Rising Stars

Investment funds in Malta

Ganado Advocates

Ganado Advocates‘ market-leading practice remains highly sought after for corporate and fund structuring, set-up and authorisation by the Malta Financial Services Authority, and passporting in or out of Malta under the relevant directives (MiFID, UCITS and AIFMD). Andre Zerafa specialises in the establishment of alternative investment funds, UCITS funds and other retail funds. He also has a busy regulatory compliance practice. James Farrugia routinely works with the local competent authority on licensing and regulatory matters, and, more recently, has been involved in assisting with a number of blockchain-based projects. Counsel David Borg-Carbott and recently promoted partner Marina Grech also lend valuable support.

Practice head(s):

André Zerafa; James Farrugia


Other key lawyers:

David Borg-Carbott; Marina Grech


Testimonials

‘Ganado Advocates are on the ball when it comes to the regulatory framework in Malta for investment services. The team is proactive and the members make themselves available to the clients.’

‘The technical expertise and the links to the relevant authorities were key in getting our project across the line.’

‘The individuals were very responsive and always readily available, and their technical knowledge was second to none. We were working towards a very tight deadline, and this was achieved thanks to their diligence.’

‘Ganado are very professional and knowledgeable on funds.’

‘Very high level of knowledge of the market and related legal regulations, proactive in proposing solutions, excellent overall performance.’

‘Responsiveness, proactiveness, great knowledge of the local market and its specificities. Andre Zerafa comes highly recommended, and rightly so.’

‘Great capabilities within investment fund services. The absolute number one firm in Malta within this practice area. Solid advice and execution.’

‘David Borg-Carbott is very knowledgeable and thorough in all areas of fund transactions and regulatory matters.’

Camilleri Preziosi

Unique for its longstanding coverage of the fund industry and in-depth knowledge of related regulation’, Camilleri Preziosi houses Louis De Gabriele, Andrei Vella and Andrew Caruana Scicluna, all of whom are highly respected figures in the Maltese market for all manner of investment funds work. Key areas of strength include licensing, corporate and M&A, and financing work, as well as regulatory, contractual and contentious matters (including regulatory investigations), with a client roster comprising of Malta’s largest banks, asset management companies, custodians, fund administrators and investment funds operating across a broad spectrum of asset classes.

Practice head(s):

Louis de Gabriele; Andrei Vella; Andrew Caruana Scicluna


Testimonials

‘The team is unique for its longstanding coverage of the fund industry and in-depth knowledge of related regulation. The team is always ready to help with any issues.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable, available and business oriented.’

‘Andrew Caruana is very effective and proactive in finding solutions from a regulatory and legal perspective when structuring or executing a deal.’

‘We have been working with Camilleri Preziosi for a number of years. The team is always very professional and helpful, and knowledgeable on all matters related to investment funds.’

Fenech & Fenech Advocates

Fenech & Fenech Advocates maintains a consistent level of activity in assisting local and international clients with the application for licences for a number of loan funds locally, as well as alternative investment funds. Regulatory compliance is another prominent source of instructions. Joseph Ghio is the lead contact.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Ghio


Mamo TCV Advocates

Mamo TCV Advocates is predominantly instructed on the structuring and licensing of collective investment schemes, mainly UCITS funds, alternative investment funds and professional investor funds. It also advises on the development of alternative investment policies and investment in alternative and complex asset classes. Regulatory lawyer Katya Tua is the main contact.

Practice head(s):

Katya Tua


Testimonials

‘Katya Tua is very knowledgeable and good to deal with.’

Work highlights


  • Assisted PCM Global Core Fund SICAV IC plc with the conversion of its licence to a UCITS licence.
  • Advising ACL Fund SICAV plc on all the regulatory and legal matters relating to its operations in Malta.

Deguara Farrugia Advocates

Deguara Farrugia Advocates primarily assists with the setting up of investment services companies, funds, banks, and e-money and fintech companies seeking authorisation to operate in the virtual financial assets space. Jean Farrugia and Johan Farrugia have a long track record of working with banks, and insurance and investment advisers on licensing, regulatory compliance, transactional and operational matters.

Practice head(s):

Jean Farrugia; Johan Farrugia


Key clients

Audentia Capital Management Limited


Altacom Group


Fair Finance Asset Management Limited


BIOCAPX Investment Fund SICAV plc


Fair Fund Series SICAV plc


Work highlights


  • Advising Altacom Group on the setting up of collective investment schemes, including notified alternative investment funds in Malta and reserved alternative investment funds in Luxembourg.
  • Assisting a bank with the setting up of a new investment vehicle to be licensed under Maltese law.
  • Advised Audentia Capital Management Limited Investment Services, an AIFM based in Malta, on coordinating the regulatory process to upgrade the client’s AIFM licence and expand its services to provide discretionary portfolio management services.