Dr Kelly Fenech

Advocate admitted to the bar

Dr Kelly Fenech is a leading expert in financial services, distributed ledger technology, FinTech, data protection, anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, AI and securities law. His practice specialises in investment services, crypto-assets, and payment institutions, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance and commercial matters.

Recognised for his expertise in FinTech product structuring and regulatory advisory, Kelly provides legal opinions, assists with crypto-asset offerings, and supports clients in obtaining financial services licences, including those for investment firms, payment institutions, e-money institutions, FX and derivatives brokerage, and insurance entities. He regularly advises on cross-border regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance with EU and Maltese regulations such as DORA, GDPR, MiCA, PSD2, EMD, MiFID II, and the 5th AMLD. His experience also encompasses company law and complex contractual matters.

Dr Fenech has been approved by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) to serve as a Risk Officer, Compliance Officer, Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), and Director for various regulated financial services and crypto-asset firms. He currently holds key leadership positions in several licensed entities.

A regular speaker at international FinTech conferences, Kelly is frequently invited to discuss regulatory trends in payments, foreign exchange, and crypto-assets. He has been ranked in the Chambers and Partners FinTech Guide for five consecutive years, earning Band 2 recognition in 2025.

Dr Fenech holds a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta and was admitted to the Maltese Bar in 2011. He is a member of the Malta Chamber of Advocates. He also holds a Master’s degree in the Science of Finance from Trinity College, University of Dublin (a CFA Programme Partner), where his dissertation, A Sovereign Wealth Fund for All, was awarded distinction.

Dr Gayle Kimberley

Advocate admitted to the bar

Before founding GKF Legal, Gayle has been a qualified lawyer since 2002 and worked for nine years in EU institutions in Brussels, advising Member State governments within the EU Council on legislative matters. She contributed to drafting legislation, assisted in negotiations with the European Parliament, and defended legislation before the European courts, focusing on areas such as gaming, technology, competition law, and internal market regulations.

In 2011, Gayle joined the Malta Gaming Authority (now renamed), where she led EU and International Affairs. She advised the Maltese government on national gaming policy, defended Malta’s position on gaming before EU Courts, and fostered collaboration with other EU regulators. She also served as an external expert for the European Economic and Social Committee, contributing to the drafting of their Opinion on Online Gaming.

Transitioning to private practice and then to an in-house role in Malta, Gayle advised clients and law firms on gaming, regulatory affairs, competition law, and commercial matters. Specializing in online and land-based gambling law, she works with various gambling businesses globally, including those in research and development, intellectual property rights, B2B and B2C operations, white labels, and affiliation.

Gayle possesses extensive experience in gambling law, licensing, and risk management, focusing on corporate investments, transactions, complex group restructuring, and rationalizing group licenses. She also has substantial compliance expertise, advising on compliance requirements, assessments, regulatory investigations, and the drafting of compliance programs, risk strategies, and action plans.

More recently, Gayle has provided fractional General Counsel services, advising boards and C-suite executives. She specializes in helping businesses navigate complex risks in gaming and payments, with an emphasis on risk management. Through a proactive approach, she assists in effectively managing legal, regulatory, financial, and reputational risks, empowering boards to make informed decisions while maintaining strong corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

In her spare time, Gayle enjoys raising her two boys, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends while appreciating the beauty of her home, Malta.