Investment Services & Funds

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 implementation of a framework which would lay to rest the regulatory limbo characterising the field to date and in turn…

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 platform tailor made for certain categories of investors willing to invest in virtual currencies.In terms of the draft rulebook issued…

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 Fund Managers Directive (Directive 2011/61/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 8th June 2011).The Investment Services…

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 changing needs of the market. Changes to the Investor Base On 1 April…