Ganado Advocates > Valletta, Malta > Firm Profile

Ganado Advocates
171 OLD BAKERY STREET
VALLETTA VLT 1455
Malta

Malta > Aviation Tier 1

Ganado Advocates‘ practice garners praise from clients for its ‘unsurpassed knowledge of the Maltese aviation sector‘. The ‘very experienced‘ team stands out for its ‘deep knowledge of the Maltese legal and regulatory environment‘ pertaining to aviation matters. Daniel Aquilina has extensive experience in handling aircraft registrations, the enforcement of aircraft mortgages, and aircraft acquisition and leasing mandates. Matthew Xerri is ‘an excellent lawyer who has fostered strong business relationships in the industry‘.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Ganado Advocates communicates efficiently and effectively in giving clear legal advice that is build on a strong foundational understanding of the law and their clients. They effectively retain and use knowledge of their clients and the industry to provide targeted and commercially driven advice. ’

‘Matthew Xerri is an excellent lawyer who has fostered strong business relationships in the industry which is immeasurable in obtaining quick results for customers. ’

‘In my view, the Ganado Aviation team’s core strength is its knowledge of and the relationship it maintains with the Maltese aviation authorities. They have been able to leverage this relationship to ensure that closings have taken place as scheduled notwithstanding last minute roadblocks. This has lead to seamless interactions with aviation authorities in Malta, even in circumstances which would otherwise potentially delay closings. ’

‘Matthew Xerri has been excellent to work with. In additional to being available at short notice to assist with last minute questions and issues, Matthew is responsive and present for the clients when needed. I have absolute confidence in Matthew to complete the Maltese aspects of my transactions professionally and quickly to the highest standards. ’

‘Unsurpassed knowledge of the Maltese aviation sector.’

‘Matthew Xerri is outstanding and always willing to go to the extra mile to get a transaction over the line.’

‘They are professional and can offer assistance across the full domain of aviation finance which is how we have come to know them.’

‘They are very professional, meet deadlines, know their business and offer practical solutions. They are very willing to invest time and effort on developing products.’

Malta > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

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. Catherine Formosa is very experienced in regulatory issues.

Other key lawyers:

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 advice 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 provides 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.

Malta > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Ganado Advocates stands out in the Maltese legal market for its ‘bench strength and knowledge‘. The team’s workload include M&A, joint ventures, restructurings and reorganisations, and company formations. Stephen Attard regularly acts as corporate counsel to blue-chip companies, private equity and hedge fund managers, and investment funds. Nikolai Muscat Farrugia assists with the formation of companies and day-to-day corporate support. Simon Schembri, Annalise Papa and senior associate Christina Scicluna field expertise in cross-border transactions, corporate structuring matters, and TMT and fintech work.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is knowledgeable about the relevant law and provides pragmatic and helpful commercial advice.’

‘Stephen Attard outstanding partner and whole team offer unique personalized service.’

‘Ganado are one of the larger legal firms with expertise in a very wide range of areas. Their experience in serving and supporting various industries is second to none.’

‘Professional, knowledgeable and approachable – always available and understanding. ’

‘Ganado Advocates were able to demonstrate not only their legal knowledge but also how to apply the legislation into the context of the commercial transaction and advice accordingly.’

‘Far and away the most significant firm in terms of bench strength and knowledge.’

‘First their knowledge, and second their focus on advice/service which is delivered to solve client queries or problems. We were particularly impressed by Christina Scicluna, Senior Associate.’

‘We have dealt mostly with Stephen Attard, who has always displayed an enormous depth of knowledge and dealt with every matter assiduously.’

Malta > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Ganado Advocates is a strong choice for construction disputes, maritime and admiralty claims, company law cases and intellectual property litigation. Practice head Antoine Cremona is an ‘outstanding counsel’, with established strength in handling litigation and international arbitration pertaining to shareholder disputes and construction contracts. Louis Cassar Pullicino is a highly regarded practitioner, with an excellent track record in advising on admiralty and shipping claims. Paul Micallef Grimaud and Matthew Brincat are key names for IP, TMT and employment law disputes. The ‘exceptional’ senior associate Clement Mifsud-Bonnici is active in contentious regulatory, state aid, competition and public procurement law work.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘This is a very strong team covering both corporate / advisory work and dispute resolution in litigation and arbitration (both commercial and investment). A very experienced team.’

‘Antoine Cremona – outstanding counsel, excellent communications skill and engagement; very good strategist.’

‘Antoine Cremona is experienced, a good tactician who provides cost-effective advice and support.’

‘Clement Mifsud Bonnici has proven to be an exceptional and inspiring individual to work with. It is not merely a lawyer-client relationship. Clement has been there when needed, during the most urgent, and sometimes untimely circumstances that our industry has to deal with. The wealth of knowledge, coupled with unlimited patience of Clement whereby he guided us through very complex litigation is second to none.’

‘Stand out people are Clement Mifsud Bonnici and Antoine Cremona. They are both excellent. Well rehearsed in litigation matters and are well respected by the Judiciary. Both have very different styles but work well together to ensure the client is comfortable.’

‘They have managed to handle and tackle an emergency arbitration in a very short period of time which means that they have familiarized themselves with the client’s brief very expeditiously. They have a good base of knowledge in international arbitrations.’

‘Antoine Cremona, Clement Mifsud Bonnici and Louis Cassar Pullicino are very approachable, highly technical and have the sufficient experience to undertake the provision of legal services.’

‘The firm is a one stop shop with overarching legal expertise servicing both preparation of complex legal documentation, both for EU and national requirements, and litigation. ’

Malta > Fintech Tier 1

Clients laud Ganado Advocates as ‘the go to consultants when it comes to the fintech industry‘. The ‘very responsive‘ team is regularly instructed in blockchain and cryptocurrency matters, and it is also well-regarded for its ability to handle licensing and regulatory issues in connection with investment services. Practice head Leonard Bonello is sought after for his expertise in assisting with blockchain-focused work, while James Debono is noted for his capabilities in handling fintech, blockchain and crowdfunding mandates. The team is also able to draw on the expertise of in-house regulatory experts Paul Falzon and James Farrugia.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at Ganado are very responsive to the market and bring a lot to the table and are considered to be the go to consultants when it comes to the fintech industry. We very much appreciate the collaboration we have going with them and they are considered to be our trusted fintech consultant.’

‘Firm is strong on e-money and payment services, has supported us across a number of matters including passporting and other authorisations. The industry and regulator knowledge / contacts are very helpful and mean we trust Ganado for insightful and practical advice.’

‘Leonard Bonello gives clear practical advice.’

Malta > Intellectual property Tier 1

Ganado Advocates‘ team has an excellent track record in handling the full spectrum of IP work, ranging from contractual matters and licensing agreements to trade mark, patent and copyright disputes. The group is highly recommended for advising on pan-European registration of trade marks and patents, and is equally strong in assisting with anti-counterfeiting actions. Practice head Paul Micallef Grimaud regularly advises on the registration and enforcement of IP rights, IP infringement cases, anti-counterfeit measures, and trade mark and design oppositions. Senior associate Philip Formosa brings expertise in assisting with agreements involving the exploitation of IP rights, and data protection and compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The legal team at Ganado Advocates has a professional outreach, is highly experienced and dedicated in the area of law on which legal advice or opinions are sought. ’

‘The individuals with whom we have engaged place a lot of emphasis on establishing a personalised relationship which leads to the better understanding of the client’s issues and therefore delivers the best result in terms of legal advice and support. ’

‘I have been working with Dr Philip Formosa for the past few years, and I can honestly say that I value his work ethic, availability, honesty, and knowledge in his field. ’

‘Always thinking outside the box.’

Malta > Investment funds Tier 1

Ganado Advocates‘ team ‘provides a wealth of in-depth knowledge and hands-on practical experience‘ in the investment funds industry. The practice regularly advises fund managers, investment firms, and fund custodians and start-ups on all aspects of Maltese and EU law and regulation pertaining to investment funds work. Andre Zerafa co-heads the group alongside in-house financial regulatory expert James Farrugia and is well-versed in advising on the structuring of alternative investment funds, UCITS funds and other retail funds. Marina Grech and David Borg-Carbott are active in a range of transactional and regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Andre Zerafa; James Farrugia

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Ganado Advocates cut through the small talk and really focus on what matters. This means a good level of service delivery whilst being mindful of costs. ’

‘Ganado Advocates provides a wealth of in-depth knowledge and hands-on practical experience to its clients, across a number of areas, including investment services and fund management business. The diverse team of professionals addressing client needs make Ganado Advocates a stellar service provider in the local industry. ’

‘Andre Zerafa has deep knowledge and experience of the industry. Good support from their associates.’

‘The team are very specialised and knowledgeable in the investment funds sector. They are always clear and concise when advising and readily available to assist. ’

‘David Borg-Carbott has always been of great help whenever we required assistance. However, it must be said that the whole team have always delivered when needed. ’

‘The unmatched quality of their professionals makes the team at Ganado Advocates stand out. Every individual within the firm possesses a strong technical background and years of invaluable experience. While the firm’s services might come at a premium, the value they provide is undoubtedly worth it. Their unparalleled commitment to excellence makes them a top choice for those seeking legal counsel. ’

‘Andre’s dedication to his clients is truly commendable. What sets him apart is his approach to legal counsel. He doesn’t merely offer legal advice; he acts as a counsellor, providing pragmatic solutions and clear guidance on what paths to take and what to avoid. His insights are not driven by a desire to increase lawyer fees but are genuinely aimed at ensuring the best outcomes for his clients. His ability to blend legal expertise with practical wisdom makes him a standout partner at Ganado Advocates.’

‘Very highly respected within the industry. They have a good relationship with regulators, allowing for discussions when needed. On top of anything that is happening within the industry, always pro active with regards to new regulatory developments, provides you with practical solutions to any issues/problems.’

Key clients

Augmenta SICAV plc

Diaman Partners Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisted Augmenta SICAV plc with the launch of a new sub-fund within a UCITS umbrella scheme.
  • Advised Diaman Partners Limited on obtaining regulatory approval from the MFSA for the acquisition of a 20% stake by the Azimut Group in the client.

Malta > Real estate Tier 1

Ganado Advocates‘ ‘timely, efficient and supportive‘ team has established strength in advising on sales and purchases and property leasing matters. FIDIC contractual issues also form a key pillar of the practice. Antoine Cremona, who heads up the department, is very experienced in advising on real estate litigation; he is ably supported by the ‘greatly knowledgeableAnselmo Mifsud Bonnici.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘While being one of the larger players in the field in Malta, we appreciate the personalised value that their partners and associates bring to the table. We also note in terms of their interest in Real Estate Practice their knowledge of FIDIC contractual matters.’

‘We work mainly with Antoine Cremona and Anselmo Mifsud Bonnici who are both greatly knowledgeable in the sector and habitually attend meetings together which we find to our great advantage in terms of continuity, sharing of opinions and discussion. Their support in the sector – especially with FIDIC related matters – is unparalleled locally.’

‘One of the team’s main strengths is their ability to unravel complex titles relating to immovable properties.’

‘Very professional service provided – individualised service, timely, efficient and supportive.’

Malta > Shipping Tier 1

Ganado Advocates’ practice stands out for its ‘tremendous strength in depth‘. The team regularly represents financial institutions and shipowners in the registration of vessels and mortgages, yachting matters, and ship finance issues, to name a few areas. Karl Grech Orr and Jotham Scerri-Diacono are recognised for their expertise in advising on ship and yacht registrations and ship mortgages. Daniel Aquilina, Matthew AttardCaroline Risiott and Matthew Xerri are active on ship finance, loan restructuring and mortgage enforcement matters, as well as shipbuilding contractual issues. Christine Cassar Naudi brings experience in tax matters.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Their practice is very professional. Starting from day one as of the instructions, they respond quickly and handle the matter in a very professional attitude. The questions they raise are to the point which enables also the client to understand the what they need to expect from the file. ’

‘Matthew Attard is handling the case as a maritime professional. His knowledge is not only of law but also the dynamics of the sector as well as the technical side. ’

‘Caroline Risiott is first class and very user friendly. No nonsense and very practical. Always available. Daniel Aquilina is very experienced. ’

‘The firm is very well established in the market. It has knowledge of both the law and the practices in the industry. Especially when matters involve a corporate angle to it, they are a first choice in Malta.’

‘Matthew Attard is very responsive and careful to the commercially sensible nature of the mandate. He is well regarded in the shipping community and well fit also to represent the category’s interests abroad. ’

‘The team was spot on, very professional and fast responding.’

‘Responsive, helpful, good knowledge of cross border issues.’

‘Ganado Advocates have a truly outstanding Shipping practice and are unquestionably one of Malta’s Tier 1 practices. There is tremendous strength in depth across a number of partners and associates, and their value for money is excellent. Always reliable and can be completely trusted to attend to matters promptly and efficiently.’

Malta > Private client Tier 3

Ganado Advocates is a leading commercial law firm with a particular focus on the corporate, financial services and maritime/aviation sectors, predominantly servicing international clients doing business through Malta. The firm also promotes other areas such as tax, pensions, intellectual property, employment and litigation.

The firm traces its roots back to the early 1900s, and is today one of Malta’s foremost law practices, consistently ranking as a leading firm in all its core sectors. Ganado Advocates has over the past decades contributed directly towards creating and enhancing Malta’s hard-won reputation as a reliable and effective international centre for financial and maritime services. Today, the firm continues to provide high standards of legal advisory services to support and enhance Malta’s offering.

Areas of practice
Financial services: Our financial services and regulatory practices are internationally renowned as country leaders. This practice grouping encompasses the firm’s industry-focused teams servicing asset managers and their funds, banks, insurers and reinsurers, pension schemes and funds, investment firms, payment service providers, e-money institutions, fintech operators, trade finance institutions and other operators in the financial services sphere, with an increasing focus on blockchain and cryptocurrency related work. The practice covers all corporate, regulatory and transactional work and, in conjunction with lawyers from other practice areas, litigation, dispute resolution, tax and regulatory.

Corporate, M&A and capital markets: The firm regularly advises on major corporate and capital markets transactions in Malta, for the benefit of international corporate groups and private equity firms. This practice provides the full range of transactional corporate legal services, having long standing experience in assisting foreign clients in establishing local presence across all commercial sectors. The firm also operates a Corporate Services and Governance team focused in particular on supporting the boards of both regulated and non-regulated businesses.

Shipping, yachting and aviation: Ship registration, ship finance and admiralty law are at the heart of the firm’s maritime law practice. The firm was a pioneer in this field and its specialist maritime lawyers hold leading industry expertise and provide dependable support and advice, making the firm amongst the most established in this area. While very active in the yacht and superyacht space, the firm was also a prime mover in the development of local aviation law; today it regularly advises aircraft financiers, owners, lessors and operators.

Litigation and dispute resolution: Traditionally prominent in commercial and civil litigation, we have represented clients in some of the largest and most complex commercial and maritime litigation in Malta. This includes arrests and judicial sales of vessels, salvage and other maritime disputes, corporate and financial services, and insurance claims. Today, we also offer highly specialised litigation in the fields of corporate disputes, insolvency, intellectual property, public procurement, competition law, funds, press law and international arbitration.

Corporate finance and tax: Ganado Advocates has one of the largest and longest-established tax practices amongst Maltese law firms. The firm’s multidisciplinary team of legal and tax specialists regularly advises corporate and individual high net worth clients, both international and local, on all aspects of Maltese tax legislation and their impact, whether at structuring stage, transactional or on an ongoing basis.

Private client, trusts and foundations: Regularly involved in structuring and providing general legal advice on trusts and foundations, the firm actively provides ongoing assistance to various Maltese based (local and international) trustees, administrators of foundations and other fiduciaries on regulatory aspects of their fiduciary activities. It regularly assists private clients with their various legal needs, ranging from estate planning to setting up the appropriate trustees for them (which includes Private Trust Companies). This includes, where required, the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, as a second citizenship.

Labour and employment: This practice encompasses the full range of employment services, including advice on litigious and non-litigious employment law matters, industrial relations, employment benefits and pensions.

Environment, energy and renewable energy: Ganado Advocates has been at the forefront of the significant developments in this dynamic and ever changing sector in Malta and advises a wide variety of clients on both regulatory and commercial issues, including drafting and negotiating power purchase agreements, assisting with public procurement, implementing EU Directives into local law and advising on ship-sourced pollution issues. The firm has also experienced increasing interest from industry stakeholders acting as intermediaries in the recycling of hazardous waste on account of Malta’s central Mediterranean location, its ratification of the most important environmental Conventions and an efficient and proactive regulator.

Intellectual property, media, entertainment and technology: We advise clients on the full range of contentious and non-contentious issues in the technology, media and entertainment space. Services include the registration of trademarks, advice on and drafting of IP agreements, and representing clients in IP infringement lawsuits. The firm leads a project for the Government of Malta bringing together the various Malta-based legal and advisory service providers with a view to overhauling the current IP legal framework and providing solid and innovative legislative solutions to the IP industries, not least involving blockchain and digital currencies. The team also leads the firm’s privacy law practice, assisting all clients on their ongoing GDPR requirements, including data subject requests and investigations by the Information and Data Protection Commissioner. In the media space, the team regularly advises and assists, including through the legal representation in Court, key local players on legal matters relating to journalistic freedoms, freedom of information and defamation.

Competition/european law: Our competition and EU law practitioners have gained substantial recognition in this field, advising clients and public authorities in all industry sectors serviced by the firm and frequently also engaging in privatisations and public procurement processes. Besides regularly providing advice on antitrust issues affecting agreements between undertakings and abuse of dominance, merger control and State aid law, we often represent undertakings in competition investigations and litigation as well as merger notifications.

Construction: The firm has one of the leading international construction law practices in Malta with specialist focus on FIDIC contracts and construction arbitration. Lawyers practising in this area have specific academic qualifications in international construction contracts and construction dispute resolution. The firm has assisted developers, financiers, contractors and engineers in a significant number and across a wide range of large scale construction projects in Malta, from major infrastructural works, to waste management and recycling plants, hospitality, residential and marina developments. We also regularly assist in all matters relating to real estate and in the design and execution of procurement models for major construction works.

Department Name Email Telephone
Shipping and Aviation Daniel Aquilina daquilina@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Corporate Finance and Tax Stephen Attard sattard@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Insurance and Pensions Matthew Bianchi mbianchi@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Banking and Finance; Fintech and Blockchain Leonard Bonello lbonello@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Employment and Pensions Matthew Brincat mbrincat@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Yachting; Corporate Finance and Tax Christine Cassar Naudi ccnaudi@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Louis Cassar Pullicino lcpullicino@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Private Client, Trusts and Foundations Anthony Cremona acremona@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Construction; Competition/European Law Antoine G Cremona agcremona@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Capital Markets Nicholas Curmi ncurmi@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Investment Services and Funds; Fintech and Blockchain James Farrugia jfarrugia@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Corporate and M&A Adrian M Gabarretta agabarretta@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Shipping Karl Grech Orr kgorr@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Intellectual Property, Media, Entertainment and Technology; Litigation and Dispute Resolution Paul Micallef Grimaud pmgrimaud@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Corporate and M&A Nikolai Muscat Farrugia nmuscat@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Corporate and M&A Annalise Papa ampapa@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Banking and Finance Conrad Portanier cportanier@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Shipping; Environment, Energy and Renewable Energy Jotham Scerri-Diacono jsdiacono@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Corporate and M&A; Fintech and Blockchain Simon Schembri sschembri@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Investment Services and Funds Andre Zerafa azerafa@ganado.com +356 2123 5406
Photo Name Position Profile
Rosette Aquilina photo Rosette Aquilina Rosette Aquilina is Counsel at Ganado Advocates, forming part of the corporate…
Daniel Aquilina photo Daniel Aquilina Daniel Aquilina is the Partner heading Ganado Advocates’ banking ship finance and…
Stephen Attard photo Stephen Attard Stephen Attard heads the firm’s corporate finance and tax department, and has…
Amanda Attard photo Amanda Attard Amanda Attard is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ taxation team with…
Matthew Attard photo Matthew Attard Matthew Attard is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ shipping team, with particular…
Julienne Bencini photo Julienne Bencini Julienne Bencini is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ banking and finance…
Matthew Bianchi photo Matthew Bianchi Matthew Bianchi is the Partner heading the firm’s insurance and pensions legal…
Leonard Bonello photo Leonard Bonello Leonard Bonello is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ banking and finance team,…
David Borg-Carbott photo David Borg-Carbott David Borg-Carbott is Counsel within the firm’s investment services and funds team…
Matthew Brincat photo Matthew Brincat Matthew Brincat is a Partner at Ganado Advocates, whose practice mainly revolves…
George Bugeja photo George Bugeja George Bugeja is a Senior Associate in the corporate finance team and…
Adrian Camilleri photo Adrian Camilleri Adrian Camilleri is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ corporate and litigation…
Mark Caruana Scicluna photo Mark Caruana Scicluna Mark Caruana Scicluna is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ investment services…
Nadia Cassar photo Nadia Cassar Nadia Cassar is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ insurance team. Nadia…
Christine Cassar Naudi photo Christine Cassar Naudi Christine Cassar Naudi is a Partner within the corporate finance and tax…
Louis Cassar Pullicino photo Louis Cassar Pullicino Louis Cassar Pullicino is a Consultant at Ganado Advocates. He is an…
Antoine Cremona photo Antoine Cremona Antoine Cremona is a Partner at Ganado Advocates, regularly representing clients in…
Anthony Cremona photo Anthony Cremona Anthony Cremona leads the trusts and foundations team at Ganado Advocates, advising…
Nicholas Curmi photo Nicholas Curmi Nicholas Curmi heads Ganado Advocates’ capital markets practice, where he advises on…
James Debono photo James Debono James Debono is an Associate within Ganado Advocates’ banking and finance team,…
Paul Falzon photo Mr Paul Falzon Paul Falzon is a Senior Regulatory Advisor within Ganado Advocates’ investment services…
Stephanie Farrugia photo Stephanie Farrugia Stephanie Farrugia is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ investment services and…
James Farrugia photo James Farrugia James Farrugia spearheads the Ganado Advocates’ investment services and funds licensing and…
Philip Formosa photo Philip Formosa Philip Formosa is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ intellectual property, TMT…
Catherine Formosa photo Catherine Formosa Catherine Formosa is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ banking and finance…
Chiara Frendo photo Chiara Frendo Chiara Frendo is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ litigation team with…
Adrian Gabarretta photo Adrian Gabarretta Adrian Gabarretta is a Consultant at Ganado Advocates. He has advised on…
Abigail Galea photo Abigail Galea Abigail Galea is a Senior Associate within the private client team at…
Max Ganado photo Max Ganado Max has been practicing law for close to 40 years. He started…
Marina Grech photo Marina Grech Marina Grech is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ investment services and funds…
Karl Grech Orr photo Karl Grech Orr Karl Grech Orr is a Partner in the shipping department at Ganado…
Nicholas Micallef photo Nicholas Micallef Nicholas Micallef is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ investment services and…
Paul Micallef Grimaud photo Paul Micallef Grimaud Paul Micallef Grimaud is a Partner at Ganado Advocates and heads the…
Philip Mifsud photo Philip Mifsud Philip Mifsud is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ corporate department, regularly…
Anselmo Mifsud Bonnici photo Anselmo Mifsud Bonnici Anselmo Mifsud-Bonnici is an Associate within Ganado Advocates’ corporate team, assisting clients…
Clement Mifsud-Bonnici photo Clement Mifsud-Bonnici Clement Mifsud-Bonnici is a Senior Associate at Ganado Advocates. He assists clients…
Nikolai Muscat Farrugia photo Nikolai Muscat Farrugia Nikolai Muscat Farrugia is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ corporate team, with…
Lara Pace photo Lara Pace Lara Pace is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ employment team, regularly…
Annalise Papa photo Annalise Papa Annalise Papa is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ corporate team with particular…
Lorraine Poole photo Lorraine Poole Lorraine Poole is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ banking and finance…
Conrad Portanier photo Conrad Portanier Conrad Portanier’s legal practice focuses on banking and financial law, as well…
Caroline Risiott photo Caroline Risiott Caroline Risiott is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ banking ship finance…
Jan Rossi photo Jan Rossi Jan Rossi is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ shipping team. Jan…
Jotham Scerri-Diacono photo Jotham Scerri-Diacono Jotham Scerri-Diacono is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ shipping team, with particular…
Simon Schembri photo Simon Schembri Simon Schembri is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ corporate team. Simon has…
Stephanie Sciberras photo Stephanie Sciberras Stephanie Sciberras is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ corporate governance team,…
Christina Scicluna photo Ms Christina Scicluna Christina Scicluna is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ corporate and fintech…
Robert Taylor East photo Robert Taylor East Robert Taylor-East is a Senior Associate within the firm’s corporate finance and…
Robert Taylor East photo Robert Taylor East Robert Taylor-East is a Senior Associate within the firm’s corporate finance and…
Matthew Xerri photo Matthew Xerri Matthew Xerri is a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ shipping and aviation team,…
Stephanie Zarb Adami photo Stephanie Zarb Adami Stephanie Zarb Adami is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ corporate finance…
Andre Zerafa photo Andre Zerafa André Zerafa heads Ganado Advocates’ investment services and funds team and he…
Mario Zerafa photo Mario Zerafa Mario Zerafa is a Senior Associate within Ganado Advocates’ investment services and…
Number of partners : 20
Number of lawyers : 90+
Total number of staff : 170+
Maltese
English
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Lex Mundi

We at Ganado Advocates have always striven to connect and strengthen our ties with the Maltese community through varied initiatives. We feel it is our duty and our responsibility to give back to the community while earning our livelihood. Our values of integrity and excellence permeate this enterprise just as they are ever present in the professional engagements we take on. All of our professionals and members of staff participate in our commitment to the community with efforts being most often centralised to our Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.

We support a host of non-governmental players in their local and foreign initiatives by assisting them, on a pro-bono basis, with projects requiring legal advice or input. By conducting firm-wide fundraising events and initiatives we are also able to raise much needed funds which the firm often matches and contributes to community projects geared at a gamut of initiatives including the advancement of culture, arts and national heritage, the betterment of the quality of life of the vulnerable, infirm and less fortunate, the education of the community and, last but certainly not least, the safeguarding of the environment and of animal welfare. Our efforts also often take us physically outside of the office on various initiatives such as participation in external community fundraisers and environment clean up campaigns to name but two.

Our assistance, whether legal or in the form of financial contributions, has most recently also extended to aid in the education of underprivileged children abroad. We will, going forward, continue to ensure that our dedication to the community will not only focus on local needs but will also extend beyond our shores as it has done to date.

We are excited about what we do and about the future and also pride ourselves on being at the forefront of legal developments in Malta often proposing legal reform and also assisting Government with its implementation. We are also committed to assisting in the education and training of other lawyers and professionals. Ganado Services Limited, an affiliate of Ganado Advocates, founded the Institute of Legal Studies which has been enrolled as a Voluntary Organisation and is geared towards meeting the growing demand for information about law among the legal and commercial communities in Malta.

We all acknowledge that the range of human experience each one of us possesses embellishes our relationships with each other and with our clients. Our team is therefore open to people from all backgrounds and beliefs as we strive to create a diverse and inclusive professional environment. We ensure that as part of our daily interaction we treat each other with respect and welcome each others’ views and contributions.

Ganado Advocates announces promotions to key leadership positions

Ganado Advocates is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Attard, Marina Grech and Matthew Xerri as new Partners of the firm, effective as of 1st January 2023. The firm is also announcing the promotion of David Borg-Carbott and Rosette Aquilina to ‘Of Counsel’ a role recently introduced by the firm signifying a high level of experience and expertise within the lawyer’s area of practice.

The new banking rule on internal governance

Through a circular issued on the 7 January 2022, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) advised that Banking Rules BR/01, BR/12, BR/14[1], BR/15 and BR/21 had been revised primarily to transpose Directive (EU) 2019/878 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 amending Directive 2013/36/EU (“CRD V”). Additionally, for the first time, the Banking Rules now include a specific banking rule dealing with governance of banks, namely BR/24 on Internal Governance of Credit Institutions. The revisions to the Banking Rules and BR/24 are in force.

Stowaways: Legal implications

Introduction

This article discusses stowaways on board ships and vessels generally. Since time immemorial, stowaways have been an ever-present concern for the international community and particularly the shipping industry. In more recent time, we have seen controversy arise as to the manner in which stowaways are treated, by both ship operators and the authorities concerned. For the master and crew, a case of stowaways on board their vessel is always trying, as difficult decisions need to be taken, which, on the one hand respect the human dignity of the stowaway whilst on the other hand, respect both the law and the security and safety requirements of the vessel concerned. In this article, we explore the legal obligations that come into play in such cases and how stowaways are dealt with under Maltese Legislation.

Malta’s progress in the space industry

In the fifth episode of the ‘Ganado Meets Transport’ podcast, Daniel Aquilina, partner within the transport law practice at Ganado Advocates, meets Kristian Zarb Adami, a pioneer in Malta’s space sector.

Introduction to the Commercial Yacht – Pleasure Yacht Changeover Guidelines

In accordance with the Malta Commercial Yacht Code (“CYC”), on the 2nd September 2021, the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta issued the ‘Commercial Yacht – Pleasure Yacht Changeover Guidelines’ (“the Guidelines”).

ESG considerations for listed companies

What ESG is and what it is not

Increasingly becoming the flavour of the month in business circles and topping the agenda at most conferences, ESG is quite often misrepresented as a synonym for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or a polite way of reminding us that we should print less and recycle more. But ESG is far greater than that and the purpose of this article is to shed some light on what ESG means in practical terms for Maltese issuers.

ESG and insurance: Things to look out for in 2022

2021 will be remembered (or outright forgotten) for a variety of reasons. Indeed, in and amongst the pandemic-related doom and gloom, 2021 may be viewed as a watershed moment for all matters ESG – i.e. environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) criteria, of course. The pace at which the regulatory landscape has changed over the past year in particular has been nothing short of unrelenting – with the implementation of the ‘Level 1 Disclosures’ found under the Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation (“SFDR”) meriting an honourable mention. Additionally, some much-needed, concrete action was also taken locally, with the launch of the much-anticipated Malta ESG Platform towards the latter end of the year providing the market with a number of useful metrics for the assessment of the ESG credentials of companies listed on the Malta Stock Exchange.

Can the rights arising from a registered IDERA be restricted by a warrant of prohibitory injunction?

In its judgment delivered on the 8 November 2021, in the names of Air X Charter Limited and Air X Aircraft Finance I Limited vs. (1) Firm Mamo TCV Advocates as Deputy Curators acting on behalf of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc (Canada) (“Avmax”) as beneficial owner of eight (8) aircraft (the “Aircraft”) and Bank of Utah (United States of America) acting as owner trustee of the Aircraft and (2) The Malta Transport Authority, the First Hall Civil Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Robert G. Mangion, examined whether a warrant of prohibitory injunction can be issued to inhibit the holder of a registered Irrevocable Deregistration Export Request Authorisation (“IDERA”) from enforcing its rights arising from an IDERA in Malta.

Ganado Meets Transport

In the first episode of Ganado Meets Transport podcast, Ganado Advocates’ Matthew Xerri, Senior Associate within the shipping and aviation team, met with Captain Charles Pace to discuss the latest developments on Aviation in Malta.

Artificial Intelligence in the Medical Field – Dr. Paul Micallef Grimaud

In the third episode of the “Ganado Meets Tech” podcast, Ganado Advocates’ IP/TMT partner Paul Micallef Grimaud, met with consultant nuclear medicine physician, Dr. Andrew Mallia, Professor Alexiei Dingli – University of Malta Senior Lecturer of Artificial Intelligence and entrepreneur and lawyer Dr. Gege Gatt to look at how AI is positively impacting the health sector and providing us with unprecedented levels of cure and health management, whilst also discussing the legal and ethical risks involved.