“I have worked with ARQ on many projects and they have been commercial and responsive and perfect for our international clients”
Jeremy Glover, Partner at Jurit LLP Solicitors, London.
“ARQ has been an integral part of our licensing process for Wildz Casino by providing sound guidance and relevant experience every step of the way. ARQ personnel carried themselves in a professional manner and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
Lasse Rantala , CEO at Rootz Ltd.
“Quality work and professionalism is why we choose to work with ARQ. They are solutions driven and very practical. We are very happy with the whole experience.”
Paolo Balen, Partner at a global financial & business consultancy firm based in Switzerland.
About ARQ
ARQ is a professional services organisation based in Malta with a branch in Sri Lanka. We provide a wide range of corporate and advisory services to local and international clients operating within different industry sectors.
At ARQ Group we take a 360 degree view, integrating professionals from various disciplines - lawyers, accountants, tax advisors and compliance specialists – who work closely together to deliver innovative solutions that drive our clients’ growth and success. We have secured a strong reputation built on our expertise and the quality of our service delivery.
The ARQ Group collaborative structure includes a professional relationship with a leading local law firm, Fenech Farrugia Fiott Legal, and a reputable assurance practice, Capstone Group, that support the group in delivering a complete A to Z solution to our clients.
One partner for all your business needs.
Why Malta
Malta has an innovation-driven, service-based economy, which has grown rapidly over the past five years.
This economic development has been driven by a unique combination of factors, primarily Malta’s access to the European Single Market and its strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, bridging Europe, Africa and the Middle East. This has resulted in a diverse and open economy. Other drivers include a multilingual and highly educated population, a productive labour force, a low corporate tax regime which incentivises Foreign Direct Investment, and well-developed finance and ICT infrastructure.
Risk & Compliance
ARQ has a highly specialised risk and compliance practice focused on providing advisory services in AML/CFT, financial crime, GDPR and regulatory compliance. We provide a broad range of support services to clients in the financial services and gaming sectors, professional firms and regulators.
ARQ has positioned itself as the leading advisory service provider in this area, relying on a team of top professionals with many years of advisory and regulatory experience.
• AML/CFT and Financial Crime Compliance
• AML/CFT Advisory
• AML/CFT Training
• Regulatory Compliance
• GDPR Compliance
Corporate Services
ARQ’s corporate services solutions are backed by several years’ experience. From company incorporation to company administration, our team of trained administrators provide a comprehensive range of support services required by an enterprise, particularly in its crucial, initial phases.
Companies, Trusts and Foundations established under the laws of Malta are subject to diverse statutory, administrative and fiscal regulations. ARQ ensures clients remain fully compliant with all such statutory obligations.
• Company Incorporation
• Secretarial Services and Corporate Governance
• Management and Infrastructural Support
• Redomiciliation of Companies
Tax Services
At ARQ we offer a full range of advisory and compliance services in direct and indirect taxation on both domestic and international tax systems.
This broad expertise targets one of a business’s key challenges: how to align local and foreign taxes with its overall objectives and operations in the most effective and cost-efficient manner possible.
• Tax Structuring
• Corporate Tax Services
• Indirect Tax
• Estate Planning
• Personal Tax
• Cross Border Taxation
• Tax Compliance
Accounting Services
ARQ provides highly specialised accounting services backed by robust financial reporting and analysis.
Our expertise ensures timely delivery on all financial compliance and reporting deadlines. We are well positioned to provide tailored services that address specific issues as well as costeffective integrated outsourcing packages that cater for a company’s full financial and accounting requirements, allowing it to focus on its core business.
• Book Keeping Services
• Payroll Services
• VAT Reporting
• Management Accounts
• Voluntary Liquidations
• Feasibility Studies
Transaction Advisory Services
At ARQ our dedicated team of finance professionals is ready to assist you with complex transactions, such as when you are seeking to raise finance, acquiring or selling a business, or forming a strategic alliance.
Leveraging on our technical and industry specific expertise, our team is ready to assist you throughout the whole life cycle of the transaction, from initial investigations to successful conclusion.
Furthermore, our team can access a wide range of internal expertise, in areas including tax, corporate and regulatory advisory, to offer you comprehensive and practical insights.
• Financial Modelling and Restructuring
• Financial Feasibility Studies
• Access to Finance (including bank financing and capital markets)
• Investment Support (including access to funding)
• Assistance with Foreign Direct Investment
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Financial Due Diligence (buyer and vendor)
• Valuations
Strategic HR Advisory
In today’s challenging and ever-changing professional environment, the alignment of the human resource function with an organisation’s strategic vision is critical. Strategic HR provides the framework that links the effective management and retention of human capital to long-term business goals, making a purposeful impact and adding value to all stakeholders –employees, clients, and the community.
We act as our clients’ strategic partner, offering bespoke and innovative solutions for meaningful change. With our humancentric approach, we reshape and transform organisational team cultures into high-performing ones, collaborating with every organisation’s most valued asset – people.
• HR Transformation and Change Strategy
• Leadership and Organisational Culture
• Talent Acquisition, Retention and Exit Management
• HR Process Reengineering
• Employee Self-Service Strategies (ESS)
• Career Advancement and Succession Planning
• Performance Management Systems
Financial Services & FinTech
ARQ’s advisory division includes the Financial Services and FinTech Unit, a dedicated team which offers specialised bespoke solutions to meet the ever-growing needs of operators in this sector.
ARQ provides advisory support services to credit and other financial institutions – electronic money institutions, payment service providers, investment service providers and funds. The Unit also provides support for operators in the banking, capital markets and insurance sectors.
• Regulatory Licensing
• Licensing Advisory Support and liaison with MFSA
• Post Licensing Regulatory Advisory and Support
• RegTech advisory
• Legal, Tax and Compliance Support
Gaming Advisory
ARQ’s Gaming Advisory Unit has been providing the full suite of professional services to this important sector for many years.
The team has deep expertise in regulatory, legal, financial and technological matters and includes professionals who were instrumental in the design and implementation of AML regulations in Malta’s remote gaming sector. ARQ’s Gaming Compliance Forum is a very popular fixture in the sector’s calendar.
Whether you have an exclusive assignment or need ongoing support, ARQ can support you.
• Licensing Applications and Support
• System and Compliance Audits
• Outsourced / Co-sourced Regulatory Compliance
• Internal Audit
• AML Support
• Consulting Services
Shipping and Aviation
Malta has developed a strong legal and regulatory platform that has established its position as a reputable international ship register and one of the largest in the world.
This reputation has also extended to the aviation sector, which has been strengthened in recent years through systematic policies implemented by the Maltese government. ARQ, together with our partner legal firm, can support its maritime and aviation clients with a range of services.
• Ship/Yacht/Aircraft Registration
• Ship and Aircraft Financing
• Ship/Yacht/Aircraft Charter, Sales and Leasing
• Maritime and Aviation Litigation
• Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) Applications
Business Advisory
At ARQ, we believe advice should not only focus on the numbers. We take a 360-degree approach to truly understand your business model, allowing us to give you comprehensive feedback.
Building on your knowledge of your business, our technical expertise, and our vast local and international network, we strive to help you achieve your objectives. This can range from growth through expansion or diversification, to a complete reengineering of your business.
• Strategy and Growth
• General Business Consulting
• Family Business Consulting and Succession Planning
• Business Planning
• Business Process Re-engineering
• Financing and Funding
Training
We believe in the continuous development of our people and those of our clients, nurturing innovative thinking and the sharing of expertise and best practice in each of our fields of expertise.
Aiming to set high professional standards, we invite you to work with us to make a meaningful impact on the professional lives of people and the organisations they represent.
• Bespoke Training Programmes
• Short Courses
• Online Webinars and Training
• CPE Accredited Courses and Events
• Forum Events for Specific Industry Sectors
• Customised Client-Branded Courses
Investment Migration
ARQ’s private clients team specialises in assisting clients relocating to the EU. As accredited agents for all local residency and citizenship programmes, we have the experience to advise clients on the best options to suit their particular needs, as well as to manage the application process for any specific programme.
Our strong relationships with estate agents, insurance brokers, investment advisors and property managers ensure that we are able to guide you in the right direction, with trusted and reputable partners.
• Maltese Citizenship Programme for Direct Investments
• Malta Residency Programmes
• Other EU Migration Advisory
• Work Permits and Employment Licences
• Relocation and Concierge Services
Resource Outsourcing
ARQ embraces a multifaceted organisational approach providing a comprehensive range of business solutions for clients.
Ideal for businesses wanting to reduce human resource investment and overheads, these services are available on a pay-per-use manner tailored to the specific needs of each organisation.
• Billing and Credit Control
• ICT
• Marketing and Business Development
• Administration and Organisational Support
• Fully Serviced Office Space for Short /Long Term Rent
Trusts & Foundations
ARQ is fully licensed to act as a Trustee as well as an Administrator of Foundations. We have a number of professionals who are individually licensed for this purpose, given that some clients prefer individual involvement and commitment. Our partner firms also include lawyers, accountants and other professionals who are experienced in offering specialist advice for optimal organisational design and development.
Malta’s trust legislation is broadly built around the Jersey law model. The integrated approach adopted by Maltese legislators in the area of trusts has led to increased reference to our jurisdiction as a successful legal system, which integrates Anglo-Saxon and Continental notions of law.
• Trusts
• Foundations
• Family Office
ARQ Group Collaborative Partner Firms
Capstone Group is a mid-tier audit and assurance firm providing a wide variety of clients with statutory and non-statutory financial audits as authorized by the Malta Accountancy Board. The firm is also approved by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) to act as a systems and compliance auditor. Capstone also undertakes various assurance engagements and expert reports for clients operating across a wide spectrum of industry sectors.
Fenech Farrugia Fiott Legal is a Malta-based law firm whose partners are recognized leaders in the legal profession. The firm provides a comprehensive range of legal services to private clients and businesses operating in a wide range of economic sectors. Its areas of specialization include corporate and commercial law; mergers and acquisitions; financial services; maritime and aviation law; trusts and foundations; estate planning and private client work.
ARQ Group Memberships & Associations
Partners
Bringing Talent Together.
Our greatest asset is our people. Talented people, experienced people, adept people. Our people are excited by change and driven to move the needle on our clients’ objectives under the leadership of our partners.
PAUL MERCIECA
Non-Executive Chairman
FCCA FIA FIT
Paul has twenty three years of experience as the Chief Executive Officer of a Big 5 firm and has served as a member of the Accountancy Board and Council of the Malta Institute of Accountants. Currently, Paul acts as an independent non-executive director serving on a number of Boards and Audit Committees.
Partner
FCCA FIA Dip. Tax CPA
A chartered accountant, David has held senior finance positions where he gained exposure to various industry sectors and currently serves as the advisory partner developing and diversifying the Group’s service lines.
MANFRED GALDES
Managing Partner
B.A., LL.M., LL.D.
Manfred leads a team that advises major financial institutions and gaming companies in the area of regulatory and AML compliance, having held leading roles in both the private and public sector. He has been involved in the drafting of various laws in Malta and lectures on a number of related areas.
Partner
CPA(PC), FCCA, FIA, CISA
A chartered accountant, financial auditor and certified information systems auditor with a wealth of experience both in private practice as well as the public sector, Kris is in charge of regulatory and compliance matters at ARQ and responsible for gaming and e-commerce clients.
CHRISTIAN FARRUGIA Partner
LL.M.(Lond), LL.D.
A lawyer with over thirty years’ experience, Christian has a wealth of practical expertise in several areas, notably: corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, gaming, financial services and maritime law. Christian is a part time lecturer at the University of Malta and is Honorary Consul for the Commonwealth Pacific island State of Vanuatu.
