After the Malta Financial Services Authority's ("MFSA") consultation process on the Regulation of Collective Investment Schemes Investing in Virtual Currencies and the subsequent feedback statement issued on such matter, the MFSA has published Supplementary Conditions applicable to Professional Investor Funds ('PIFs') investing in Virtual Currencies ('VCs'). Coupled with the recent discussion paper on Initial Coin Offerings, Virtual Currencies and Related Service Providers, it is clear that the MFSA is seeking to create a strong regulatory framework and ensure hig...

Following the publication of the European Securities and Markets Authority's statements highlighting the risks posed by Initial Coin Offerings ("ICOs") to investors and investment firms, the Malta Financial Services Authority (the "MFSA"), Malta's single regulator for the financial services industry, has issued a highly awaited discussion paper outlining the local regulatory approach to be taken in connection with ICOs, virtual currencies and market participants operating within the sector.The launch of the discussion paper brings Malta one step closer to the impl...

The Malta Financial Services Authority (the "MFSA"), Malta's single regulator for the financial services industry, has published a consultation document through which it has formally kick-started the process for the regulation of collective investment schemes having as their investment objective the investment in virtual currencies.The launch of the consultation document foreshadows the regulatory approach to be adopted by the MFSA in relation to this specific faction of the digital economy, and, simultaneously, offers market participants the potential to design a...

Mamo TCV Advocates recently assisted clients with the first transformation in Malta of an Investment Company with Variable Share Capital ("SICAV") to an incorporated cell ("IC") under a Recognised Incorporated Cell Company ("RICC"). This transformation was effected using the provisions of the Companies Act (Recognised Incorporated Cell Companies) Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 386.15 of the Laws of Malta). The SICAV IC is also licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority ("MFSA") as an alternative investment fund ("AIF") under the Alternative Investment...

Under Maltese law, collective investment schemes that qualify as Professional Investor Funds ("PIFs") are subject to a significantly lighter and more flexible regime than retail funds. Hedge funds, funds of funds, private equity funds, and property funds, are typically set up as a PIF, in Malta. The Investment Services Rules for Professional Investor Funds, issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority ("MFSA") cater for a regulatory framework that is both robust and adaptable, allowing managers and promoters to innovate and to develop new products to meet the ...