
Ian Gauci
Partner | B.A. LL.D.
Dr Ian Gauci is the Managing Partner at GTG Advocates & Afilexion Alliance and oversees the business development of the firm as well as the TMT practice. He is engaged primarily in technology law, fintech, regtech, electronic communications, information society, data protection and gaming/gambling, whilst also focusing on consumer law, competition law, broadcasting/media law, cyber law, e-commerce, m-commerce, e-health, e-payment, information technology, unfair commercial practices and misleading advertising.
Dr Gauci is deemed to be one of Malta’s leading technology lawyers advising and providing consultancy on legal, regulatory as well as policy matters related to fintech, blockchain technology, smart contracts, crypto-currencies, and artificial intelligence. He has also assisted the Maltese Government amongst others on issues dealing with E-Trust certification, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) on its E-commerce strategy as well as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). He was one of the strategic advisors appointed by Government on the National Blockchain Strategy Taskforce.
Dr Gauci is an advisor to the Malta Digital Innovation Authority and also advised the Malta Financial Services Authority. He has co-authored the Maltese Electronic Communications Framework and the Maltese Blockchain Laws and lectures Legal Futures and Technology at the University of Malta.
Dr Gauci is ranked by Chambers as a Band 1 Fintech Law Expert as well as Leading Individual in the same sector by Legal 500. Dr Gauci is also a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).
Related Practices
Related News
New EU Data Protection Regime

Investment Services Licence Categories

Data Protection by Design and by Default

The Proposed 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive

The Role of the Data Protection Officer under the GDPR

Identity Malta Launches the Key Employee Initiative

Maltese Passport is Ninth Most Powerful Worldwide

Commission Issues New Proposal for Privacy Regulation

Issue of the Skill Games Regulations

The Right to Data Portability under the GDPR

The Obligation to appoint a DPO under the GDPR

Data Mining or Profiling under the GDPR

Is it Time to Coherently Regulate Blockchain?

New Regulations on Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices

GDPR – A Central Loop for Blockchain Deployment

Proposed Changes to Maltese Gaming Regulation

GTG Advocates Participates in Blockchain Malta Event

Dr Ian Gauci appointed to Malta’s Blockchain task force

GTG Advocates to Speak at Malta Innovation Summit

GTG Advocates Participates in Malta Innovation Summit

GTG Advocates to Speak at EY Malta Attractiveness Event

MFSA Consultation on Investments in Virtual Currencies

The Regulation of ICOs

EP Strengthens Privacy Rules in Electronic Communications

GTG to Speak at ILS Blockchain and Smart Contracts Event

Gibraltar Regulates ‘Distributed Ledger Technology’

GTG to Speak at Technology 2020 Conference

GTG to Speak on GDPR for Hotel Industry

Data Protection in the Hospitality Industry

GTG Advocates to Speak at EE Gaming Summit

MGA Issues New Service Provider Regime

Demystifying Smart Contracts

GTG to Speak at Malta Cloud Forum 2017

MFSA Paper on ICOs & Cryptocurrencies

EP approves new Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation

MGA Issues Call of Interest on DLT & Cryptocurrencies

GTG to Speak at Malta Blockchain and Bitcoin Conference

New Rules on Register of UBO’s

Issue of New Gaming Licence Fees

3D Printing – A Game Changing Technology

MFSA issues Feedback on PIFs investing in VCs

MFSA Issues Rules for CIS investing in VCs

Dr Ian Gauci announced Maltaprofile’s “CEO of the Week”

Revised AML requirements for Gaming Licensees

Dr Ian Gauci announced as Best IT & Internet Lawyer

GTG Advocates to Speak at IFSP Conference

Government Issues Consultation on DLT Regulator

GTG Advocates to Speak at AML Conference

GTG to Speak at Conference on Information Systems and Management Science

The DAO as a step forward for the Digital Economy

Could Blockchain be the new dawn for AML?

GTG Participates at Blockchain Malta Event

GTG to Discuss Breaking the Blockchain Frontier

The Olympics, the Internet and Blockchain Technology

The Skynet Paradox

MFSA Consultation on Financial Instrument Test

Ethics, AI and Regulation

Setting up a PIF in Malta

Maltese Government Issues Bill on Cryptocurrencies

The Virtual Financial Assets Bill – Regulating the Future Economy

DLT and Cryptocurrencies Laws approved by Maltese Parliament

MFSA Issues Consultation on VFA Regulations

MFSA Issues Consultation on VFA Agents Rulebook

Copyright Law Reform – Back to the Drawing Board

MFSA Issues the Financial Instrument Test

GTG Attends VFA Agents Seminar

MFSA Issues Consultation on ICO Rules for VFAs

MFSA Issues Requirements for Investment-Based Crowdfunding

Blockchain and AML – Friends or Foes?

EU Commission proposes amendment to Supplementary Protection Certificate

European Parliament adopts Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation

Malta Implements the Trade Secrets Directive

Innovative Technology Arrangements and Services Act 2018

MFSA Issues Consultation Paper on Investor Protection in VFAs

MFSA Issues VFA Rules for VFA Service Providers

MDIA issues Systems Auditor Guidelines Consultation

MDIA issues Chapter 2 of the Innovative Technology Arrangements Guidelines

Guidelines on the use of Cryptocurrencies in the iGaming sector

MFSA Issues Guidance Note on PEPs

Chapter 3 of the Guidelines on Technical Administrator

MDIA issues Chapter 4 of the Innovative Technology Arrangements Guidelines

Digital Age Contracting and the dawn of new legal order

FIAU Issues Consultation on AML Rules for Cryptocurrencies

CJEU Rejects the Notion of Copyright in Taste

MGA issues Alternative Dispute Resolution Directive

CJEU Revokes EUIPO Decision deeming that the EUTM “Spinning” is a “Common Name”

Amendment of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations

ESMA & EBA Issue Advice on ICOs and Crypto-Assets

Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Addressing the Copyright Ownership Dilemma of Machine Generated Works should be a First Priority

MFSA finalises Financial Instrument Test

La Casa De Papel Accused of Infringing Salvador Dali’s Image Rights

MFSA Issues Consultation on Fintech Strategy

Digital Economy and the 4th Industrial Revolution

The MFSA’s AML & CFT Strategy

EU Company Law in the Digital Era

The MDIA issues public consultation for Enhanced Systems Audit

ESAs Issue Report on the Future of Innovation Facilitators

Data transfers from Malta to the UK in the case of a ‘No-Deal’ Brexit

The Copyright Directive – Onward to a Final Vote

Malta Cryptocurrency License Draws Nearer: Chapter 3 of VFA Rulebook Published

GTG Advocates Contributes to Chambers and Partners: Technology, Media and Telecoms 2019

GTG Advocates Announces the Launch of the Series “Basics of Maltese Intellectual Property Law”

The Malta Gaming Authority signs MoU with the Swedish Gambling Authority

Finalization of Malta’s Third Crypto Rulebook: What has Changed?

Introduction to Maltese Intellectual Property Law

Loot Boxes – Gambling or not?

Copyright under Maltese Law

GTG Advocates contributes to Chambers and Partners’ Global Practice Guide: FinTech 2019

Trademarks Under Maltese Law

Copyright Reform Approved by European Parliament

MFSA & FIAU issue a Consultation Document on Account Opening for Fintechs

GTG Advocates contributes to Chambers and Partners’ Global Practice Guide: Data Protection & Cybersecurity 2019

Patents Under Maltese Law

Fintech & AI, Disintermediation Through Innovation

GTG Advocates contributes to Chambers and Partners’ Global Practice Guide: Life Sciences 2019

Design Rights under Maltese Law

Trade Secrets under Maltese Law

Transposition of the EU Trademarks Directive: Malta’s Trademarks Act to be Replaced

Intellectual Property Transactions under Maltese Law

Maltese IP law in the Employment Context

Anti-Counterfeiting and Customs under Maltese Law

Malta’s New Trademarks Act and Trade Secrets Act Enter into Effect

Appointment of new Managing Partner at GTG Advocates

MFSA & FIAU issue Guidelines on Account Opening for Fintechs

MFSA issues Guidance Notes on Cybersecurity in the DLT Sphere

MFSA Issues Guidance on Fitness and Properness Assessments

Schrems Case (Maximillian Schrems v Data Protection Commissioner). It’s not over yet!

Coming into force of the Union’s Cybersecurity Act

MFSA Issues Circular on Insiders’ List Requirements

MFSA Issues Consultation on FinTech Strategy First Pillar

MFSA issues Consultation on Amendments to Rules for Occupational Retirement Schemes

MFSA Issues STOs Consultation Paper

New Prospectus Regulation comes fully in force

Italian Court Rules on the Liability of Video Sharing Platforms for User Uploaded Content

Why use the Standard Contractual Clauses?

Does having a Facebook ‘Like’ button on your website carry GDPR consequences?

FCA Issues Guidance on Cryptoassets

Demystifying Decentralisation

Companies Act Regulations on Register of Beneficial Owners Amended

Ethical AI Framework for Public Consultation

CJEU Rules on the Balance between Copyright and the Rights of Freedom of Expression and of Media

The Importance of Consumer Communication in Distance Contracts

Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things – is it Time to Regulate?

European Banking Authority publishes clarifications to the fifth set of issues raised by its Working Group on APIs under PSD2

AIFMD 2 approved by European Parliament and European Council

MFSA Imposes National Intervention Measures on CFDs

European Central Bank Issues Paper on Stability of Stable Coins

EU study: ‘Blockchain and the General Data Protection Regulation – Can distributed ledgers be squared with European data?’

The Kraftwerk Case Finally Comes to an End: Music Sampling is Permissible if Unrecognisable

ESMA issues Final Guidance on Liquidity Stress Tests for Investment Funds

CJEU Rules on the Applicable Jurisdiction in EU Trademark Disputes

CJEU publishes ruling regarding the transmission of ‘112’ callers’ location data to emergency authorities

MGA launches Phase 2 of its Sandbox Regulatory Framework

Szpunar Opinion: E-Books and The Rights of Exhaustion and Communication to the Public

Malta’s Newly enacted Patent Box Regime Rules

Regulating the Digital World

UK Investment Firms and Fund Managers to be given Temporary Permission to Continue Operating in case of No-Deal Brexit

Technology and the converging digital world

MFSA Enhances Investment Services Tied Agents Regime

Amendments to Malta’s Gaming Fees Regulation affecting addition of new gaming verticals and conditions for Start-up undertakings

Guidelines on the impact of BREXIT pulished by the MGA

MFSA launches Consultation Document on Systems Audit and Live Replication Requirements for VFA Service Providers

Malta Digital Innovation Authority sets out Purpose and Requirements of Forensic Node for ITAs

The Use of Blockchain in Aviation

Seemingly Conflicting CJEU Rulings on Territorial Reach: Google France/CNIL and Facebook Ireland/Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek

Transparency, auditability and accountability in software

Malta Stock Exchange issues Market Consultation Document on Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITS”)

EU-UK Data Transfers in the Case of a No Deal BREXIT

EU Data Protection Supervisor issues Guidelines on the concepts of Controller, Processor and Joint Controllership

Legal Updates to Malta’s Data Protection Regime

The Compliance Officer Role in the VFA Sector

MFSA issues Circular to Virtual Financial Asset Service Providers in relation to amendments to Chapter 3 of the VFA Rulebook

Chambers and Partners FinTech Rankings 2020 – strong year for GTG Advocates & Caledo

Will 2020 be the year of reckoning for social media regulation?

FIAU publishes Implementing Procedures for the VFA sector

MFSA issues Feedback Statement to the Consultation Document on Security Token Offering

GTG Advocates contributes to Chambers and Partners’ Global Practice Guide: Trade Marks 2020

GTG Advocates contributes to Chambers and Partners’ Global Practice Guide: FinTech 2020

GTG Advocates ranked by Chambers & Partners in the European Ranking on Corporate/Commercial: Gaming & Licensing

How will the regulators be assessing COVID-19 Contingency Plans?

Data Protection in the time of COVID-19

COVID-19: Financial Incentives announced by Maltese Government

COVID-19: Malta’s Data Protection Commissioner Issues Statement

COVID-19 Gaming related Updates

COVID-19: MGA issues Social Responsibility Warning

MGA extends deadline for the submission of audited financial statements

COVID-19: Data Subjects – Know Your Rights

GTG Advocates ranked Top Tier Firm by the Legal 500 EMEA 2020

COVID-19 and its effects on Intellectual Property

Newly Revised Legal Grounds for the Processing of Personal Health Data for Insurance Purposes

MFSA issues Feedback Statement on the Review of Company Service Providers Regulation

EIOPA issues Statement on Principles to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the Occupational Pensions Sector

Preventing Insider Offences in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The European Data Protection Board adopts new Guidelines on Consent

The European Commission publishes its AML/ CFT Action Plan

Company Reconstructions Fund Regulations Published

MFSA issues Circular on the publication of the new Pension Rules for Occupational Retirement Schemes

Malta Implements the Securities Financing Transactions Regulation

FIAU consults on a centralised mechanism for the collection and retrieval of data

New Bill Proposes Amendments to the Maltese Companies Act

Financial Services and Fintech Weekly Update

Financial Services and Fintech Weekly Update

Privacy at the workplace in the wake of COVID-19

New Grants and Incentives by the Maltese Government to bolster e-Commerce

MGA Updates: Amendments to the VFA Sandbox Regulatory Framework

Controller or Processor? – Court of Appeal Confirms Tribunal’s Decision on Data Processing Roles

MFSA launches Consultation on Guidance Note addressing Technology Arrangements, ICT and Security Risk Management and Outsourcing Arrangements

Financial Services and Fintech Update

MDIA launches Consultation on Technology Driven ITA Sandbox

FIAU & MGA Update Implementing Procedures for online gaming

UKGC Propose further consumer protection measures on online slots

Schrems 2 Ruling: A Brief Commentary on its Effects

Financial Services and Fintech Update

Guidelines 06/2020 on the interplay of the Second payment Services Directive and the GDPR

MFSA Launches Fintech Regulatory Sandbox

ESMA Guidelines on disclosure requirements under the Prospectus Regulation

Recommendations on Managing Personal Data Transfer Compliance Post Schrems II

Copyright Infringement and Online Platforms – Recent Opinions and Judgments from the CJEU

Financial Services and Fintech Update

Central Bank Digital Currency: An Argument for a Cashless Society?

Financial Services and Fintech Update

Pandora’s box and data retention obligations in Europe

Financial Services and Fintech Update

A quick glance at the European Union Proposal for Regulation on Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA )

AG Szpunar Opines that Automatic/Inline Linking Requires the Authorisation of the Copyright Holder

Financial Services and Fintech Update

Proposal of the EU Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets Now Officially Released: The End of National Crypto-Asset Legal Regimes within the EU seems Near

Convergence in Law. The focus of the EU Digital Financial Package on technology assurance & new regulations on technology providers.

Electronic Money Institution Licensing in Malta

Collective Investment Scheme Setup in Malta

Financial Services and Fintech Updates

The Impact of Regulatory Sandboxes and Innovation Hubs in the FinTech Sphere

Suspension of Filing for Dissolution and Winding Up of Companies by the Court

Public Consultation on Guidelines 9/2020 on relevant and reasoned objection under Regulation 2016/679

Digital Services Act

Recent developments regarding the EU Framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Financial Services and Fintech Updates

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) finalised the Guidelines on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Security and Governance

Remote Identification Procedures – Draft Regulations entitled ‘Electronic Trust Services (Remote Identification Procedures), Regulations – Public Consultation by the MCA

EU Approves New Crowdfunding Services Regulation

EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Future EU Intellectual Property Policy and the Revision of the Industrial Designs System

Drone Requirements

EDPB Issues Recommendations for Third-Country Personal Data Transfer Post Schrems II

Financial Services and Fintech Updates

European Commission Issues Draft Decision on New Standard Contractual Clauses for Third Country Personal Data Transfers

The Chimera of Legal Certainty under the proposed Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)

EU Commission Publishes the Proposed EU Data Governance Act

Financial Services and Fintech Updates

Chambers and Partners FinTech Legal Rankings 2021 – GTG Advocates retains Firm and Top Lawyer Ranking

The EU’s Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade

Financial Services & FinTech Updates

MFSA Announces Upcoming Alignment of Malta’s VFA Framework with the Regulation of Markets in Crypto Assets

The Brexit Trade Deal: Only a Gap-Stop Solution for EU-UK Personal Data Regulation and Transfers

Digital Services Act & Digital Markets Act

Transposition of European Electronic Communications Code Finally Published for Consultation in Malta

Chambers and Partners Global Rankings 2021 – firm and individual rankings for the GTG Advocates

Transfer of Virtual Financial Assets Becomes a Licensable Service in Malta

GTG Highly Ranked by Chambers Europe 2021

Financial Services & FinTech Updates

Top Tier Ranking by the Legal 500 for GTG Advocates

Europe and the draft regulation on AI – when all that glitters is not gold

A brief analysis of the new draft AI regulation compared to the Maltese Law

Online gambling & AI in Europe

Justice Hercules

Facebook and Instagram for minors. Taking surveillance capitalism to a new extreme.

European Commission proposes a Digital Identity for all EU Citizens

Gaming 2021 – Malta CHAPTER, Lexology Getting the Deal Through

Are all EU judgements enforceable in Malta?

Third Party Beneficiary Rights: The Need to Update Malta’s Third Country Personal Data Transfer Laws

Technology Gatekeepers and the Regulatory Dilemma

MGA Issues Updates to the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive and a Key Function Eligibility Criteria Policy

CPD Requirements for MGA Key Function Roles

Amendment to Maltese Companies Act Introduces New Requirements

Gaming & Innovative Technology – MALTA at the forefront

Crowdfunding Services Regulation Comes into Force

Of Mergers and Acquisitions Related to MGA Licensed Companies

The Metaverse, Convergence & Online Gaming

Setting up a Gaming Company in Malta

European Commission Consults on the Conditions for Listing on EU Public Markets

Chambers and Partners FinTech Rankings 2022 – GTG Advocates retains Firm and Top Lawyer Ranking

EU Proposes to Curb the Misuse of Shell Entities for Tax Purposes

ICE 2022

GTG Highly Ranked by Chambers Europe 2022

The Digital Markets Act – the new regime for big tech

Dark patterns in social media platform interfaces: How to recognise and avoid them (Guidelines 3/2002)

EU proposal for pilot regime for market infrastructures based on DLT adopted

UK’s Crypto Push

Top Tier Rankings by the Legal 500 for GTG Advocates

MFSA Report on SFDR Operational and Compliance Readiness

EU Introduces Stricter Rules on Internet Regulation

The Metaverse ‑ a frank discussion

Related Publications
Malta – Gambling 2022 Laws & Regulations

AI: a foundational technology for gambling

Placing standalone AI in the EU market under the proposed EU AI regulation – Presentation (1)

Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity Programme

Highly Qualified Persons Programme

Malta Retirement Programme

Global Residence Programme

Malta Individual Investor Programme

Mergers & Acquisitions – Malta 2016
