Publications

An overview of how ICOs work and an introduction to how the Maltese Regulator shall regulate them.

This publication explores the first consequences and developments following Brexit and gives an overview of the current situation as talks for a future trade deal come to a standstill. The UK will need to settle its position on EU citizens’ rights, the leaving bill and the Irish Border before the EU would be willing to enter into trade talks. It also explores possible future trade models and how these could impact businesses, particularly the financial services & banking sectors.

Companies seeking to raise finance, gain brand awareness often choose to list on the Malta Stock Exchange. Depending on the nature of their business, their level of growth and their long-term goals for their company, business owners will need to decide whether they shall list on the Main market which is generally aimed at larger corporations seeking to raise finance over EUR5 million, and Prospects which was specifically created for SMEs seeking to raise less than EUR5 million.

As Malta gears up to become the world's first state to provide a comprehensive framework for blockchain businesses and cryptocurrencies, the environment is perfect for technology and blockchain specialists seeking a jurisdiction which is open to the innovation which their industry brings, and which would be an ideal jurisdiction for relocation. This article also addresses Malta's challenges in terms of manpower which it shall need to address as it becomes a Fintech hub.

Blockchain has the potential of breaking barriers within various industries, including that of insurance. With the current industry subject to fraud and paper-based investments, it has been argued that Blockchain will be able to provide the security needed to minimise fraud and cyber liability. By combining Blockchain and the future of the insurance industry, the conservative system currently in place would be replaced with a sound, transparent system.

This table provides a straightforward answer to how different jurisdictions are regulating and taxing cryptocurrencies and ICOs.

UCITS funds may appoint a UCITS Management Company to act as its manager which will be in charge of overseeing the discretionary investment management of the assets of the scheme itself. The UCITS Management Company may be established in any of the EU member states, and may offer its services to UCITS funds set up anywhere in the EU through the EU Passporting regime.

From a popular buzzword to a revolutionary technology that is ought to redefine an array of operational and business processes, especially within the financial service industry. Undeniably, the investment services sector is a segment of the financial industry which could benefit greatly from the implementation of this distributed ledger technology. Blockchain technology usage is likely to result in reduced operational expenses, as well as the elimination of redundant and time-consuming functions

Blockchain and Banking.While some experts believe that implementing blockchain technology in the banking sector has the capacity to solve multiple challenges, it also presents a double-edged sword for banks. While it could potentially save banks billions in cash by dramatically reducing processing costs, in turn making banks more profitable and valuable, it could also mean that technological developments have attracted many new fintech start-ups to the market.

The insurance industry is fortunately positioned to benefit from blockchain technology. Blockchain can act as a deterrent towards low customer satisfaction as it can reduce fraudulent claims, increase manual process efficiency, save time and money and poise an increased resilience. Indeed, this revolutionary technology is the best solution for the multiple challenges, such as fragmented data sources, policies sitting in silo and legacy underwriting models, that the insurance sector faces.