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Aaron Payas

🙋🏻‍♂️ Web3 & Funds lawyer. BAYC #3338. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. Degree in Mathematics. 🎯 Leading a team which helps clients build in Web3. 📚 Self-motivated, goal oriented and client-focused. Biggest attribute is an endless pursuit of self-improvement through multi-disciplinary studies. 👨🏻‍💻 Connecting the dots to bring disruptive Web3 closer to the mainstream with every matter, Aaron is focused on helping projects build with solid legal and regulatory foundations. Aaron’s practice enables his clients to leverage all the advantages Gibraltar offers as a proof-of-concept jurisdiction for crypto projects. Marrying a traditional practice in financial services with industry-leading work, Aaron has been instrumental in many clients’ achievements in the challenging DLT space. 🔍 Focus: Web3, NFTs, metaverse, crypto funds, crypto foundations, token sales, DAOs, DLT licences, VASPs & tokenisation of assets. 🏆 Recent practice highlight: In a landmark achievement for INX, a Gibraltar-based token issuer, Aaron assisted in INX’s successful application to the SEC in the US for the first SEC-approved security token. Aaron described the listing at the time by saying: “It is a matter of some pride for Hassans, INX and for Gibraltar that the first security token offering approved by the SEC for distribution to the US public isn’t even a US entity – it is a Gibraltar company, constituted and operating under the Laws of Gibraltar. This is an excellent development for the jurisdiction, the efforts of which in the DLT and wider fintech space are being validated by the successful filing of the INX security token.” 📜 Aaron is ranked as a leading fintech and funds lawyer by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. 🎤 Available for speaking engagements. Aaron regularly presents at seminars, and is a published author, on crypto funds, crypto foundations, VASPs, DLT licences, sports law and cannabis. 🐦 Twitter: @aaronpayas 🖼 ENS: AaronPYS.eth www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpayas/ 🎥 If you would like to schedule an initial Zoom call with Aaron, please click the link: www.calendly.com/AaronPYS

Abigail Cornelio

Abigail joined the firm in 2003 and is a partner of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team. She has a strong background in transactional work involving Gibraltar companies such as mergers and acquisition, joint ventures, corporate governance and financing transactions. Abigail’s expertise is in private client matters, assisting high net worth individuals and families establish corporate structures, advising on residency matters, family business disputes (pre litigation) and family business governance frameworks. Abigail also assists clients with succession planning, estate planning and cross-border estate matters. In addition to the aforementioned matters, Abigail can also assist with Will drafting, execution of Wills, applications for grants of probate and letters of administration, administration of Estates, lasting Powers of Attorney and naturalisation. Abigail graduated from University of Hertfordshire. She attended the Inns of Court School of Law as a member of Middle Temple. Abigail is an affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She has completed the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Family Business and Family Business Governance obtaining distinctions in both.

Andrew Montegriffo

Andrew Montegriffo is a Partner in the Corporate and Commercial Department and forms part of the Gaming and FinTech teams. Andrew primarily works with clients in the sectors of online gaming, fintech and digital technologies. He advises on a wide range of legal issues including licensing, regulatory, financing, corporate structuring and general commercial matters. He has been heavily involved with the establishment and ongoing operation of multiple blue-chip gambling operators and DLT companies in Gibraltar. In addition to advising stakeholders in the gambling and fintech industries, he works with a number of clients in the interactive entertainment sector including esports organisations, streamers and professional players. Andrew regularly contributes to legal journals and publications. He also teaches the Gaming Law module at the University of Gibraltar for the Professional Certificate of Competence in Gibraltar Law and speaks at industry conferences.

Anthony Provasoli

Anthony is a Partner, Deputy Head of Financial Services and leads the Hassans’ Fintech team. Anthony has been advising on crypto currency and blockchain related work since 2014 and was very involved in promoting the regulation of crypto currency related business in Gibraltar. Anthony has advised and assisted the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission in preparing the guidance notes for the DLT Regulations and is often invited to form part of working groups that are consulted from time to time on certain legal and regulatory amendments that the Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission are considering in relation to Gibraltar’s DLT regulations. He has advised a number of high-profile crypto currency businesses, DLT providers and FinTech firms over the years that are looking to set up operations in Gibraltar and Europe more broadly. Anthony has also advised clients undertaking token sales from Gibraltar and regularly advises investors in this sector and early stage start-ups who are looking for guidance on the structuring of their products and/or business proposition. Anthony has been invited to speak at several international Blockchain and FinTech events and is considered a leading lawyer in this sector. Additionally, over the last couple of years, Anthony has been voted to form part of the inaugural executive committee of the Gibraltar Association for New Technologies by its members, a position that he still enjoys today.

Darren Martinez

Darren joined Hassans in October 2011 and was made Partner in the firm’s litigation department on 1st July 2021. Darren has a busy and varied practice across most of the department’s practice areas with a particular focus on commercial, insolvency, construction and crypto-currency/distributed technology ledger law. He appears regularly in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. He has also appeared (as a junior) in the Court of Appeal for Gibraltar. Darren has experience appearing before statutory boards and tribunals, including the Development and Planning Commission, the Parole Board and the Business Licensing Authority where he acts for both applicants and objectors. Darren was listed as a “Rising Star” in the Dispute Resolution category in the 2020 edition of the Legal 500. Areas of practice Corporate/Commercial & Insolvency Darren is developing a broad practice in commercial and insolvency matters. He also has experience making various types of applications under the Companies Act 2014 and Insolvency Act 2011. Recent instructions include: Acting for a Danish insurance company in a claim against a Gibraltar based agent. The client sought and was granted a freezing injunction. Acting for a liquidator (led by Daniel Feetham QC) in claims against ex-directors for breach of fiduciary duty. Instructed by a company which invested in a Gibraltar Protected Cell Company in the first case in Gibraltar involving the administration of a Gibraltar protected cell company under the Protected Cell Companies Act. Instructed by an online gaming company in a claim against a developer of payment gateway services in relation to a claim for breach of contract / negligence. Advising a Gibraltar Company in relation to a cross-border merger pursuant to the Gibraltar Companies (Cross-Border Mergers) Regulations 2010. Acting for an insurance company which was placed into Administration by the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. Acting for an online gaming company facing a negligence claim frim a gambler. Regulatory Darren has acted (with Daniel Feetham QC) for regulated entities in various disputes where the local Financial Services Regulator, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, has exercised its powers under the Solvency II Directive, the Financial Services (Insurance Companies) Act 1987 and the Financial Services (Information Gathering and Co-operation) Act 2013. These cases have often dealt with important issues for Gibraltar’s Finance Centre and have been widely reported on by local media. Recently, Darren has been instructed (with Daniel Feetham QC) by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission in a matter involving a local insurance company. Darren (again with Daniel Feetham QC) has also recently acted for the Financial Services Commission in first case which was referred to the Financial Services Commission Decision Making Committee. Crypto-Currency, Distributed Ledger Technology Darren has a developing practice dealing with crypto-currency and DLT litigation work. Darren has advised clients following the loss in investment funds due to alleged leakage of coins, contrary to the vesting schedule. Questions include the legal status of a White Paper and issues surrounding the late amendment to vesting schedules prior to the Initial Coin Offering. Construction Darren has been involved in a number of construction cases acting for both developers and contractors, including: Acting for a local construction company in relation to a dispute with a Developer in a large residential housing project in Gibraltar’s old town area. (https://www.chronicle.gi) Acting for a Developer in a case before the Supreme Court of Gibraltar to determine the enforceability of an adjudication clause in an amended JCT construction contract. (http://www.gcs.gov.gi) Currently advising a Developer of a boutique hotel in relation to a claim brought by the contractor. Advising a developer of a multi-story mixed-use development measuring approximately 1,250 square metres on landlord and tenant matters. Darren also has experience appearing before the Development and Planning Commission, the decision-making statutory body which considers applications for planning permission in Gibraltar. Darren was appointed as a member of the Development Appeals Tribunal by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar. The Development Appeals tribunal is the appeal body tasked with determining appeals of decisions of the Development and Planning Commission. Recent Judgments (2019/2020) Reclaim Limited v (1) Law Abogados Patrimonial SL and (2) Luis Garcia Fernandez: https://www.gcs.gov.gi Nicholas Cruz v (1) Samantha Barrass (2) Peter Taylor and (3) Gibraltar Financial Services Regulation: https://www.gcs.gov.gi The Queen on the application of Daniel Cassaglia v The Employment Tribunal: https://www.gcs.gov.gi Gefion Insurance A/S v Pukka Insure Limited: http://www.gcs.gov.gi http://www.gcs.gov.gi

Dick Azopardi

Dick Azopardi is a consultant to Hassans having previously headed the firm’s Property Department. Mr Azopardi initially joined the Firm in 1979, in those early days undertaking mainly general litigation work. He then left the Firm in 1984 and spent two years in Her Majestys Attorney Generals Chambers where he was appointed legal adviser to the then Land Board, the body that at the time dealt with Government property related matters. Mr Azopardi then re-joined the Firm in 1986 and with his newly acquired expertise in property law and real estate matters, established the Firms Property Department coinciding with the property boom of the late eighties that Gibraltar was experiencing. In those days the Property Department comprised two legal practitioners and one support staff. The Team has grown substantially throughout the years and now comprises five practitioners and three support staff. Mr Azopardi has been a Partner of the Firm since 1989 and has headed the Department since its inception. In the past, he has been a regular speaker on property legal matters and has attended and spoken at joint seminars with developers in the UK, Germany, South Africa and Spain. Over the years Mr Azopardi has represented the majority of property developers and lending institutions in Gibraltar. Throughout the last twenty-five years, he has been at the forefront of real estate developments and has experienced the transformation of Gibraltar’s residential market from one almost entirely based on Government and private sector rentals to a primarily owner/occupier market.

Eli Beniso

Eli is a member of the Hassans Tax and Overseas Property Department specialising in private client and tax-related work. He regularly advises clients with regard to the set-up and on-going management of trust and corporate cross-jurisdictional tax-efficient structures. Eli’s practice also includes corporate commercial work and he regularly advises clients on corporate governance issues, reorganisations as well as transactional matters in general. A University of Manchester graduate, Eli joined Hassans in 2006 having completed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, London.

Gemma Vasquez

Gemma is a Partner in the Corporate and Commercial team. She specialises in construction law and corporate law and has advised developers, contractors and banks on large construction projects. Gemma also assisted in drafting the Gibraltar Companies Act, which came into force in Gibraltar in 2014.

Gillian Guzman KC

Gillian specialises in general civil and criminal litigation with particular emphasis on human rights, personal injury, clinical negligence, family and employment. A regular advocate before the local courts, Gillian has represented clients at every level, both leading the case and as junior counsel to Leading London Counsel, most notably Mr Edward Fitzgerald KC, in Gibraltar’s largest fraud trial. Gillian’s experience also extends to the UK where she has appeared as junior to Leading Counsel before the Privy Council. In 2004, Gillian chaired the first Human Rights Symposium ever held in Gibraltar, which was facilitated by the Gibraltar Judiciary. On the subject of the Human Rights of the Child, Gillian has sat as a fellow panelist, alongside such eminent members of the legal profession as Dame Elizabeth Butler Sloss (UK), Lady Justice Angawa (Kenya) and Mr Nicholas Critelli (US). In the last years Gillian has been kept busy advising clients such as the Gibraltar Health Authority on various aspects including the implementation of policies and legislation and in employment related issues. Gillian is also closely involved in advising the TGWU in both employment and personal injury matters and also in advising many of the top gaming companies on employment related matters. In 2006 she was appointed Chairperson of the Industrial Tribunal.

Grahame Jackson

Grahame is a Solicitor, Chartered Tax Adviser and partner with the firm specialising in Tax. After leaving university with his first degree (reading English & Philosophy at Keele) in 1993 he ran his family’s printing business for nine years before moving to Gibraltar. He joined our associated company management arm, Line Management Services Limited in 2002 as a Company Administrator, moving to Hassans in 2004 to work in the funds department. He began training to be a solicitor in 2004 attending the College of Law and Northumbria University. In 2020 he completed the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s Advanced Diploma in International Taxation. In 2023 he became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation after completing the direct route by Body of Work. Grahame is a specialist in both domestic and international tax, working on numerous matters which have a tax element to them, he also has experience of a wide range of matters including business law, personal taxation and residence etc. Grahame is also Chairman of the Gibraltar Association of Tax Advisors. In April 2023 Grahame was appointed to the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s prestigious Technical Policy and Oversight Committee: International Taxes Committee. He continues to contribute to policy areas where possible. Some examples of his work include: Advising in respect of international transactions and the interaction of various tax jurisdictions; Advising a multi-billion pound property group in relation to the continuing maintenance of corporate structures and corporate governance in a tax setting; Advising various clients on the Gibraltar aspects of their businesses and the tax effects of their corporate structures; Advising in respect of major group restructures from a trust and tax law perspective; Providing assistance with relocation and business establishment for international financial institutions seeking to establish a presence in Gibraltar; Advising international groups on double taxation treaty interactions with domestic law; Conducting group wide corporate tax compliance reviews coordinating advice from a number of jurisdictions Grahame is a leading writer on the growing number of international tax information exchange regimes, has spoken at several events on DAC6 and regularly advises financial institutions and fiduciaries on their obligations under DAC6 and CRS. He also the co-presenter of the successful tax podcast International Tax Bites which discusses concepts and issues in international tax, you can listen here. Publications: Books: A Practitioners Guide to International Tax Information Exchange Regimes Harriet Brown & Grahame Jackson, Spiramus Press 2021 Journal Papers: G Jackson & H. Brown, The Role of Context in Interpreting International Tax Instruments: A Solution to the Erosion of Internal Cohesion of Domestic Tax Systems by International Law? The EU Directive on Administrative Cooperation Version 6 (DAC6) – A Case Study, 76 Bull. Intl. Taxn. 2 (2022), G Jackson & H. Brown, The Common Reporting Standard, the “Managed By” Entity and the Purpose Test, 62 Eur. Taxn. 2 (2022), G Jackson and H Brown, The Mechanisms for Defeating Tax Avoidance and Acts of Non-Compliance: The Obligation of the State and the International Community to Legitimate Reasonable Taxpayer Choices, European Taxation 2022 (Volume 62) No 6 G Jackson The Utility of Tax Residence Tests beyond Taxing Rights and the Concept of “Tests of Belonging” Given the Growing Number of Multilateral Provisions in the Context of Territorial Tax Regimes Bulletin for International Taxation 2022 (Volume 76) No 6 G Jackson Let’s Talk about Trust: The Treatment of Foundations as Trusts under the Common Reporting Standard – A Call for a New Approach, Bulletin for International Taxation 2022 (Volume 76) No 9 H Brown and G Jackson Interpretation of Multi-lateral Treaties: The Purposive Approach and Multiple Parties Through the Lens of the UK Courts Interpretation of Multi-lateral Treaties: The Purposive Approach and Multiple Parties Through the Lens of the UK Courts Intertax Volume 50 Issue 11 · Oct 5, 2022 G Jackson Banks, Automatic Cross-Border Exchange of Taxpayer Information and English Common Law Fiduciary Duties Owed to Customers, Bulletin for International Taxation2023 (Volume 77), No. 1

Ian Felice

Ian joined the firm in 1999 and is a Partner of Hassans’ Corporate and Commercial Team. He is experienced in transactional work involving the use of Gibraltar-based structures, principally for commercial property investments, and also regularly advises on corporate restructuring, acquisition, sales, joint ventures and financing (institutional and private equity). Ian also has particular expertise in advising professional corporate service providers on directors’ duties and responsibilities, including in the context of shareholders’ disputes, and is regularly appointed to act as an expert in litigation matters involving Gibraltar company law.

Ian Farrell

James is a Partner, Head of the Funds Team and Deputy Head of the firm’s Financial Services team. He deals with funds and with regulation of financial services law and blockchain businesses. James is a highly regarded practitioner who has been instrumental in setting up the majority of Gibraltar’s funds, including the first experienced investor fund, the first protected cell company fund. Most recently he has been involved in launching Gibraltar‘s first protected cell limited partnership fund. James, who is qualified as a certified investment fund director, serves on the board of several investment funds and financial services firms. He has received regulatory approval to serve on the board of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange. James is Chairman of the Gibraltar Funds and Investments Association and he serves on the Gibraltar Finance Centre Council. James advised the Government of Gibraltar on its funds legislation and was involved in the drafting of the much of Gibraltar’s funds legislation. A member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, James advised on a substantial trust in a case involving litigation in Paris, New York and Buenos Aires that was featured in the ‘New Yorker’ magazine, the ‘New York Law Journal’ and on CBS News. He is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Hebrew and he read literature, music and law at Johns Hopkins and Bar-Ilan Universities. James is a member of the Israel Bar Association, the Law Society of England & Wales and the Gibraltar Bar. He has been appointed Patron of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society after having chaired the society for 14 years.

Isaac Levy

Isaac is a corporate law and tax specialist with a focus on both corporate and private client transactional and structuring work. Isaac’s work with global finance institutions and international real estate groups alike, stems from his highly regarded expertise in tax and his recognised leadership/project management in international corporate transactional and tax work. Recognised by Chambers and Partners as a leading lawyer in its Global and Europe editions, Isaac is noted for his “ability to see the transaction from both a financier perspective and a developer perspective”; “He is a fast thinker, has a sharp mind and is quick to spot the challenges and come up with solutions”- Chambers Global In the tax context, Isaac has acted for and advised, amongst others, Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar (‘HMGoG’), in respect of amendments to, and transposition of, tax legislation. He advised HMGoG in respect of its programme of work on the international exchange of tax information and double tax treaties. He recently headed the team at Hassans responsible for drafting three key items of legislation implementing the new ‘DAC6 mandatory disclosure regime’, Exit Tax and Hybrid mismatch rules. Read more… As a key trusted adviser of a number of high net worth/real estate owning groups, he has an extensive corporate and private client practice, regularly leading negotiations on high value real estate and corporate transactions. From 2005-2009, Isaac headed a Research Institute in Talmudic Law in Jerusalem and was also ordained as a rabbi by a prominent Rabbinical Court in Israel. Isaac is an active member of the local community in Gibraltar and lectures on Gibraltar tax law at the University of Gibraltar since its establishment in 2015. He is also presently serving on the Managing Board of the Jewish Community Gibraltar.

James Levy CBE KC

James Levy is the Senior Partner of Hassans, specialising in corporate and international tax law. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in October 2002 and, in 2013, was awarded a CBE for his services to the community of Gibraltar and for his work in helping to grow and develop its economy. He advises large public companies on mergers and acquisitions and property companies on acquisitions throughout Europe. He is often called upon by high-net-worth individuals from around the world to provide advice on complicated commercial and family dispute resolution. His in depth legal knowledge is eclipsed only by his common sense approach to problem solving.

James Lasry

Javier Chincotta

Javier is the Managing Partner and co-team leader of both the Private Client and Corporate and Commercial teams. He advises his diverse corporate and private client base on all aspects of their business and personal affairs, including their corporate structures and tax planning. He has regularly advised large multinationals on corporate transactions and co-led the team involved in the IPO of the first Gibraltar company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, FTSE 100. Since 1992, Javier and his team have built up a considerable practice of international clients attracted to Gibraltar's favourable tax regime and he is regarded as a leading specialist in relocating high net worth individuals to Gibraltar as part of their tax and estate planning. Such planning for individuals typically requires the creation of Gibraltar companies to hold property and other assets, as well as setting up family trusts.

Jeremy Requena

Jeremy is an Associate in the Financial Services Department. He specialises in FinTech, Investment Funds and Construction. He regularly advises on the structuring and drafting of legal documents for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), the regulatory treatment of utility tokens, NFTs and the tokenisation of assets and licensing requirements of activities in the space, including DLT Licences, VASP registrations, e-money and electronic payment services licences. Jeremy has worked on the creation of bespoke development and support vehicles for DAOs and advised on the legal status of DAOs, Web3 and metaverse projects, having advised on the establishment of Gibraltar’s first Crypto Foundations. He has worked on the structuring and launch of a range of both private and experienced investor funds including crypto funds, private equity funds, and property funds, often also providing ongoing legal and regulatory advice. His background in construction has allowed him to advise clients on disputes, Development and Planning Commission applications, contracts, and financing arrangements. Jeremy is trained in construction contracts and processes and continually advises clients on their ongoing projects and administers project contracts.

Jerome Compson

Jerome is an Associate in Hassans’ Financial Services Department and forms part of the firm’s FinTech and Funds Team. Jerome specialises in corporate matters and advises clients in the cryptocurrency, blockchain, e-money and payments sectors. With a track record of advising on a multitude of token issuers, market makers, crypto foundations and licence applications for distributed ledger technology (DLT) projects, his extensive experience in these domains is evident. In addition, Jerome has gained valuable experience in both private and experienced investor funds, underscoring his versatility and comprehensive understanding of the financial services landscape. Jerome also regularly advises on critical matters related to data protection, intellectual property, AML/CFT compliance and cybersecurity. His well-rounded knowledge and proactive approach make him a go-to resource for clients seeking comprehensive legal advice in these increasingly important areas. Jerome graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Business & Marketing (dual major), before completing a Graduated Diploma in Law at the University of Law. He has completed the Bar Training Course at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Jerome is a member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and was admitted to the Bar of England & Wales in November 2021. In March 2023, he was subsequently called to the Gibraltar Bar. Other Qualifications Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) Professional Certificate of Competence in Gibraltar Law, University of Gibraltar Professional Certificate of Competence in Gibraltar Tax, University of Gibraltar Professional Skills Course, University of Gibraltar”

Justine Picardo

Justine is a Partner in our Corporate and Commercial Department. She joined the firm in September 2007 and focuses on transactional work using Gibraltar based structures. In 2004, Justine was part of the organising committee that arranged a three day Human Rights Symposium in Gibraltar attracting leading Human Rights activists from around the world and delivered the closing speech based on the rights of children. Justine has just recently assisted Ian Felice in updating the Companies Act section on the 5th Edition of “Gibraltar: International Finance Centre”. Justine completed her Bar Vocational Course in 2007 at the Inns of Court School of Law and, as a member of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple, was called to the Bar of England & Wales in 2007 and Gibraltar in 2008.

Karl Ghio

Karl joined Hassans in 2012 and was made Partner on 1st July 2021. He specialises mainly in large real estate development finance transactions. Karl is also regularly instructed to advise on the following: Construction law matters; The establishment of Gibraltar-based corporate and trust structures; The active management and control of Gibraltar companies, and Shareholder agreements. Some notable examples of recent work that Karl has undertaken includes: Acted for Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Limited in connection with its entry into a loan facility agreement with the developer of the Eurocity Development in Gibraltar; Acted for a limited partnership in connection with its participation in a multi-jurisdictional joint venture relating to an investment in Danish real estate worth approximately DKK 254.25m (approximately £30m); Acted for the developer of the Hub development in Gibraltar in respect of its entry into a loan facility agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland International; Acted for the lender in respect of its entry into a loan facility agreement with the developer of a mixed-use development in Gibraltar consisting of 116 apartments, commercial units and amenities; Acted for Sunborn (Gibraltar) Limited in respect of the Gibraltar law aspects relating to the issuance of up to Euro 60,000,000 of Senior Secured Floating Rate Bonds which were listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, and Acted for the developer of the Midtown Development in Gibraltar in respect of its entry into a loan facility agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland International.

Kenneth Bonavia

Based in Hassans’ Gibraltar office, Kenneth advises on: Cross border corporate and commercial transactions, mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructuring & reorganisations, joint ventures and shareholder structures, taxation and international tax planning, private client work. Kenneth is an experienced practitioner having worked on a number of high-profile transactions throughout his professional career. His experience of working in the City of London and then in Madrid for many years and his knowledge and understanding of the Spanish legal system and its nuances, has equipped him with a unique set of skills and expertise in dealing with complex Spanish transactions. Whilst retaining a broad corporate practice, more recently Kenneth advises clients on matters involving Spanish taxation, invariably with a cross-border element. He is a solutions’ driven lawyer and is sought after by clients for his commercial outlook and judgement. Career: Kings College, University of London. Harvard Business School. Qualified English Solicitor and member of the Law Society of England and Wales. Qualified Spanish Abogado. Practiced in the City of London prior to being seconded to Madrid. Experience: Kenneth established Stephenson Harwood in Madrid in 1991, of which he was the Managing Partner until 2002. He joined DLA Piper in Madrid in 2002 until 2008 (Managing Partner 2002 to 2006). Kenneth joined Hassans as head of its Spanish office in October 2008.

Lewis Baglietto KC

Lewis Baglietto is the Senior Litigation Partner and Head of Litigation at Hassans. He joined the firm in 1986 and became a Partner in 1993. He was appointed King’s Counsel in 2014. From an early stage is his career, Lewis has concentrated his practice on international commercial and maritime litigation. He is a highly versatile lawyer, with a solid practice in many other areas of private and public law. In addition to his many appearances in reported Gibraltar cases, he has appeared as the lead advocate in cases involving EU law issues before the Court of Justice of the European Union and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Lewis also has considerable experience in providing expert evidence on Gibraltar law issues before foreign courts and major international arbitral tribunals. Apart from the many cases where he has acted for the Government of Gibraltar, Lewis is often instructed by foreign governments and major international organisations to provide his opinion and act in Gibraltar – related matters. Lewis has held a number of public appointments and has, since 2012, been the Chief Charity Commissioner of Gibraltar.

Lewis Baglietto KC

Maxi Torres

Maxi was promoted to Partner in July 2013 and advises on a number of Private Client and Corporate and Commercial matters in particular corporate restructures and acquisitions. He regularly advises on the establishment of offshore structures and operations corporate, specialising in restructuring, sales, acquisitions and cross-border transactions.

Meera Aswani

After graduating with a BA honours degree in English Literature from the University of Warwick in 2008, Meera completed the Graduate Diploma in Law in BPP law school, London and the Legal Practice Course in College of Law (now University of Law), London. In 2011, she began her training contract with Linklaters LLP, a magic circle law firm, completing seats in Banking, Litigation and Real Estate. She qualified as an associate into Linklaters Real Estate department and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales in April 2013. Meera has experience in the acquisition, financing, investment, development, letting and disposal of commercial real estate both in the City of London and across England and Wales. She was also responsible for leading Linklaters global pro bono programme as part of their broader corporate responsibility initiatives. Since February 2016, Meera has been working in the Property team at Hassans assisting buyers and sellers, landlords, management companies and tenants, investors, developers and financial institutions in respect of residential and commercial property transactions in Gibraltar. She has completed the Professional Certificate in Gibraltar law and is admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar.

Michael Castiel

Michael is a former senior partner of the Firm and continues to assist the team as a Consultant on cross-border corporate and tax structuring for global corporate groups and international institutions. Michael specialises in international tax, corporate and business law regularly advising major US, Canadian and European multinationals and his expertise extends to corporate structuring and restructuring, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions as well as reorganisations and insolvency having previously advised both receivers and liquidators in a number of high profile cases. Michael first studied business administration and management and worked in UK industry for eight years after which he studied law at East London University and at the Inns of Court School of Law and was called to the English and Gibraltar Bar in 1993.

Michael Nahon

Michael Nahon is a Partner at Hassans. He has been specialising in Data Protection since 2004. He regularly advises multinational corporations as well as the local gaming, banking and telecoms sectors on their Gibraltar Data Protection and Cyber law obligations. Michael also conducts data protection audits to assist clients understand their data protection obligations and develop means by which to ensure GDPR compliance. This includes preparation of GDPR compliant policies and in-house training. He is a contributing author to DLA’s Data Protection Laws of the World Handbook, PDP Journals and DataGuidance.

Moses Anahory

Moses joined Hassans in 1994 after qualification and spent two years with the firm returning to London in 1996 to join global law firm Baker & McKenzie specialising in advising on tax planning strategies for resident, non-resident and non-domiciled individuals and on inheritance and probate matters. Moses returned to his native Gibraltar and re-joined Hassans in 2000. Moses is one of the firm’s leading lawyers in setting up, administering and advising on offshore trust structures. He advises on issues concerning the formation and validity of complex trust structures and on the on-going operation of trusts across jurisdictions. Moses also provides active management and control for major investors in UK real estate. Moses Anahory graduated from Middlesex University in the UK with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours. Moses qualified as a Barrister in 1994 and qualified as a Solicitor in 1997. Moses became a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners in 2005. Moses has contributed chapters and articles to several publications on the law, formation and administration of trusts and has spoken on the same subject at a number of trusts conferences. Moses also provides active management and control for major investors in UK real estate.

Moses Benady

Moses advises on all tax related issues with particular focus on the holding of property in different parts of the world. Moses became a partner in 2003.

Nicholas Howard

Nicholas is head of the firm’s busy and vibrant property department and has established himself as one of Gibraltar’s leading property lawyers. Nicholas’ practice area is predominantly in advising developers across all facets of large scale real estate developments from inception through to completion and he is currently the lead partner advising clients on six of Gibraltar’s biggest developments. In addition to this, Nicholas is also regularly instructed by banks on large property financing transactions. Nicholas has also recently advised the Government in respect to the property financing and conveyancing aspects of the single largest affordable housing scheme currently under construction in Gibraltar, to include the drafting of applicable legislation, as well as having advised Government on amendments to the Housing Act. A law graduate from Leeds University, Nicholas completed the Bar Vocational Course at the College of Law in London, as a member of Lincoln’s Inn. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales and the Gibraltar Bar in 1998. Nicholas currently delivers the lecture on Landlord & Tenant Law as part of the ‘Professional Certificate of Competence in Gibraltar Law’ course at the University of Gibraltar.

Nigel Feetham KC

Nigel is currently serving as Minister for Justice, Trade and Business to HM Government of Gibraltar. Nigel is a barrister admitted to the Gibraltar Bar. He has practised law full-time since 1993. Nigel has a strong international client base and has worked with some of the biggest names in the finance sector. He has also been a pioneer and a driving force in the protected cell company space, not just in Gibraltar, but also internationally. His professional experience combines regulatory, legislative drafting and transactional work. Nigel was appointed to the rank of Queen’s Counsel on Friday 5th April 2019.

Nigel Acris

Nigel completed his LLB Honours Degree through the Open University whilst in fulltime employment and thereafter completed the Bar vocational Course in 2007 at the Inns of Court School of Law. He also holds the qualification of Experto en Commercio International awarded by the University of Cadiz 2004-05. In 2009 he successfully completed a masters of Laws from City University. He previously worked for HM Customs Gibraltar as a Customs Officer from 1998 to 2007 were he acquired a broad-based experience in indirect taxes, imports and exports and international commerce. Nigel’s practice includes all direct taxes, both corporate and personal tax matters and Indirect taxes which include but are not limited to local Customs duty, exemptions, imports and export matters. He has considerable experience advising clients on direct taxes and the impact on that customs duty and customs regulations may have on any particular transaction. In all cases, reducing the exposure to tax and making sure the business complies with the relevant tax requirements. A member of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple, was called to the Bar of England and Wales and the Gibraltar Bar in 2007.

Peter Montegriffo KC

Peter Montegriffo is a Partner at Hassans and a member of the firm's Corporate & Commercial team. He is also the team leader of the firm's Gaming team. On 12 June 2014, Peter was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in Gibraltar.Peter's area of expertise is in commercial and private client matters. He has also advised on numerous financial services, regulatory and trust-related matters. Peter was closely involved in the IPOs of various gaming companies established in Gibraltar, which have been listed on the London Stock Exchange. He now advises regularly on commercial, merger and consolidation exercises.

Raquel Moss

Raquel is responsible for the running of Line Trust Corporation Limited. She specialises in all aspects of trusts, from their legal drafting to their management and administration. A graduate of the University of Kent, Raquel also studied at the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland and then spent five years working in Company Management in Gibraltar. Raquel completed a post-graduate Diploma in Law at City University, London and studied for the Bar exams at the Inns of Court Law School, London. Raquel was called to the Bar of England & Wales in 2002, as a member of the Middle Temple, followed shortly after by admission to the Gibraltar Bar. Raquel also holds the Diploma in International Trust Management from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She has contributed to the journal “Trusts and Trustees” and other publications. Raquel served for many years as secretary to the local branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She is currently on the board of ATCOM (Gibraltar Association of Trust and Company Managers) which represents over 90% of all licensed Company and Trust Professionals in this specialised sector, and plays an active role in representing their interests. Raquel is a Director of Line Group and a Partner at Hassans.

Richard Buttigieg

Richard is a Partner at Hassans and a member of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Firm’s operating company. He specialises in setting up Gibraltar based businesses and operations and regularly advises Gibraltar and international High Net Worth Individuals on all aspects related to this. He enjoys a strong reputation as an approachable and hands-on lawyer who actively engages with clients and their business. His local corporate clients include the largest foreign exchange bureau, some of the largest wholesale businesses in Gibraltar and two of the country’s leading property developers. He also acts for Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar on a variety of matters including the negotiation and settlement of contracts and, for instance, advised the government on the vast contractual implications stemming from the implementation of a government wide IT system and on the setting up of the Gibraltar Business Nurturing Scheme. Separately, he has extensive experience with international corporate restructures and acquisitions and is proficient in transactional work involving the use of Gibraltar based vehicles, in particular, Gibraltar Limited Partnerships. In this field, Richard has worked on several acquisition finance transactions (including, for example, the largest European based property transaction in 2007), has been heavily involved in various high-profile re-financing deals concerning large public and multi-national companies and has led teams advising on all the Gibraltarian aspects of floating various companies in the London AIM stock exchange. He has co-authored several articles for diverse legal publications such as Butterworths, IFLR and the Centre for Legal Studies, has co-written the Gibraltar chapter on Siemens AG Anti-Bribery Risk Legislation and Practice and the chapter on Limited Partnerships in Tolleys/Tottels publication of Gibraltar: International Finance Centre. When not dealing with matters at Hassans, Richard also sits as a member of the Gibraltar Port Authority and the Gibraltar Transport Commission, as a trustee of Citizens Advice Bureau and the Gibraltar-based charity Kids Come First.

Stephanie Acris

Stephanie joined Hassans in December 2013 and is an Associate in the firms Property Department. Stephanie studied law at Kingston University, London followed by the Legal Practice Course with Distinction at The University of Law. She qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in December 2015. Stephanie is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales.

Tania Rahmany

Tania is a Senior Associate in Hassans’ Corporate and Commercial Department. Having joined the firm in 2015, Tania completed training seats in the Corporate and Commercial team, the Litigation team, and at the firms’ associated trust and company management arm, Line Group Limited. Throughout this time, Tania has gained experience in transactional work involving Gibraltar-based structures, largely for UK and European commercial property investments. Tania also advises on corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, flotations of companies on recognised stock exchanges, and the incorporation and uses of Gibraltar foundations, and can assist with the Gibraltar tax aspects of any such transaction. Tania’s practice also involves commercial advisory work, including advising major wholesalers and retailers on trading arrangements in Gibraltar, and on intellectual property registration and enforcement. Tania is also frequently sought out for tax advisory work, and advises high net worth individuals and multinational corporate groups on tax obligations arising from particular business activities or a particular type of structure. She has also worked with a number of financial institutions in relation to their obligations under automatic exchange of information legislation, such as FATCA, CRS and DAC 6. In addition to her Corporate and Commercial practice, Tania regularly assists the Department of the Environment of HM Government of Gibraltar on matters of environmental law, including legislative drafting in the fields of conservation, animal welfare and climate change. She is also advising the Department on mechanisms for the financing and trading of climate-related projects. Tania Rahmany has advised both the Gibraltar Port Authority and Gibraltar Maritime Administration on statutory obligations arising from IMO instruments. Tania also has experience in legislative drafting in different sectors, most recently including drafting legislation relating to Maritime Shipping and the Port. As part of the Commercial Team, Tania also drafts and advises on commercial agreements used in a shipping context. Tania is a member of the Law Society and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, and was admitted as a solicitor in Gibraltar, England and Wales in 2017.

Tim Garcia

Tim Garcia is a Partner of Hassans International Law Firm Limited (since 2014) and leads our team specialising in international cross-border corporate, commercial and tax work. His clients are primarily ‘blue-chip’ multinationals, major private equity houses, and substantial family offices, who rely on him as a considered, innovative and practical advisor, as well as trusted non-executive director for many of their entities. The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (as regulator) have also recently admitted him as a licensed insolvency practitioner with the ability to act as liquidator for members’ voluntary, solvent liquidations (with Tim having also afforded extensive legal advisory assistance in the conduct of ~ 100 voluntary liquidations of Gibcos, many with cross-border elements). His expertise (which also covers all Gibraltar tax aspects as well as its interplay with a large variety of jurisdictions with which Gibraltar companies and individuals may interact) includes corporate substance and governance, structuring, servicing and divestment of investments, employee stock options, re-domiciliations, relocations (and establishment by way of branch or otherwise) of businesses and individuals to Gibraltar (in both the corporate and private client space), cross-border mergers, M&A, financing and re-structuring transactions (including in Chapter 11 scenarios), liquidations and broader insolvency aspects, limited partnerships, as well as a whole range of general commercial transactions. Some of his recent work highlights include his role as lead Gibraltar adviser on: PE (and wider Gibraltar) tax analysis and memorandum of advice to a luxury vehicles company regarding intended changes to their business model (involving Spain and Gibraltar); Gibraltar insolvency analysis in relation to group practices involving a Gibraltar operating company part of a leading professional crypto exchange and services provider; a business combination of a SPAC with a leading technology and investment group in the digital assets sector (within which a Gibraltar company plays a primary role); the establishment of a place of business in Gibraltar for a dual NYSE and LSE listed leading commercial legal finance provider; an acquisition by way of merger of substantial interests in a bitcoin mining group by an information technology company; a divestment and optimised repatriation of proceeds of container-ship interests by a leading NYSE listed global alternative investment management firm; a technical and extensive restructuring of an NYSE listed American manufacturing company, including carefully managed liquidation processes in light of potential Chinese indirect transfer tax considerations; extensive and technical Gibraltar law advice and assistance (including regarding financial assistance and related directors’ duties considerations) in the context of a USCo’s purchase of a trading Gibco part of a software company group; the repatriation of returns of capital to investors (including UK investors) in circumstances where the form and mechanism of such repatriation was critical to the potential tax treatment of the same in the hands of certain of the recipients (so as to make it plain that it was indeed truly a return of capital and not a distribution, which could otherwise have attracted adverse tax consequences); a Gibraltar court-sanctioned share premium reduction for a group entity of an AIM listed leading global Talent Acquisition and Managed Workforce Solutions provider; a complex (in lieu of challenges to ultimately reconcile differences between the respective common law and civil law systems) re-domiciliation by way of continuation into Switzerland of a hitherto Gibraltar vehicle (with a net value of circa USD300 million) within a leading, international medical device company; Gibraltar legal/tax advisory and corporate administrative assistance with the redomiciliation by way of continuation of a Gibco to Italy for a leading wind power operator in Italy and one of the leaders on the European market; and an intra-group Gibraltar court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement (for an Oslo Stock Exchange listed subsea engineering, construction and services company serving the offshore energy industry) allowing for the merger of two Gibraltar entities by the parent’s absorption of its subsidiary without its liquidation, such as to avoid (by way of deferral and transference to the resulting merged entity) the crystallising of a pure accounting loss in a manner acceptable under international accounting standards. Career Tim is a University of Nottingham graduate (which included an Erasmus year studying Spanish Law at the Universitat de Valencia in Spain) and endeavours to balance his workload with his young family and his various musical and sporting interests (having represented Gibraltar internationally in both). Tim completed his Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Courts School of Law in London. A member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and inaugural Chairman of the Gibraltar Law Students Association, Tim was called to the Bar in England & Wales and Gibraltar in 2006, joining Hassans in the same year.

Tony Provasoli

Tony Provasoli specialises in financial services and leads the Hassans' Financial Services team. Tony has been legal adviser to the Gibraltar Government on privatisation of the telephone and water departments, as well as on the transposition into Gibraltar law of telecoms-related European Union directives and other matters related to wireless telegraphy.

Valerie Holliday

Valerie Holliday is a partner in the Banking and Financial Services Department of Hassans. She specialises in banking, financial services regulation and licensing and the restructure and reorganisation of credit institutions. Valerie acts for banks and other financial services institutions on a broad range of Gibraltar and international matters. Valerie has contributed to the drafting of financial services and banking legislation, including liaising with regulatory and political bodies for the purposes of devising and ensuring appropriate transposition of EU legislation. Valerie has also specialised on the legal and regulatory matters affecting electronic money and payments services providers. She has advised on the setting up of electronic money institutions in Gibraltar and regularly advises on regulatory matters affecting this industry and the payments sector. She also advises on MIFID related matters, acting for investment managers, brokers and advisors. She has provided extensive advice on Brexit-related regulatory matters, including business continuity and contingency planning. Valerie is ranked by Chambers and Partners Global 2023 and appears in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame 2023. Career Attended Inns of Court School of law, as a member of the Middle Temple, before being called to the Bar in London and then in Gibraltar in 1994.

Vikram Nagrani

Vikram is a longstanding Partner in Hassans’ Corporate and Commercial department and part of the Fintech Team. Corporate & Commercial Work With roots firmly seated in Hassans’ Corporate and Commercial Department for almost two decades, Vikram has substantial experience in all aspects of corporate transactional work and commercial projects, specialising in investment and finance structures as well as large corporate mergers and acquisitions. Vikram has advised numerous multinational companies on corporate matters and their international transactional work. In addition, he is very experienced in cross-border structures and transactions. Vikram also acts as an executive director on the boards of many internationally recognised companies, including on the board for many years on what was the acquisition and holding vehicle for the Walgreens Boots Alliance business. Chambers & Partners Global, Chambers & Partners Europe and by Legal 500 have over the years reported sources saying the following about Vikram: “Fantastic to deal with.” “Thoughtful and considered.” “An excellent lawyer with good commercial experience.” “He cuts to the chase, delivers and has a good understanding of what you want.” “He always prepares contracts in a very simple way to understand… he is extremely accessible.” “He has extensive experience working with the firm’s international clients in cross-border transactions.” Private Client As a fully qualified Trusts and Estate Practitioner, Vikram advises certain high net worth individuals and families on their personal and business matters, and assists with the structuring of personal wealth and business assets. Vikram also acts as an executive director for some of the Firm’s largest private clients, building close relationships with his clients and deeply understanding their businesses in order to provide real and effective management and control. He is well regarded as a trusted advisor to high net worth individuals and families. As Chambers & Partners Europe reported from one source: “If you’re not in the country and don’t see the lawyer personally, you need to trust the person who is there; he is very responsive and responsible, which is convenient for us.” DLT/Blockchain Vikram has a deep knowledge in all Distributed Ledger Technology matters, including AML/KYC issues, token issuances, security token offerings and licence applications under Gibraltar’s DLT Providers Regulations. He has also assisted with the development of the DLT regulatory framework in Gibraltar, including being involved in the drafting of Regulatory Guidance Notes to Gibraltar’s Distributed Ledger Technology Regulations and assisting with the draft regulatory framework for Tokens in Gibraltar. Vikram has co-authored two Manuals on Virtual Currencies for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, intended as training and educational manuals for law enforcement agencies and for regulators. He has participated in several notable fora and has also contributed to various international events and initiatives as a speaker and is considered a thought leader in the space.” Vikram also serves as a Board Member of the Avalanche Foundation alongside some notable names in the Crypto industry. Chambers Fintech reported from one source: “He is extremely knowledgeable, detail-orientated, and one of the highest quality professionals I’ve worked with. His service is outstanding.” Rankings Vikram has for several years been consistently ranked by Chambers & Partners Global, Chambers & Partners Europe and by Legal 500 EMEA as a “Leading Lawyer” for Corporate, Commercial and TMT and FinTech. Notable work Some of the noteworthy Gibraltar law matters that Vikram has worked on are as follows: Acting on the £11.7 billion management buyout of the Alliance Boots Plc, and its subsequent merger with Walgreens. Leading the Gibraltar team on the first Gibraltar European cross-border merger of two listed e-gaming companies to create the world’s then-largest online gaming company in Gibraltar, the shares of which are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Acting for a global retailer in respect of a bond refinance (transaction value in excess of US$400 million). Leading the Gibraltar team on the simultaneous European cross-border mergers of three Gibraltar companies that formed part of the corporate group of a global luxury hotel resort brand into a legal entity incorporated in another European Member State. Advising on and establishing a Gibraltar structure to facilitate the acquisition and financing of a German bank by certain private investors. Advising on and assisting on the Gibraltar corporate aspects of a €1 billion bond issue by a global packaging company. Acting for one of the world’s largest paper manufacturers on all Gibraltar aspects of a European-wide restructure and US$1 billion financing and, establishing a Gibraltar corporate structure to facilitate the same. Acting for a joint venture partner in connection with the provision of finance and the acquisition of shares in a Cypriot company to act as the holding company of a group owning and developing numerous property portfolios in Bulgaria and Romania. Advising on and establishing a Gibraltar corporate structure for the acquisition of three Boeing 747 freighter aircraft. Advising a global luxury hotel brand on all Gibraltar aspects of a European-wide approx. US$1.2 billion financing and restructure and, establishing a Gibraltar corporate structure to facilitate the same. Advising a globally notable family. Background A graduate of Cardiff University, Vikram attended Cardiff Law School as a member of the Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in England and Wales and in Gibraltar in 2001. Vikram is a qualified and full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and, is also a qualified and practising Notary Public in Gibraltar. In addition, Vikram is an Executive MBA graduate of Cranfield School of Management. Outside the office, Vikram served as a long-standing president of the Gibraltar Hindu Community for 12 years and, as a member of the Gibraltar Police Authority (a statutory body that oversees and ensures the probity and efficiency of the Royal Gibraltar Police) for over a decade. Vikram is presently a Governor of the University of Gibraltar. Vikram is passionate about environmental and sustainability matters and regularly assists in the Firm’s environmental and sustainability initiatives, including the establishment of The Hassans Environmental Trust.

Yvonne Chu

Yvonne Chu became a partner in Hassans’ Financial Services and Banking Team in July 2005. Yvonne commenced her practice at Hassans in commercial litigation back in 1993. She then joined the Financial Services and Banking Team in 2000, specialising in corporate banking and structured finance. Yvonne has extensive legal experience in corporate lending transactions and has developed significant experience in all related aspects of banking and finance, having advised on secured and unsecured syndicated loans, international securities offerings and structured capital market transactions, including repackaging and securitisation for major financial institutions. Yvonne is also an insurance lawyer, having advised on lending and security structures for Gibraltar insurers. She has led on mergers and acquisitions transactions involving insurance companies and advises on licensing, regulatory and legal requirements of these companies. She is also the appointed Gibraltar General Representative for Lloyd’s. The other areas of growth in the financial sectors that Yvonne is responsible for are collective investment schemes. She has set up numerous experienced investor funds since its inception in 2005 using both the limited partnership structures and protected cell companies. Yvonne frequently advises on cross border collective investment schemes and securities offerings and is familiar with capital market work, having frequently been instructed to advise financial institutions, including prime brokers on the enforceability of derivative transactions documented under ISDA, FOA and GMSLA Master Agreements and the applicability of netting and set-off provisions of these agreements under Gibraltar law. Yvonne is an FSC approved director and sits on the board of a private equity fund and also the board of a Gibraltar insurance company. Yvonne is the partner responsible for shipping finance and advises regularly on maritime related security transactions.

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