Ganado Advocates
High Net Worth Guide 2024
About
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
- Valletta171 Old Bakery Street , Valletta, Malta, Malta, VLT 1455
- Web: www.ganado.com
- Tel: (+356) 21 23 54 06
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Ganado Advocates
Ganado Advocates rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
467 items provided by Ganado Advocates
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the 2025 Malta chapter edition of Lexology Panoramic – Fund Management.
The Motor Insurance Directive and Compensation Funds
Amendments to Maltese law and European developments.
Ganado Advocates announces two partnership promotions
Ganado Advocates is pleased to announce the appointment of Lorraine Poole and Robert Taylor-East as new Partners within the firm’s banking and finance practice and corporate finance and tax practice, respectively.
Breaking Barriers: The European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (“EAA”), formally known as Directive (EU) 2019/882 (and the Maltese transposition through the “Accessibility Measures (European Accessibility Act) Regulations” – S.L. 627.03), is set to significantly transform the digital and consumer landscape across the European...
Auto-enrolment occupational pension regime: What will this mean for employers?
Recent launch of public consultation on the proposed introduction of an auto-enrolment occupational pension regime in Malta.
No excuses for substandard work
In a recent judgment delivered on the 6 June 2025, the First Hall Civil Court (the “FHCC”), in the case Raymond Azzopardi (the “Claimant”) vs Adrian Borg (the “Respondent”) presided by Madame Justice Audrey Demicoli, considered the legal obligations of contractors concerning the standard of skill...
Shipping – Malta: The introduction of a security interest in finance lease transactions
Ganado Advocates is the author of the 2025 Marine Money International chapter on shipping in Malta (Q2, volume 41, number 2).
Understanding the Proposed Critical Medicines Act
A step forward in securing Europe’s medicine supply.
The Artificial Intelligence Act and insurance sector overview: Where are we so far?
The Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act), published in July 2024, applies across all sectors, including insurance.
Strengthening Oversight and Innovation in Malta’s Insurance Sector
An overview of the MFSA 2024 Annual Report
EBA's opinion on PSD2 and MiCA: Path for CASPs who provide services in relation to EMTs
On 10 June 2025, the European Banking Authority (“EBA”) published its long-awaited Opinion[1] on how the existing second Payment Services Directive (“PSD2”) interacts with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (“MiCA”), in the context of electronic money tokens (“EMTs”)...
MFSA publishes observations from inspections with investment services providers
The Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) has published a Dear CEO letter addressed to all chief executive officers and compliance officers of ‘persons professionally arranging or executing transactions’, particularly to investment services providers.
Chambers Global Practice Guide – Artificial Intelligence 2025
Ganado Advocates is the author of the Malta chapter in the Chambers Global Practice Guide 2025 on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
ESMA final reports on amendments to the Prospectus Regulation and Civil Prospectus Liability
The European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has today released its final reports on the Prospectus Regulation and on civil prospectus liability.
Publication of Luxembourg’s 2025 National Risk Assessment
Luxembourg’s National Prevention Committee on money laundering and financing of terrorism (“NPC”) has published a revised version of Luxembourg’s National Risk Assessment which was prepared under the direction of the Ministry of Justice in Luxembourg and approved by the NPC on 28th April 2025...
Lexology Panoramic – Trademarks guide 2025
Ganado Advocates is the author of the Malta chapter in Lexology Panoramic – Trademarks guide, 2025 edition.
Lexology Panoramic – Restructuring and Insolvency guide 2025
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the Malta chapter in the 2025 edition of Lexology Panoramic – Restructuring and Insolvency guide.
Cross-Border Wars: CJEU clarifies jurisdiction rules in BSH v. Electrolux
On 25 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a pivotal ruling in BSH Hausgeräte GmbH v. Electrolux AB (Case C-339/22), addressing jurisdictional issues in cross-border patent litigation.
Renewable Energy in Malta 2025
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the Malta Chapter of the 4th edition of the Legal 500 Renewable Energy Comparative Guide.
Acceleration Clauses in Personal Loan Agreements in the context of the Unfair Terms Directive
The general provisions found under Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (the “Unfair Terms Directive”), which is aimed at safeguarding consumer rights in contracts with suppliers, have often been analysed and supplemented by judgments of the Court of...
ID-DRITT XXXV – Clean titles & cross-border conflicts: Resolving the international effects of judici
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, ships are identified as key industry players by virtue of their day-to-day cross-border voyages making them one of the most essential and volatile economic units.
MFSA amendments to FIR/02 and FIR/03: Participation in payment systems and DORA alignment
The Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) has revised Chapter 2 of the Financial Institutions Rulebook (“FIR/02”) and Chapter 3 of the Financial Institutions Rulebook (“FIR/03”) to reflect recent regulatory developments at European level.
ID-DRITT XXXV – Procedural requirements for counterclaims under the ICSID Convention: Consent and co
A counterclaim is an independent claim made by a respondent party against a claimant, which reacts and is incidental to the original claim, while also having an objective which extends beyond the mere dismissal of that original claim.1
Key amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention: Strengthening protections for seafarers
The most recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006, represent a significant step in strengthening the rights and welfare of seafarers.
Small Initiatives Support Scheme renewed with €180,000 budget for 2026 projects
The Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), a key funding mechanism for voluntary organisations, has been renewed for another year.
Arbitration in Malta: Court balances procedure, legislative intent and party autonomy
On 28 April 2025, the Court of Magistrates, presided over by Magistrate Dr Victor G. Axiak, delivered a partial judgment in the case of Nigel Scerri and Ennessee Ltd v. SR Environmental Solutions Ltd.
A constitutional tug of war over Malta’s rent laws
For decades, Malta’s rental laws have been a legal minefield, balancing the rights of landlords against the protection of tenants.
Maritime trade in the crosshairs: Understanding the EU’s 16th sanctions package
On 24th February 2025, the European Union (“EU”) introduced its 16th package of restrictive measures and sanctions against Russia (the “16th Package”) through Council Regulation 2025/395 amending Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions...
MFSA seeks industry feedback on EU Banking Package implementation
On the 9 May 2025, the MFSA issued a consultation document on the national transposition and implementation of the Banking Package,1 namely CRDVI2 and CRRIII.
Malta Ship Registry to issue electronic certificates effective 1 June 2025
On 12 May 2025, the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta issued Merchant Shipping Notice 193, which introduces a significant regulatory development concerning the issuance and legal recognition of statutory certificates by the Malta Ship Registry.
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the 2025 Malta chapter edition of Lexology Panoramic – Fund Management.
The Motor Insurance Directive and Compensation Funds
Amendments to Maltese law and European developments.
Ganado Advocates announces two partnership promotions
Ganado Advocates is pleased to announce the appointment of Lorraine Poole and Robert Taylor-East as new Partners within the firm’s banking and finance practice and corporate finance and tax practice, respectively.
Breaking Barriers: The European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (“EAA”), formally known as Directive (EU) 2019/882 (and the Maltese transposition through the “Accessibility Measures (European Accessibility Act) Regulations” – S.L. 627.03), is set to significantly transform the digital and consumer landscape across the European...
Auto-enrolment occupational pension regime: What will this mean for employers?
Recent launch of public consultation on the proposed introduction of an auto-enrolment occupational pension regime in Malta.
No excuses for substandard work
In a recent judgment delivered on the 6 June 2025, the First Hall Civil Court (the “FHCC”), in the case Raymond Azzopardi (the “Claimant”) vs Adrian Borg (the “Respondent”) presided by Madame Justice Audrey Demicoli, considered the legal obligations of contractors concerning the standard of skill...
Shipping – Malta: The introduction of a security interest in finance lease transactions
Ganado Advocates is the author of the 2025 Marine Money International chapter on shipping in Malta (Q2, volume 41, number 2).
Understanding the Proposed Critical Medicines Act
A step forward in securing Europe’s medicine supply.
The Artificial Intelligence Act and insurance sector overview: Where are we so far?
The Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act), published in July 2024, applies across all sectors, including insurance.
Strengthening Oversight and Innovation in Malta’s Insurance Sector
An overview of the MFSA 2024 Annual Report
EBA's opinion on PSD2 and MiCA: Path for CASPs who provide services in relation to EMTs
On 10 June 2025, the European Banking Authority (“EBA”) published its long-awaited Opinion[1] on how the existing second Payment Services Directive (“PSD2”) interacts with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (“MiCA”), in the context of electronic money tokens (“EMTs”)...
MFSA publishes observations from inspections with investment services providers
The Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) has published a Dear CEO letter addressed to all chief executive officers and compliance officers of ‘persons professionally arranging or executing transactions’, particularly to investment services providers.
Chambers Global Practice Guide – Artificial Intelligence 2025
Ganado Advocates is the author of the Malta chapter in the Chambers Global Practice Guide 2025 on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
ESMA final reports on amendments to the Prospectus Regulation and Civil Prospectus Liability
The European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has today released its final reports on the Prospectus Regulation and on civil prospectus liability.
Publication of Luxembourg’s 2025 National Risk Assessment
Luxembourg’s National Prevention Committee on money laundering and financing of terrorism (“NPC”) has published a revised version of Luxembourg’s National Risk Assessment which was prepared under the direction of the Ministry of Justice in Luxembourg and approved by the NPC on 28th April 2025...
Lexology Panoramic – Trademarks guide 2025
Ganado Advocates is the author of the Malta chapter in Lexology Panoramic – Trademarks guide, 2025 edition.
Lexology Panoramic – Restructuring and Insolvency guide 2025
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the Malta chapter in the 2025 edition of Lexology Panoramic – Restructuring and Insolvency guide.
Cross-Border Wars: CJEU clarifies jurisdiction rules in BSH v. Electrolux
On 25 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a pivotal ruling in BSH Hausgeräte GmbH v. Electrolux AB (Case C-339/22), addressing jurisdictional issues in cross-border patent litigation.
Renewable Energy in Malta 2025
Ganado Advocates has contributed to the Malta Chapter of the 4th edition of the Legal 500 Renewable Energy Comparative Guide.
Acceleration Clauses in Personal Loan Agreements in the context of the Unfair Terms Directive
The general provisions found under Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (the “Unfair Terms Directive”), which is aimed at safeguarding consumer rights in contracts with suppliers, have often been analysed and supplemented by judgments of the Court of...
ID-DRITT XXXV – Clean titles & cross-border conflicts: Resolving the international effects of judici
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, ships are identified as key industry players by virtue of their day-to-day cross-border voyages making them one of the most essential and volatile economic units.
MFSA amendments to FIR/02 and FIR/03: Participation in payment systems and DORA alignment
The Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) has revised Chapter 2 of the Financial Institutions Rulebook (“FIR/02”) and Chapter 3 of the Financial Institutions Rulebook (“FIR/03”) to reflect recent regulatory developments at European level.
ID-DRITT XXXV – Procedural requirements for counterclaims under the ICSID Convention: Consent and co
A counterclaim is an independent claim made by a respondent party against a claimant, which reacts and is incidental to the original claim, while also having an objective which extends beyond the mere dismissal of that original claim.1
Key amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention: Strengthening protections for seafarers
The most recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006, represent a significant step in strengthening the rights and welfare of seafarers.
Small Initiatives Support Scheme renewed with €180,000 budget for 2026 projects
The Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), a key funding mechanism for voluntary organisations, has been renewed for another year.
Arbitration in Malta: Court balances procedure, legislative intent and party autonomy
On 28 April 2025, the Court of Magistrates, presided over by Magistrate Dr Victor G. Axiak, delivered a partial judgment in the case of Nigel Scerri and Ennessee Ltd v. SR Environmental Solutions Ltd.
A constitutional tug of war over Malta’s rent laws
For decades, Malta’s rental laws have been a legal minefield, balancing the rights of landlords against the protection of tenants.
Maritime trade in the crosshairs: Understanding the EU’s 16th sanctions package
On 24th February 2025, the European Union (“EU”) introduced its 16th package of restrictive measures and sanctions against Russia (the “16th Package”) through Council Regulation 2025/395 amending Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions...
MFSA seeks industry feedback on EU Banking Package implementation
On the 9 May 2025, the MFSA issued a consultation document on the national transposition and implementation of the Banking Package,1 namely CRDVI2 and CRRIII.
Malta Ship Registry to issue electronic certificates effective 1 June 2025
On 12 May 2025, the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta issued Merchant Shipping Notice 193, which introduces a significant regulatory development concerning the issuance and legal recognition of statutory certificates by the Malta Ship Registry.