Ganado Advocates

Highlights of the recent reforms to the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act

On 14 November 2025, the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act (the “Revised NIA”) was published in the Government Gazette, marking the first substantive revision to Malta’s sanctions framework since April 2020.

Malta’s transposition of the Consumer Credit Directive II: MFSA revises rulebook for banks

The national legal framework applicable to banks and financial institutions offering consumer lending products, including personal loans, overdrafts and credit cards, is being revised as detailed by the MFSA in its Circular published on the 20th of November 2025.

Artificial Intelligence in Malta

Michela Zammit Lupi, Paul Micallef Grimaud and Stuart Firman have authored the chapter on Artificial Intelligence in Malta, published online in the Artificial Intelligence 2025 guide, available on Chambers and Partners.

The privilege of Super Invictis et Illatis – A constitutional turning point

In the case CEB Metals Limited (C39556) vs L-Avukat tal-Istat et, Hon. Mr Justice Ian Spiteri Bailey, sitting in the first Hall, Civil Court, in its Constitutional Jurisdiction had to examine the constitutionality of the privilege of super invictis et illatis granted to property owners.

Mergers and acquisitions: A question of readiness and the courage to evolve

At first glance, the surge in mergers and acquisitions across Malta over the past two years might suggest a maturing market finally finding its rhythm. But, as discussions at the recent M&A Summit hosted by Ganado Advocates revealed, dealmaking in Malta is evolving into something deeper...

A market driven by stability and innovation

Insurance was never the most glamorous of financial sectors. In fact, it is broadly seen as an industry quietly ticking away in the background, a necessity, but hardly an exciting topic of conversation, says Matthew Bianchi

Six women shaping Malta’s financial services sector

As a Partner within Ganado Advocates’ investment services and funds department, Marina Grech has built a career advising clients across Malta’s financial services industry.

Chipmaking in the EU

In recent weeks, the Dutch government announced that it had taken temporary control of a Dutch-based semiconductor manufacturer by invoking a domestic legislation called the “Goods Availability Act”, citing concerns that the semiconductor company’s Chinese owner was planning to...

Mapping out the trends of FDI in Europe: A look at the EU’s Fifth FDI Annual Report

On 14 October 2025, the European Commission (the “Commission”) published its 5th Annual Report on the screening of foreign direct investment into the Union (the “Report”).

Data Act Implementation: Enforcement Structures and Sanctions Regimes in Malta and Germany

The implementation of the Data Act (Regulation (EU) 2023/2854) has entered a decisive phase across EU Member States, with national measures now in force to ensure compliance and effective enforcement.

EU General Court upholds the EU-US Data Privacy Framework

On 3rd September 2025, the General Court of the European Union delivered its judgment in Case T-553/23, Philippe Latombe v. European Commission, whereby it dismissed the action brought by Mr. Philippe Latombe (the “Applicant”) seeking the annulment of the European Commission’s Implementing...

Ganado Meets: marking 50 episodes of legal and business insight

Ganado Meets, the podcast series by Ganado Advocates, has reached a new milestone with the release of its 50th episode, a moment that highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering discussions on the legal and commercial developments shaping Malta’s industries.

ESMA Final Report on the extension of the use of the alleviated format of insider lists

On 21 October 2025, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published its Final Report on the draft Implementing Technical Standards (the “Draft ITS”) proposing to extend the use of the ‘alleviated’ insider list format which is currently limited to select small and medium-sized...

Adoption of the EU 19th sanctions package against Russia

On 23 October 2025, the European Union adopted its 19th sanctions package against Russia.

The EU AI Act and General-Purpose AI: Navigating the compliance landscape

The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) carries significant implications for General-Purpose AI (GPAI) models.

Malta strengthens its position as a hub for family offices and private wealth management

Malta continues to strengthen its position as a destination for family offices and private wealth management with the introduction of fiscal incentives through Legal Notice 250 of 2025 – the Senior Employees of Family Offices, Back Offices and Treasury Management Operations Tax Rules, 2025.

When consent isn’t consent: First Hall Civil Court declares contract void due to fraud

In a recent judgment delivered on 3 October 2025, the First Hall Civil Court (the “FHCC”) presided by Madame Justice Audrey Demicoli examined what makes a contract invalid due to error or fraud.

Data sharing: Is your ‘anonymous’ data actually personal?

The definition of “personal data” is fundamental to data protection law, but its scope remains a frequent source of confusion.

Circular CSSF 25/894 on information to be submitted to the CSSF in relation to investment funds

On the 3rd October 2025, the CSSF updated its FAQ on the Circular CSSF 25/894 (the “Circular”), which relates to the information to be submitted about investment funds non-authorised by the CSSF.

MFSA circular on share buy-backs – pre-launch meetings

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has published a circular on share buy-backs carried out by Maltese issuers.

Malta’s AI Act Framework: The new roles of the MDIA and IDPC

Malta has formally established its national framework for the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) through two recently published legal notices.

The Digital Fairness Act: Implications for the iGaming industry

The European Commission is preparing a major reform of consumer protection rules in the digital environment.

No standing without direct legal effect: The Sberbank appeal

The 2008 financial crisis underscored the critical importance of banks to the economy. An efficient process for channelling savings into productive activities is vital for growth and general welfare.

Deal or No Deal? Navigating the Realities of M&A Negotiations in Malta

Mergers and acquisitions are rarely straightforward. Even in bullish markets, deals hinge on negotiation and the delicate balancing act between valuation, risk allocation, regulation, and of course, human dynamics.

Ganado Advocates sponsors the 2025 Greek Ship Finance Forum

We are pleased to announce our sponsorship of the 2025 Greek Ship Finance Forum, in Asteria Glyfada, Greece.

A Payment Service User’s Duty to Act “Without Delay” on Unauthorised Payments

The Court of Justice of the European Union (the “CJEU”) examined the right of refunds of payment service users in the event of unauthorised transactions in the case of IL v. Veracash SAS (C-665/23), where it emphasised the relevance of timely reporting of fraud by the users in its ruling...

Malta Pushes Back: The Case Against Centralised EU Oversight under MiCA

Nearly a year after the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) came into full force, the debate over who should supervise crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) is intensifying across the EU.

IMO’s net-zero framework: what it means for global shipping

International shipping which is crucial for global trade, is responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Ganado Advocates nominated as Legal Services Firm of the Year at the Captive Review European Awards

Ganado Advocates has been shortlisted once again as one of the top three firms in the ‘Legal Services Firm of the Year’ category at the 2025 European Captive Review Awards.

Ganado Advocates Celebrates three decades of Membership with Lex Mundi

Ganado Advocates is proud to mark 30 years as a member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms with deep experience in 125+ countries.