Senior Regulatory Advisor

Ian Deguara

Ian Deguara

Ian Deguara is a Senior Regulatory Advisor at Mamo TCV Advocates. He has more than twenty years’ experience in data protection, privacy, regulatory compliance, and governance. Before joining the Firm, he served in a number of senior positions within Malta’s national data protection authority, culminating in his appointment as Information and Data Protection Commissioner, a role he held between December 2020 and April 2026.

During his tenure as Commissioner, Ian led the supervisory authority through a period of significant regulatory and technological change, overseeing complex investigations, regulatory enforcement, technical audits, and strategic policy initiatives. He played a key role in strengthening Malta’s data protection framework and contributed to the country’s preparations for the implementation of the GDPR.

Drawing on extensive regulatory and enforcement experience, Ian advises public and private sector organisations on data protection governance, compliance programmes, risk management, investigations, and the practical application of data protection law. He is recognised for delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice while safeguarding individuals’ fundamental rights.

Practice Areas

  • Data Protection and Privacy

Education

  • Bachelor of Science (Business and Computing) (1997, University of Malta)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.)(Management) (2001, University of Malta)

Representative Experience

Advised public and private sector organisations on compliance with the GDPR, data protection legislation, and broader digital regulatory frameworks, including the design and implementation of effective privacy governance programmes.

Led complex regulatory investigations, audits, and enforcement proceedings involving cross-border processing, data breaches, international data transfers, and high-risk processing activities.

Provided strategic advice on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), privacy by design and by default, AI governance, and the lawful deployment of emerging technologies.

Played a leading role in Malta’s implementation of the GDPR through legislative development, regulatory guidance, stakeholder engagement, and nationwide awareness initiatives.

Represented Malta at the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and other international forums, contributing to the consistent interpretation and application of European data protection law and regulatory policy.

Get In Touch

Address

MAMO TCV Main Office
Palazzo Pietro Stiges
103, Strait Street
Valletta, VLT 1436
Malta

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