Dr. Kelly Fenech

Dr Fenech has a prolific background in financial services, distributed ledger technology, FinTech and capital markets with a special focus on investment, VFA and payment services, anti-money laundering and financial instruments.

His career path yielded crucial experience in assisting clients in corporate and commercial matters, particularly corporate governance, M&A transactions and general company law. Furthermore, Dr Fenech specialises in the issuing of legal opinions, structuring fintech products – specifically crypto assets to ensure they aren’t classified as financial instruments, assisting clients apply for financial/VFA services licences and advising on various regulatory matters to ensure firms remain compliant with EU legislation and MFSA and FIAU requirements.

Previously, Dr Fenech held the position of Senior Associate at an established law firm, and has been approved by the MFSA to act as Designated Person for a VFA Agent and a Risk and/or Compliance Officer for various MiFID Investment Firms. He was also approved by FIAU to act as a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for these MiFID Investment Firms. During his in-house tenure in the financial services sector, Dr Fenech monitored portfolio management risk metrics and the technicalities of various securities transactions concerning FX, derivatives, bonds and equities, whilst also being responsible for ongoing regulatory affairs.

Dr Fenech is ranked in the Chambers and Partners Malta Fintech Legal Guide for 2023 and has gradually become a rising star within the Legal 500, including the Legal 500 Malta Fintech Guide 2023. He is also a member of the Malta Chamber of Advocates.

Education:

• Doctor of Laws – University of Malta (2009)
• Admitted to the Bar (2011)
• Masters in the Science of Finance (CFA Programme Partner) – Trinity College, University of Dublin (2014)
• LL.B. (Hons.) – University of Malta (2006)