GTG Legal provides advice in areas such as tokenisation, distributed ledger technology, crypto assets, AI, and cybersecurity. The team is led by Ian Gauci, who focuses on blockchain, digital assets, and emerging technologies, and Cherise Abela Grech, who brings expertise in security token offerings and virtual currency-related activities that require investment services licences. Josef Cachia Fenech Gonzi is recognised for assisting clients in obtaining regulatory licences from the Malta Financial Services Authority.
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Profile
Work Department
Managing Partner of GTG, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Innovation, Legaltech
Position
Managing Partner
Career
Dr Gauci is the Managing Partner of GTG and oversees the business development of the firm, as well the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) practice and the Innovation & Legaltech sectors. He has over twenty years legal experience and is also a market leader in relation to technology and fintech issues, helping to found our top‑tier fintech practice. He has worked extensively on Blockchain and Digital Assets and is one of the foremost blockchain and cryptocurrency lawyers in Malta and globally, highly regarded for his extensive experience in, and deep knowledge of, blockchain, smart contracts, and digital assets. He advises a wide range of market players including fintech companies (traditional and cryptocurrency), and other financial institutions on matters involving the regulation of markets, as well as related compliance and enforcement matters. Dr Gauci is ranked in Band 1 by Chamber’s in FinTech as well as a Leading Individual in the same sector by Legal 500.
Dr Gauci has also worked extensively in electronic communications, information society, data protection, and gaming/gambling, whilst also focusing on consumer law, competition law, broadcasting/media law, cyber law, e-commerce, e-health, and information technology. He is also deemed to be one of Malta’s leading technology lawyers advising and providing consultancy on legal, regulatory as well as policy matters and has also assisted a wide array of authorities including the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), the Malta Business Registry (MBR), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) on issues ranging from electronic signatures, trust services, regtech, cybersecurity law, AI, IoT and technological convergence. He was one of the strategic advisors appointed by the Government on the National Blockchain Strategy Taskforce.
Dr Gauci has co-authored amongst others, the Maltese Electronic Communications Framework and the Maltese Digital Innovation Laws and lectured Legal Futures and Technology at the University of Malta.
He is an international speaker and is also a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).
Languages
Maltese, English, Italian
Memberships
Malta Chamber of Advocates
International Masters of Gaming Law
Education
Dr Gauci graduated in law from the University of Malta.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘GTG Lawyers are exceptional industry specialists whose commitment and reliability set them apart in the legal market. The firm consistently delivers advice of the highest calibre, marked by a rare combination of technical excellence, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of client needs.'
‘The practice distinguishes itself as a boutique firm, offering a level of personalisation and agility that larger organisations often struggle to match. Clients benefit from direct access to professionals—no layers, no delays. Communication is swift, relationships are genuine, and the client is treated with exceptional care. It’s not just service, it’s a red carpet experience.’
Key clients
- The Government of Malta
- Malta Digital Innovation Authority
Work highlights
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 with a focus on how it can maintain its role as a certification and supervisory authority following the coming into force of the AI Act.