Ganado Advocates
Rankings
Leading firm in High Net Worth 2025
Ranked Departments:
Ranked Individuals:
Overview
Provided by Ganado Advocates
Firm Details:
Managing Partner: Andre Zerafa
Number of partners: 22
Number of fee-earners: 100+ (including partners)
Total number of staff: 200+
Firm Overview:
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.
Main Areas of Practice:
Competition/European
Construction
Corporate Finance & Tax
Corporate, M&A & Capital Markets
Environment, Energy & Renewable Energy
Financial Services
FinTech & Blockchain
Intellectual Property, Media, Entertainment & Technology
Labour & Employment
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Private Client, Trusts & Foundations
Shipping, Yachting & Aviation
Ganado Advocates consistently provides its clients, coming from various industry sectors, with specialist advice and practice. The firm’s practice areas dealing with High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are highlighted below.
Trusts & Foundations:
The trusts and foundations practice regularly assists with the setting up of various types of trusts and foundations governed by Maltese law, including employee benefit trusts, purpose foundations in the context of securitisation transactions, employee share option schemes, and various private trusts and foundations for estate planning and other private purposes. The team assists the majority of international players in the fiduciary sector with obtaining authorisations from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) — the local regulator — for the provision of fiduciary services in Malta. The team has also successfully assisted HNWIs in setting up the first Private Trust Companies (PTCs) in Malta and has, since then, been assisting other clients with setting up family-office style PTCs. More recently, the firm's team has also been assisting clients with the use of foundations in the innovative blockchain field.
Key Contact: Anthony Cremona
Email: [email protected]
Private Client:
The private client practice provides legal advice and ongoing assistance to HNWIs and their families, foundations, trustees, family offices and other wealth management service providers in connection with the planning and structuring of their own or their clients’ private wealth and assets and the regulatory aspects of their fiduciary activities. Transactions in this space range from the creation of structures for both domestic as well as international HNWIs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), consisting both of trusts and foundations, as well as assistance with contentious matters in this sector. This includes, where required, the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, as a second citizenship. The practice also advises on the regulatory aspects of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML-CFT) legislation and regulations, having assisted various regulated entities with respect to their regulatory and other AML-CFT responsibilities in terms of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive as well as in respect of relevant Maltese laws, regulations, procedures and guidelines.
Key Contact: Anthony Cremona
Email: [email protected]
Yachting:
Ganado Advocates has a long-standing practice advising clients on the most tax efficient structures for the ownership and leasing of their yachts as well as the registration of the yachts under the Malta flag. The firm also advises and assists yacht financiers on the Maltese security aspects. The firm has been strongly involved in the drafting of much of the relevant shipping legislation over the years, and the Malta regulatory and tax authorities have regularly sought advice from the firm in respect of technical aspects of Malta’s legislation relating to yachts. The yachting practice is renowned for its level of expertise and detail when assisting yacht owners who lease their yachts through Maltese companies, import yachts into the EU through Malta, and acquire or transfer yachts owned by Maltese companies and/or Malta-flagged vessels.
Key Contacts: Christine Cassar Naudi, Matthew Attard
Emails: [email protected], [email protected]
Private Aviation:
The aviation practice at Ganado Advocates is well renowned for its expertise and experience. The team works regularly in sale and purchase transactions, setting up ownership structures, aviation finance transactions, leasing structures and in providing assistance to HNW aircraft owners with various legal aspects related to aircraft registration, management and leasing. The firm is also considered as a market leader in all matters relating to security interests over aircraft registered in Malta as well as in structuring air-finance deals through various methods, including syndicated loans and securitisation.
Key Contacts: Daniel Aquilina, Matthew Xerri
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
For a full list of the firm’s sectors and practices please visit: ganado.com/expertise
Ranked Offices
Provided by Ganado Advocates
Malta - Head office
Malta
171 Old Bakery Street , Valletta, Malta, Malta, VLT 1455, Valletta
Ranked Departments
Ranked Individuals
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Ganado Advocates
All contributions provided by Ganado Advocates
Articles, highlights and press releases
585 items provided by Ganado Advocates
IRRD: From Concept to Execution
The Insurance Recovery and Resolution Directive (IRRD) has crossed the line from proposal to law. As it entered into force on 28 January 2025.
From compliance to culture: The IMO’s step towards safer workplaces at sea
From 1 January 2026, IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) amends the STCW Convention to introduce mandatory training on harassment, bullying and assault prevention.
Jurisdiction in the digital marketplace: CJEU centralises collective claims against online platforms
The case concerned representative collective actions brought in the Netherlands against Apple entities for alleged anticompetitive conduct in breach of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.
The EU’s approach to AI liability: From liability-centric reform to risk-based regulation
The European Union's approach to governing artificial intelligence (AI) has undergone a significant inversion, shifting from a liability-focused stance to an ex ante compliance form of regulation.
Professional associations under the Health Care Professions Act
This article examines the requirements an organisation must meet to be recognised as a professional association under the Health Care Professions Act.
The elements of actio de in rem verso revisited by the First Hall, Civil Court
The First Hall, Civil Court examines the elements of the actio de in rem verso and upholds a reimbursement claim following the lapse of a promise of sale.
Malta’s new CSRD Regulations against the backdrop of the EU’s Omnibus re-think
Malta has recently transposed the Directive (EU) 2022/2464, the “CSRD” into domestic law by virtue of Legal Notice 39 of 2026.
ESMA consults on revised MAR Guidelines ahead of Listing Act disclosure reforms
The ESMA has launched a consultation on amendments to its guidelines on the delayed disclosure of inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation.
Circular CSSF 25/901: New rules for SIFs, SICARs and Part II UCIs
The CSSF has issued Circular CSSF 25/901 introducing updated rules on investment limits, risk capital, borrowing, and transparency for SIFs, SICARs and Part II UCIs.
CSSF updates crypto-assets FAQ for investment funds following MiCAR implementation
The CSSF has updated its FAQ - Crypto Assets - Undertakings for collective investments to clarify how UCITS, AIFs, investment fund managers and depositaries may engage with crypto-assets.
The AED, being the supervisory authority in Luxembourg, launched a campaign to invite all RAIFs to populate and submit specific documents as part of the AML/CFT supervisory measures adopted by the AED towards RAIFs.
MiCA & EMTs: EBA advises industry as grace period is ending
The EBA’s opinion clarifies how CASPs must comply with PSD2 for EMT-related payment services, outlining licensing scenarios, grace-period expectations, and implications for MiCA-authorised firms and VASPs.
Final means final… except when it doesn’t: The CJEU on unfair terms
The CJEU rules that national procedural finality cannot prevent courts from assessing unfair contractual terms under Directive 93/13, even where customers raise the issue late.
Malta NCA issues guidelines on penalties for competition law infringements
The Guidelines set out the principles which will be applied by the Malta NCA when proposing financial penalties for infringements of competition law.
Clement Mifsud-Bonnici, Laura Spiteri and Chris Grech have contributed to Lexi Nexis, with a chapter on Malta merger control.
Service of process, default, and the Actio Manutentionis
In its judgment delivered on the 27 November 2025, the elements of the ‘Actio Manutentionis’ were considered. In this case, the Court declared the Defendant to be in default.
Raising the bar: Knowledge and competence under MiCA
ESMA guidelines establish expectations regarding staff qualifications, experience, and ongoing training for the staff of CASPs.
Publication of a Newsletter by the AED relating to RAIFs and AIFs
The AED, issued a newsletter with the aim of providing an overview of the situation of RAIFs and AIFs, to highlight the main reporting issues for the year 2024, as well as to reiterate the key requirements for RAIFs and AIFs to cooperate with the AED.
Publication of Circular No 792 of 26 January 2026 by the AED
The Luxembourg AED, issued Circular relating to the obligation to identify and verify the identity of a natural person client, and a legal person or legal arrangement.
The code of standards for resident agents: Strengthening Malta’s position as a leading flag state
The aim of the code of standards for resident agents is to regulate the documentation and information requested by local resident agents offering their services to foreign clients.
Lex Mundi: Global Merger Notification Guide
Clement Mifsud-Bonnici has contributed to the Lex Mundi Global Merger Notification Guide with a Malta chapter.
GAPEE for Malta’s RSPVs: A Practical Alternative to IFRS 17
In December 2023, the Accountancy Profession GAPEE Regulations were introduced with the aim of allowing certain (re) insurance companies an opt-out from IFRS 17 and the ability of adopting a local accounting framework laid out in the said Regulations.
Fresh bench, same result: Court rejects second Article 402 action
The Court confirmed that an earlier decision based on Article 402 of the Companies Act, albeit by a differently constituted court was correctly decided and did not warrant a different outcome.
Inside a European hub for modern family offices
Malta has become a recurring point of reference in discussions around European family office structuring for high-net-worth individuals.
Custody under MiCA: Who’s Really in Control?
The evolving landscape of online payments under the Payment Services Directive (2015/2366) (“PSD2”) has consistently aimed to provide consumers with efficient, convenient and secure payment methods.
Digital euro to take centre stage at Ganado Advocates’ 11th Annual Banking and Payments Law Seminar
This year’s seminar comes against the backdrop of accelerated European Union initiatives in digital finance, most notably the recent progress at EU level on the legal framework underpinning the digital euro.
Two decades in the making: Malta’s proposed merger control reforms
On January 15, the Office for Competition within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority launched a long-awaited public consultation on proposed reforms to Malta’s merger control regime.
EBA Q&A clarifies strong customer authentication requirements in open banking solutions
The evolving landscape of online payments under the Payment Services Directive (2015/2366) (“PSD2”) has consistently aimed to provide consumers with efficient, convenient and secure payment methods.
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the Malta chapter in the Legal500 Real Estate guide (9th Edition).
Balancing financial inclusion and AML compliance: The right to a basic payment account
The anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) legal framework imposes rules on banks to continuously assess risks under the threat of critical regulatory and reputational consequences.
IRRD: From Concept to Execution
The Insurance Recovery and Resolution Directive (IRRD) has crossed the line from proposal to law. As it entered into force on 28 January 2025.
From compliance to culture: The IMO’s step towards safer workplaces at sea
From 1 January 2026, IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) amends the STCW Convention to introduce mandatory training on harassment, bullying and assault prevention.
Jurisdiction in the digital marketplace: CJEU centralises collective claims against online platforms
The case concerned representative collective actions brought in the Netherlands against Apple entities for alleged anticompetitive conduct in breach of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.
The EU’s approach to AI liability: From liability-centric reform to risk-based regulation
The European Union's approach to governing artificial intelligence (AI) has undergone a significant inversion, shifting from a liability-focused stance to an ex ante compliance form of regulation.
Professional associations under the Health Care Professions Act
This article examines the requirements an organisation must meet to be recognised as a professional association under the Health Care Professions Act.
The elements of actio de in rem verso revisited by the First Hall, Civil Court
The First Hall, Civil Court examines the elements of the actio de in rem verso and upholds a reimbursement claim following the lapse of a promise of sale.
Malta’s new CSRD Regulations against the backdrop of the EU’s Omnibus re-think
Malta has recently transposed the Directive (EU) 2022/2464, the “CSRD” into domestic law by virtue of Legal Notice 39 of 2026.
ESMA consults on revised MAR Guidelines ahead of Listing Act disclosure reforms
The ESMA has launched a consultation on amendments to its guidelines on the delayed disclosure of inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation.
Circular CSSF 25/901: New rules for SIFs, SICARs and Part II UCIs
The CSSF has issued Circular CSSF 25/901 introducing updated rules on investment limits, risk capital, borrowing, and transparency for SIFs, SICARs and Part II UCIs.
CSSF updates crypto-assets FAQ for investment funds following MiCAR implementation
The CSSF has updated its FAQ - Crypto Assets - Undertakings for collective investments to clarify how UCITS, AIFs, investment fund managers and depositaries may engage with crypto-assets.
The AED, being the supervisory authority in Luxembourg, launched a campaign to invite all RAIFs to populate and submit specific documents as part of the AML/CFT supervisory measures adopted by the AED towards RAIFs.
MiCA & EMTs: EBA advises industry as grace period is ending
The EBA’s opinion clarifies how CASPs must comply with PSD2 for EMT-related payment services, outlining licensing scenarios, grace-period expectations, and implications for MiCA-authorised firms and VASPs.
Final means final… except when it doesn’t: The CJEU on unfair terms
The CJEU rules that national procedural finality cannot prevent courts from assessing unfair contractual terms under Directive 93/13, even where customers raise the issue late.
Malta NCA issues guidelines on penalties for competition law infringements
The Guidelines set out the principles which will be applied by the Malta NCA when proposing financial penalties for infringements of competition law.
Clement Mifsud-Bonnici, Laura Spiteri and Chris Grech have contributed to Lexi Nexis, with a chapter on Malta merger control.
Service of process, default, and the Actio Manutentionis
In its judgment delivered on the 27 November 2025, the elements of the ‘Actio Manutentionis’ were considered. In this case, the Court declared the Defendant to be in default.
Raising the bar: Knowledge and competence under MiCA
ESMA guidelines establish expectations regarding staff qualifications, experience, and ongoing training for the staff of CASPs.
Publication of a Newsletter by the AED relating to RAIFs and AIFs
The AED, issued a newsletter with the aim of providing an overview of the situation of RAIFs and AIFs, to highlight the main reporting issues for the year 2024, as well as to reiterate the key requirements for RAIFs and AIFs to cooperate with the AED.
Publication of Circular No 792 of 26 January 2026 by the AED
The Luxembourg AED, issued Circular relating to the obligation to identify and verify the identity of a natural person client, and a legal person or legal arrangement.
The code of standards for resident agents: Strengthening Malta’s position as a leading flag state
The aim of the code of standards for resident agents is to regulate the documentation and information requested by local resident agents offering their services to foreign clients.
Lex Mundi: Global Merger Notification Guide
Clement Mifsud-Bonnici has contributed to the Lex Mundi Global Merger Notification Guide with a Malta chapter.
GAPEE for Malta’s RSPVs: A Practical Alternative to IFRS 17
In December 2023, the Accountancy Profession GAPEE Regulations were introduced with the aim of allowing certain (re) insurance companies an opt-out from IFRS 17 and the ability of adopting a local accounting framework laid out in the said Regulations.
Fresh bench, same result: Court rejects second Article 402 action
The Court confirmed that an earlier decision based on Article 402 of the Companies Act, albeit by a differently constituted court was correctly decided and did not warrant a different outcome.
Inside a European hub for modern family offices
Malta has become a recurring point of reference in discussions around European family office structuring for high-net-worth individuals.
Custody under MiCA: Who’s Really in Control?
The evolving landscape of online payments under the Payment Services Directive (2015/2366) (“PSD2”) has consistently aimed to provide consumers with efficient, convenient and secure payment methods.
Digital euro to take centre stage at Ganado Advocates’ 11th Annual Banking and Payments Law Seminar
This year’s seminar comes against the backdrop of accelerated European Union initiatives in digital finance, most notably the recent progress at EU level on the legal framework underpinning the digital euro.
Two decades in the making: Malta’s proposed merger control reforms
On January 15, the Office for Competition within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority launched a long-awaited public consultation on proposed reforms to Malta’s merger control regime.
EBA Q&A clarifies strong customer authentication requirements in open banking solutions
The evolving landscape of online payments under the Payment Services Directive (2015/2366) (“PSD2”) has consistently aimed to provide consumers with efficient, convenient and secure payment methods.
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the Malta chapter in the Legal500 Real Estate guide (9th Edition).
Balancing financial inclusion and AML compliance: The right to a basic payment account
The anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) legal framework imposes rules on banks to continuously assess risks under the threat of critical regulatory and reputational consequences.