European Union: Finance and Banking

Maltese family businesses often avoid public listings due to fears of losing control, but going public through the Malta Stock Exchange can strengthen governance, facilitate succession planning, and unlock capital without necessarily surrendering ownership. This analysis explores how reduced free-float requirements and strategic use of debt versus equity instruments can help family enterprises build lasting legacies while maintaining meaningful control.

La Listing Act introduce cambios significativos en el Reglamento de abuso de mercado europeo, simplificando el régimen de retraso en la difusión de información privilegiada en procesos prolongados y modificando las circunstancias que permiten a los emisores demorar la divulgación pública. ¿Cómo afectarán estas reformas a las obligaciones de comunicación de los emisores y a la supervisión de los mercados financieros?

A partir del 5 de junio de 2026, entran en vigor importantes reformas del Reglamento de folletos de la UE introducidas por la Listing Act, elevando el umbral de obligación de publicación de folletos de ocho a doce millones de euros y estableciendo nuevas reglas sobre extensión máxima y requisitos de traducción. ¿Cómo afectarán estos cambios directamente aplicables a las ofertas públicas y admisiones a negociación en mercados regulados, especialmente consider

How tax transparency rules affect lending to non-Irish limited partnerships with Irish partners. This forms part of the August 2026 Edition of FUNDed

On 5 May 2026, the Central Bank of Ireland (“CBI”) finalised its comprehensive updates and enhancements to Ireland’s regulatory framework for alternative investment funds (“AIFs”), including removing...

Partners Sarah Thompson and Rob Cain examine Article 21c of CRD IV as amended by CRD VI, exploring how new restrictions on third-country institutions providing core banking services into the EU will reshape cross-border operations. The discussion addresses implementation uncertainties, grandfathering deadlines, and strategic considerations for financial institutions navigating the January 2027 compliance horizon.

The Irish Government has published its Autumn 2026 legislative programme, outlining 32 priority bills including key financial services reforms. Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf delivered speeches addressing European banking fragmentation, capital markets union, and the evolving payments landscape, while the EBA released final guidelines on third-party risk management for non-ICT services.

WH Partners responds to the European Commission's targeted consultation on the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), advocating for proportionate rules that protect customers while supporting competition and innovation. The submission addresses critical issues including fair access for smaller firms, national supervision frameworks, stablecoin regulation, and the boundaries between blockchain technology and financial services regulation.

Ireland is introducing a new tax-efficient Investment Account from July 2027, allowing residents to invest up to €12,000 annually with a €50,000 tax-free threshold. The initiative aims to encourage retail investment by eliminating complex tax rules like deemed disposal and replacing them with a simplified 1% annual tax on amounts exceeding the threshold.

Former Sheppard associate Sarah Ben-Moussa shares her journey from practicing M&A law in New York to building a renewable energy legal career in Paris. She discusses navigating the French visa system, the practical differences between U.S. and French legal practice, and the personal challenges of relocating abroad while leveraging American legal training in cross-border transactions.

Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta (“RAM”) has launched a pre-qualification process for the award of a major concession concerning the development and operation of a National Farm Waste Treatment Facility.

Private debt financing requires more than a strong project—it demands precise, credible documentation that answers fund analysts' critical questions upfront. This analysis examines how professional Information Memoranda, strategic fund identification, and transparent risk presentation determine whether well-conceived real estate, renewable energy, and growth ventures secure capital or lose their only opportunity to make a first impression.