AI Issue 10 2017

34 Acquisition International - October 2017 Leading the way for Legal Excellence WH Partners was formed in 2012 by Olga Finkel and James Scicluna and built on the successful practice run by Olga Finkel from 2006 called WH Law. We profiled the firm to further explore the secrets behind its success and what makes them Leading Gambling Law Adviser of the Year – Malta and Leading Adviser Awards 2017. H Partners is a Malta-based leading law firm with expertise in assets and wealth management, citizenship, corporate finance, employment, fund management, gaming and gambling, investment funds, maritime, mergers and acquisitions, property, tax, technology, and securitisation. The firm and its lawyers are highly ranked by the foremost independent legal directories and have won acclaimed international awards for its service levels in a number of practice areas. Standing out in the very competitive legal industry, the firm has now established itself as a leading Malta-based business law firm best known for its strong understanding of the digital economy as well as for advising stake holders in the fields of education, financial services, gaming and gambling, leisure and hospitality, real estate, taxation and wealth management. The firm’s corporate, M&A, tax, IP, employment and regulatory lawyers are very active advising businesses across a raft of these areas. Regarding the different offerings, it provides to various clients, the firm’s private client practice deals on an ongoing basis with high to very high net worth individuals. Plus, there are also family offices on matters ranging from succession planning and residence to yacht and aircraft registration. Predominantly operating from its Maltese offices, the company does have consulting rooms in London. WH Partners is passionately committed to supporting CSR work and continue to work tirelessly with a number worthy causes. Clients do business with the practice because they know that the firm’s lawyers are among the strongest in Malta in their respective practice areas. Taking note of feedback and working to produce the best service, the legal team and staff are well regarded by regulators and clients for their thoroughness, efficiency and knowledge of their clients’ business, as well as their versatility. Moving on to the firm’s founders and partners; Olga Finkel is a lawyer by profession who is widely regarded and respected for her knowledge of gambling and technology law, as well as corporate governance and AML compliance matters. She is consistently highly ranked by Chambers & Partners as a top-tier global gaming law expert. Company: WH Partners Contact: Rehana Sharma Email: Rehana.Sharma@ whpartners.eu Address: Level 5 Quantum House, 75 Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX1120, Malta Phone: 00356 2092 5100 Website: whpartners.eu Leading the way for Legal Excellence W 1708AI15 Olga provides advice on strategic, commercial, intellectual property and regulatory matters to businesses in the digital and high-tech industries, including gaming, financial services and Fintech, digital content development. Additionally, Olga holds a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta as well as a Master of Science degree in IT and Economics from the Academy of Economics, Kharkov, Ukraine. She is a lecturer in gaming law at the University of Malta. James Scicluna, is co-managing partner and founder of WH Partners and a Malta Advocate and a Solicitor of the Senior Court of England and Wales. Well-known for his in-depth knowledge of the gaming and gambling industry, he advises some of the World’s major gaming brands on significant transactions. Amember of the advisory team to the Malta Gaming Authority on the overhaul of gaming regulations in Malta, James has also advised the MGAon a variety of other matters. James is a highly-ranked lawyer by the foremost independent legal directories in a number of practice areas, including gaming and gambling by Chambers & Partners Global. He is a sought after speaker at gaming and gambling conferences and has authored several articles in reputable industry publications, as well as chapters on gaming legislation and the legal insight of the industry in Malta. Alongside this, he is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors and of the International Masters of Gaming Law, amongst others and is a lecturer in gaming law at the University of Malta. Ultimately, WH Partners are delighted to be part of these awards, believing it is a fantastic accolade for the company. The team are dedicated and committed in all practice areas. With a business model and philosophy of putting the customer first, the future is bright for WH Partners. Matching and surpassing the needs of the customer in an efficient manner is at the heart of the company’s vision. Management and the rest of the staff will continue to build on its key practice areas.