Banking, finance and capital markets

Ganado Advocates

Ganado Advocates ‘offers a one stop shop for all legal advice related to banking, finance and capital markets’. Conrad Portanier is well versed in representing domestic and international financial institutions, and Leonard Bonello, who leads the fintech group, is an expert in handling blockchain-based projects and derivatives matters. Matthew Bianchi is a key name for insurance matters, and Nicholas Curmi specialises in capital markets, with a solid track record in advising on securities work. Catherine Formosa is very experienced in regulatory issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘High-level expertise. Professional service. Friendly and loyal staff. Knowledge, experience and qualifications. Eye for detail. ’
‘Conrad Portanier, Catherine Formosa and Nick Curmi are very knowledgeable on the subjects in question and pleasant to work with. They always explain clearly and support the client in their requirements and offer practical, well-tailored and thought-out solutions.'
‘The firms offers a one stop shop for all legal advice related to banking, finance and capital markets. As a team there is an exceptional collaboration between them, and customer receives one final advice incorporating the inputs of the various teams each with expertise in own field. They are always very knowledge about latest regulation as well as they have visibility and information of what is developing in the markets both from regulation and best market practices.’
‘Matthew Bianchi has an excellent ability of understanding clients' issues, identifying a solution and carrying it through to execution. The rest of the team are equally knowledgeable and very responsive. ’
‘Leonard Bonello is our go to partner for banking and regulatory advice. Leonard is very knowledgeable and experienced in this practice areas and always provides well-thought out reliable advice. ’
‘Ganado Advocates is definitely the leading firm. The Company has a very long history and an excellent reputation. Due to Ganado's size, organization and their connections to other large law firms on a global scale, Ganado is an outstanding anchorpoint in Malta for more complex international transactions. Ganado has shown, that they do not only provide the most professional service, but also that they are ahead of the curve incorporating potential developments in the legal environment. ’
‘Conrad Portanier- Over the years, we were thrilled by his competence, his professionality and the depth and consistency of his advice. Furthermore, Nicholas Curmi was the legal key player in successfully implementing some complex capital market transactions.’
‘Their ability to listen, understand and to provide excellent, timely and correct advice. They make themselves available and work around clients' busy schedules. Catherine Formosa and Leonard Bonello are exceptional. ’

Key clients

M&Z plc
APS Bank plc
BNF Bank plc
Dino Fino Finance plc
International Finance Corporation
Merkanti Holding plc
Media and Games Invest SE
Together Gaming Solutions plc
Catena Media plc
Raketech Group plc
Qawra Palace plc
Bank of Valletta plc

Work highlights

Advised on the first bond issuance by BNF Bank plc and the listing of the bonds on the Malta Stock Exchange.
Acted as Maltese counsel to Bank of Valletta plc on its Euro Medium Term Notes issuance.
Advised APS Bank plc on its IPO and listing on the Malta Stock Exchange.