello, who leads the fintech group, is an expert in handling blockchain-based projects and derivatives matters. Matthew Bianchi is a key name for insurance matters, and Nicholas Curmi specialises in capital markets, with a solid track record in advising on securities work. Senior associate Catherine Formosa is very experienced in regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Conrad Portanier; Matthew Bianchi; Leonard Bonello; Nicholas Curmi


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Formosa


Testimonials

‘High-level expertise. Professional service. Friendly and loyal staff. Knowledge, experience and qualifications. Eye for detail. ’

‘Conrad Portanier, Catherine Formosa and Nick Curmi  are very knowledgeable on the subjects in question and pleasant to work with. They always explain clearly and support the client in their requirements and offer practical, well-tailored and thought-out solutions.’

‘The firms offers a one stop shop for all legal advise related to banking, finance and capital markets. As a team there is an exceptional collaboration between them, and customer receives one final advice incorporating the inputs of the various teams each with expertise in own field. They are always very knowledge about latest regulation as well as they have visibility and information of what is developing in the markets both from regulation and best market practices.’

‘Matthew Bianchi has an excellent ability of understanding clients’ issues, identifying a solution and carrying it through to execution. The rest of the team are equally knowledgeable and very responsive. ’

‘Leonard Bonello is our go to partner for banking and regulatory advice. Leonard is very knowledgeable and experienced in this practice areas and always provide well-thought out reliable advice. ’

‘Ganado Advocates is definitely the leading firm. The Company has a very long history and an excellent reputation. Due to Ganado’s size, organization and their connections to other large law firms on a global scale, Ganado is an outstanding anchorpoint in Malta for more complex international transactions. Ganado has shown, that they do not only provide the most professional service, but also that they are ahead of the curve incorporating potential developments in the legal environment. ’

‘Conrad Portanier- Over the years, we were thrilled by his competence, his professionality and the depth and consistency of his advice. Furthermore, Nicholas Curmi was the legal key player in successfully implementing some complex capital market transactions.’

‘Their ability to listen, understand and to provide excellent, timely and correct advice. They make themselves available and work around clients’ busy schedules. Catherine Formosa and Leonard Bonello are exceptional. ’

Key clients

M&Z plc


APS Bank plc


BNF Bank plc


Dino Fino Finance plc


International Finance Corporation


Merkanti Holding plc


Media and Games Invest SE


Together Gaming Solutions plc


Catena Media plc


Raketech Group plc


Qawra Palace plc


Bank of Valletta plc


Work highlights


  • Advised on the first bond issuance by BNF Bank plc and the listing of the bonds on the Malta Stock Exchange.
  • Acted as Maltese counsel to Bank of Valletta plc on its Euro Medium Term Notes issuance.
  • Advised APS Bank plc on its IPO and listing on the Malta Stock Exchange.

Mamo TCV Advocates

The team at Mamo TCV Advocates is particularly recommended for assisting lenders and borrowers with syndicated loan transactions, often with international elements, and is also adept at advising local credit institutions on corporate and project finance. Andrew Muscat and Michael Psaila are the key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Muscat; Michael Psaila


Testimonials

‘Legal services are provided in a meticulous manner and in a very in-depth form. This is provided effectively thanks to the professionals’ legal background and experience.’

‘The practitioners at the firm provide tailor-made advice.’

‘We work primarily with Andrew Muscat. He is someone who inspires confident, based on his knowledge, availability and politeness.’

Key clients

GO p.l.c.


BMIT Technologies p.l.c.


Trident Estates p.l.c.


Simonds Farsons Cisk p.l.c.


Malta Properties Company p.l.c.


Central Business Centres p.l.c.


Depositor Compensation Scheme


St. Anthony Co. p.l.c.


Steward Healthcare


BNF Bank (Malta) plc


HSBC Bank Malta plc


FCM Bank Malta Limited


Novum Bank Ltd


APS Bank plc


Truevo Payments Limited


Aristocrat Technologies, Inc


Alteris Financial Group & Commencer Group


Proximus NV/SA


Baxter International, Inc.


BF Capital. IPM Group and Mr. Alexis Murphy


Work highlights


  • Advised VGW Group on a $150,000,000 loan credit agreement entered into by VGW Luckyland Inc. (as borrower), VGW Holdings Limited with Brigade Agency Services LLC (as administrative agent, collateral agent and security trustee).
  • Advised Alteris and Commencer on a convertible loan agreement entered into with the Genesis Global group.

Deguara Farrugia Advocates

Deguara Farrugia Advocates' team is 'very dynamic and efficient'. The group acts for funds, banks, and fintech companies in connection with the setting up of e-money and payment institutions, licensing matters, and issues pertaining to listings on markets. Practice co-heads Jean Farrugia and Johan Farrugia are the names to note.

Practice head(s):

Jean Farrugia; Johan Farrugia


Testimonials

‘The firm’s team is very dynamic, efficient and provide practical solutions to their clients.’

‘I work closely with Jean Farrugia. He is very smart, professional and provides a personal level of attention. The quality of the teams’ work coupled with their network of contacts and associates, often ensures a logical and successful solution. ’

 

Key clients

PNC Bank, National Association


The Convenience Shop (Holding) p.l.c.


VistaJet Group Holding Limited


APS Bank plc


GPH Finance plc


Finrails Holding plc


Work highlights


  • Assisted PNC Bank with an amendment to a credit agreement and term loan credit agreement.
  • Acts as external legal counsel to APS Bank plc.

Fenech & Fenech Advocates

Fenech & Fenech Advocates has a strong offering in fund formation and management matters, financial services regulatory work, and corporate and asset finance transactions. The team garners praise for being 'excellent in terms of professionalism, availability and experience', and is jointly led by Joseph Ghio and Josianne Brimmer, who are ‘very diligent, available and excellent professionals with solid expertise'.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Ghio; Josianne Brimmer


Testimonials

‘The team is excellent in terms of professionalism, availability and experience. They are undoubtedly a first choice firm in Malta. ’

‘We work with Joseph Ghio and Josianne Brimmer. Both are very diligent, available and excellent professionals with solid expertise.’

 

GVZH Advocates

Capital markets and fintech matters are prominent in the team's workload at GVZH Advocates. Andrew Zammit has a strong track record in handling licensing, regulatory and compliance matters in the space, and funds specialist Kurt Hyzler assists with collective investment scheme structures and financial services licensing projects.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Zammit; Kurt Hyzler


Key clients

Tilray Brands Inc


Ascent Software Holdings Malta Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Ascent Software Holdings Malta Limited in relation to the capitalisation of a loan.