Practice Areas > Investment Services, Fintech & Capital Markets > Funds & Investment Services
Overview
Over the past years, the Maltese jurisdiction has become increasingly attractive to investment funds. In June 2019, the net asset value of Maltese domiciled funds equated to €14.73 billions. This represented a growth of five point four per cent (or €0.75 billion) when compared to end 2018.
Figures published by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) show that alternative investment funds had the largest share at 44.4% (or €6.57 billion) followed by professional investor funds at 33.7% (or almost €5 billion) and UCITS funds with a share of 19.8% (or €2.91 billion).
Legal Basis
The Investment Services Act and subsidiary legislation provides for the setting up of funds. Funds may be Maltese UCITS funds which are retail funds marketed to the general public and hence are bound by stringent rules relating to diversity of investments, liquidity and eligibility of assets. Professional Investor Funds on the other hand are targeted at investors that are experienced or that are very high net-worth. A more light touch regulation is adopted in relation to these latter funds.
How we can assist.
Gonzi & Associates, Advocates is able to assist you with all aspects relating to the regulation and licensing of funds as well as of service providers to funds.
The Process
Specialising
Lawyers
David Gonzi is managing partner of Gonzi & Associates, Advocates and has more than thirteen years experience in the provision of legal advice in the fields of financial services, IT and gaming.
In particular, David has assisted various companies with acquiring Malta licenses for the provision of investment services, financial institutions, online forex/binary options, emoney, payment services, funds, collective investment schemes and remote and land-based gaming.
He has a Masters (MA) in Financial Services from the University of Malta, a Masters in IT and Telecoms Law (LLM) from the University College of London, a Doctorate of Law from the University of Malta and a Diploma in Taxation from the Malta Institute of Taxation.
Education
2013: Diploma in Taxation, Malta Institute of Taxation
2009: M.A. Financial Services, University of Malta
2003: LL.M (IT and Telecommunication Law), University College of London
2002: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2001: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
1999: Bachelor of Arts in Legal and Humanistic Studies, University of Malta
Professional Experience
2002 to present: Founder and Partner at Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2002 - 2005: Malta Communications Authority, Senior Legal Adviser
Professional Memberships
Chamber of Advocates, Malta
Institute of Financial Services Practitioners, Malta
Sarah Demicoli joined the Firm as an Associate Lawyer in 2021. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws at the University of Malta in 2016. In 2017, she worked with the Department of Justice at the United States Embassy in Valletta where she contributed to training provided by the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law on counter-terrorism, juvenile justice and the rule of law to various legal and judicial professionals in Africa and Asia, gaining practical knowledge in that field. In 2019 she joined a localboutique regulatory advisor where she worked within corporate and regulatory advisory. In 2023 she obtained a Professional Award in Taxation awarded by the Malta Institute of Taxation. Sarah currently undertakes the civil and commercial litigation of the Firm, whilst also providing support to clients on employment law, competition law and corporate law.
Sarah is currently pursuing a master's degree in Financial Services at the University of Malta.
Education
2023: Award in Taxation, Malta Institute of Taxation
2017: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2016: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
2014: Bachelor of Laws, University of Malta
Professional Experience
2021: Associate, Gonzi & Associates, Advocates
2019: Associate, Lecocqassociate
2017: Administrative Assistant, United States Embassy, Valletta
Professional Memberships
Chamber of Advocates (Malta)
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