Gareth Malna
Financial Services & Crypto Lawyer / Entrepreneur
One of the UK's most recognised cryptoasset regulatory lawyers with 12 years of experience in financial services law and regulation, specialising in crypto since 2017.
About
Regulatory Expertise
I'm experienced in a broad range of financial services regulations, providing expert advice and compliance solutions across multiple regulatory frameworks. My expertise spans UCITS, AIFMD, MiFID, Payment Services, E-money, and AML regulations, enabling me to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and help clients achieve compliance across different jurisdictions and regulatory regimes.
Client Experience
Throughout my career, I've worked with a diverse range of clients across the financial services and technology sectors. This includes asset managers, depositories, banks, crypto exchanges, payment institutions, layer 1 blockchains, platforms, and advisers. This breadth of experience has given me deep insight into the unique regulatory challenges and opportunities facing different types of financial services businesses.
Key Achievements
- Founder of Zeyro, one of only three FCA-authorised cryptoasset section 21 approvers in the UK.
- Founder of DueCue, a startup SaaS product delivering due diligence data on financial products to those who need it.
Education
University of Law (Manchester)
LLB (2:1), LPC (Commendation), GDL (Commendation)
2011 - 2012
Cardiff University & UC Irvine
BA (Hons) English Literature (2:1)
2003 - 2006
Certifications
Oxford University Certificate in Blockchain
April 2022
CISI Certificate in Investment Schemes Administration (Level 3)
November 2020
CISI Certificate in Corporate Finance Regulation (Level 3)
February 2015
Interests
Experience
Co-founder and SMF 16&17
Zeyro / The Funds CollectiveMarch 2023 - Present
- Built a business generating £1m ARR within 6 months of onboarding first client.
- One of only three FCA-authorised section 21 approvers for cryptoassets and the only approver for OFR funds. Described as "best in class" by the FCA.
- Built and operate all compliance and risk frameworks for the business.
- Trusted by blue chip clients like Coinbase, Blockchain.com, Strike, Socios, Bridge Fund Management.
Partner
gunnercooke LLPMarch 2023 - Present
- Partner in the biggest crypto legal practice in Europe.
- Worked with crypto clients to navigate the FSMA, AMLD5, EMRs, PSRs, MiCA and other local VASP regimes.
- Multi-year speaker at NFT.NYC and Zebu Live.
Legal Counsel
Fan HubJune 2023 - June 2024
- Helped the business consider options for introducing cryptoassets into its reward points framework including chain selection and regulatory connotations.
- Built out investor data room for Series A round.
Legal Counsel
AlloyX Inc.March 2023 - Nov 2023
- Helped structure this business, focused on Real World Asset tokenisation.
- Helped create international tokenisation and distribution strategy for native tokens to be traded within permissionless pools.
Head of Regulation
Stephenson LawNov 2021 - Feb 2023
- Grew team from 1 to 3 employees.
- Built one of the most respected Web 3.0 regulatory practices in the UK.
- Advised Minima, Tiny Rebel, Sporting Icons, Thallo, Hollywood film studios, Premier League football clubs, Asprey and many others on their cryptoasset regulatory obligations.
- Spoke at NFT.London on launching NFTs in compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Drafted UK chapter of TLA Blockchain Guide 2e.
COO & SMF16 and 17
Marlborough Group / Marlborough Select PlatformOct 2020 - Oct 2021
- Successfully obtained a variation of permission for the legal entity to perform platform activities.
- Built and implemented a full risk and compliance framework for the platform activities.
- Ran procurement process for outsourced technology providers.
- Drafted and executed legal arrangements and established compliance oversight and monitoring procedures.
- Built the back-office compliance system and information and reporting frameworks.
- Provided Group-board level advice on governance and organisational structuring and assisted with the group reorganisation project.
Associate
Burges Salmon LLPSept 2013 - 2020
- Advised numerous asset managers on their retail investment products including St. James's Place, Marlborough Group, Fund Rock Partners, Way Fund Managers.
- Advised the All Wales Pool on the establishment of its £15bn LGPS fund, the first of its kind.
- Advised numerous regulated businesses on the impact of MiFID II including Gatemore Asset Management, Deacon Capital, Sygnia Asset Management.
- Appointed to the legal panel for Revolut and advised on some of its more innovative product ideas.
- Assisted with the building of a first-of-its kind crowdfunding platform.
- Guided firms through PSD2 including Phillips 66, which involved some novel structuring work, and First Group.
Projects
One of only three FCA-authorised section 21 approvers for cryptoassets and the only approver for OFR funds. Built a business generating £1m ARR within 6 months.
A startup SaaS product delivering due diligence data on financial products to those who need it.
A newsletter and resource platform focused on financial services and regulatory insights.
A YouTube channel exploring financial services regulation, compliance, and the evolving landscape of cryptoasset regulation.