Skip to main content
Keeping It Civil

Keeping It Civil

By Hassans International Law Firm Limited, Gibraltar.

Keeping It Civil offers listeners a legal, regulatory and current affairs perspective from the team of experts at the leading law firm in Gibraltar. Along with their guests, the podcast covers a diverse range of topics relating to Gibraltar and the wider financial services and legal regulatory space. The podcast discusses cryptocurrency and the wider distributed ledger technology space, developments in Web 3.0, why it makes so much sense to set up a business in Gibraltar, amongst many other timely business matters.
Currently playing episode

Series 1 / Episode 1 : IWD2023 with Selwyn Figueras and guests Gemma Vasquez, Chloe Oppenheimer Fa and Tania Rahmany

Keeping It CivilMar 14, 2023

00:00
33:10
Series 2 / Episode 3 - Developments in Gibraltar's Gaming Sector with Partner Andrew Montegriffo, Senior Associate Louise Federico and Trainee Solicitor Anna Buhler

Series 2 / Episode 3 - Developments in Gibraltar's Gaming Sector with Partner Andrew Montegriffo, Senior Associate Louise Federico and Trainee Solicitor Anna Buhler

Keeping It Civil Podcast host Selwyn Figueras talks to Hassans' Gaming Partner Andrew Montegriffo, Senior Associate, Louise Federico and Trainee Solicitor Anna Buhler to discuss the latest developments in gaming industry in Gibraltar and further afield, following their recent attendance at ICE in London.

The new legislation soon to be implemented for Gibraltar is also discussed, the provenance of the amendments and the benefit therein, as well as what a Treaty for Gibraltar in relation to Brexit will mean for the industry and Gibraltar business. Selwyn's pet subject of AI makes a brief appearance!

Mar 15, 202437:43
Series 2 / Episode 2 - #IWD24 Special with Maggie Murphy, CEO, Lewes FC (aka Equality FC)
Mar 08, 202440:00
Series 2 / Episode 1 - Designing the Perfect International Tax System with International Tax Bites hosts, Grahame Jackson and Harriet Brown.

Series 2 / Episode 1 - Designing the Perfect International Tax System with International Tax Bites hosts, Grahame Jackson and Harriet Brown.

International Tax Bites podcasters, Grahame Jackson, Tax Partner at Hassans and Harriet Brown of Old Square Tax Chambers join Selwyn Figueras, Hassans’ Partner and podcast host of Keeping It Civil, to discuss the launch of the duos recent mini-series, “Designing the Perfect Tax System”.

The 10-part series, topped and tailed with an introduction and a round up, welcomes the great and good of the international tax world, kicking off with Dan Neidle, investigate journalist and ex-Clifford Chance UK Tax Partner.

Over the course of the next few weeks, ITB will be publishing further episodes with the likes of Daniel Bunn, Thornton Matheson, Sam Mitha, Paul Eastwood, Carlos Protto and Peter Dietsch.

This podcast provide listeners with an excellent snapshot of the fascinating discussions had with key tax professionals from around the globe.

Feb 08, 202437:32
KIC Special - Responding to an HMRC Information Request

KIC Special - Responding to an HMRC Information Request

Guest host, Hassans’ Tax Partner Grahame Jackson, talks to Harriet Brown of Old Square Tax Chambers, London on what Gibraltar entities should do on receiving a request for information from the UK’s HMRC.

Following the introduction of the UK DTA, requests under Section 6A of the Income Tax Act 2010 into Gibraltar are increasingly common. The duo discuss what individual and companies should do, and what they shouldn’t, to avoid potentially hefty penalties.


Feb 08, 202423:56
KIC Special: ESG - A Maturing Space with Eamon Bermingham, Sovereign Wealth

KIC Special: ESG - A Maturing Space with Eamon Bermingham, Sovereign Wealth

Following recent news of upcoming regulatory changes in UK and the EU, Hassans' Grahame Jackson talks to the Managing Director of Sovereign Wealth, Eamon Bermingham, on how ESG will evolve to be at the centre of investing.

The pair discuss greenwashing, the shift to a triple bottom line focus (people, planet, profit) and how sustainability will be the key to structuring ESG investment portfolios as the space matures.

Feb 08, 202435:04
Series 1 / Episode 14: Jo Abergel and Charlene Figueras on careers.gi a CIPD and Gibraltar Youth Service collaboration

Series 1 / Episode 14: Jo Abergel and Charlene Figueras on careers.gi a CIPD and Gibraltar Youth Service collaboration

Jo Abergel, Gibraltar CIPD Branch Committee Member, and Charlene Figueras, qualified social and youth worker, with 20 years of experience working with youth and now part of the senior management team at Gibraltar’s Youth Service, talk to Selwyn Figueras regarding their work on the launch of a new website www.careers.gi, a collaboration between the CIPD – funded as part of the One Million Chances Campaign – and the Gibraltar Youth Service.


With businesses collectively struggling to find candidates with the required skill set locally, with more and more young workers moving away to gain employment, the online resource aims to connect with young people at a grassroots level to increase awareness of what careers are on offer in Gibraltar, what the different career paths available are (many more than they may realise!) and to ultimately maximise the local talent pool which both employees employers can access and benefit from.


The podcast provides an overview of what the website will include; inspiring interviews with workers from all sectors, and from all qualification backgrounds, within Gibraltar, advice on the sectors where there is a high demand for skilled professionals - and the skill set needed for those roles; what options there are for further education (without heading overseas) and much more!


The launch date of the website is Tuesday 27th June. Any businesses or industry bodies interested in getting involved regarding interviews or contributing other content can contact one of the team, Jo Abergel, Charlene Figueras, Jamie Napoli and Katharine Banbury on careers.gibraltar@gmail.com.


A brilliant initiative and we can't wait to take a look in a few weeks time.

Jun 13, 202330:07
Series 1 / Episode 13: Women Leaders: Katherine Grant, Managing Director, Image Graphics and Micro Business Systems

Series 1 / Episode 13: Women Leaders: Katherine Grant, Managing Director, Image Graphics and Micro Business Systems

Our third interview as part of Hassans’ Women Leaders in Gibraltar series, our host, Selwyn Figueras and co-host Meera Aswani, talk to Gibraltar-raised Katherine Grant, CEO of Image Graphics and Micro-Business Systems and the only female Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Gibraltar.

Katherine draws on her experience of working in Hewlett Packard in the UK and Geneva – and how she made it to the USA - and highlights how businesses can give back to the local community through corporate social responsibility initiatives and the key challenges faced by small-medium sized business in Gibraltar in this context.

In this inspirational talk, Katherine explains her greatest professional challenge was the impact and uncertainty during the time of the global pandemic. She explains how she navigated through those turbulent times whilst maintaining her commitment to the health and wellbeing of her staff and supporting the local community in Gibraltar.

Katherine explores how she sees gender dynamics play out in the business context as she gives advice to her 20-something self in relation to the powerful impact of a personal achievement which give you resilience and confidence to make progress professionally – whether its competing in a triathlon or starting a new business ‘just do it, don’t overthink it!’


********

If you are running a business, or considering starting a business in Gibraltar, be sure to follow Hassans, Gibraltar's leading law firm, on all social media channels where Senior Associate David Montegriffo is currently running an Entrepreneurship Series, 6 issues covering the ins and outs of managing a business from business structure, contracts IP matters, rewarding employees and more.

Jun 08, 202329:22
Series 1 / Episode 12 - Alex Knowlden, CEO of CO2.Capital on scaling-up verified carbon credit projects via forest restoration and agroforestry.

Series 1 / Episode 12 - Alex Knowlden, CEO of CO2.Capital on scaling-up verified carbon credit projects via forest restoration and agroforestry.

In the carbon market, CO2 Capital specialises in scaling-up verified carbon credit projects via forest restoration and agroforestry. They use blockchain and drone technology to create compelling carbon credits and value chain portfolios that include forest protection, improved forest management, forest restoration, blue carbon, and community trees/forests.

With a goal to increase the European tree count by 500 million new trees by CO2 Capital’s 30th anniversary in 2050, this revolutionary firm are working to secure long lasting relationships with institutions and business around the world to assist them in reducing their carbon footprint as part of the global effort to tackle the climate crisis.

With the Paris Agreement requiring reductions of carbon footprints by 50% by 2030 (and by 100% by 2050), and with the increasing regulatory mandates and stakeholder pressure in this area, C02 has developed an offering which stops deforestation through technology and has created a high scale planting solution. It has developed green assets tokenization and can offer businesses carbon emissions offsetting, as well as blockchain digital certification and secure wallet based assets oversight – to ensure companies achieve their net zero goals - and be able to prove it when the time inevitably comes.

This is brilliant technology and an amazing solution for firms that want to accelerate their carbon footprint reduction. We are delighted that our FinTech Team (led by Partner Anthony Provasoli) and our Environment Team (led by Tania Rahmany) get to be part of their development. 


Jun 02, 202326:56
Series 1 / Episode 11 - Beyond the Ultimate, Dr Karl Alvarez - 5 Ultras in a Year challenge to raise mental health and children's special needs awareness in Gibraltar

Series 1 / Episode 11 - Beyond the Ultimate, Dr Karl Alvarez - 5 Ultras in a Year challenge to raise mental health and children's special needs awareness in Gibraltar

Dr Karl Alvarez, Medical Director at Occupational Health Services and charity fundraiser, joined Selwyn Figueras and Catherine Knock in the Hassans media studio to share his reasoning and motivation in aiming to be the first person EVER to complete all five Beyond the ultimate Ultras within one year.

He is taking on this enormous challenge to raise awareness about mental health and children with special needs and all donations will be shared between GibSams and SNAG (Special Needs Action Group).

We couldn't be prouder to be sponsoring Karl as he takes on the fourth of the five Ultras, heading for Peru tomorrow to start the Jungle Ultra in the Manu National Park in Peru on Wednesday 4th June. Karl completed the Savannah in Kenya in September last year, the Desert in Namib Desert in November and the Ice Ultra in Sweden in February. He will then tackle the final Ultra in the Tan Shan Mountains at the end of July.

As if that wasn't enough, we also talk to him about his mission to improve the wellbeing of the Gibraltar population, why being "fit" goes way beyond the physical and how working is scientifically proven to be good for your health.

May 30, 202333:16
Series 1 / Episode 10 - Edward Davis CB CBE

Series 1 / Episode 10 - Edward Davis CB CBE

Good friend of Gibraltar, Lieutenant General Edward Davis CB CBE joined us earlier this week to discuss the work of the Gibraltar chapter of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) as Chair of the hub.

General Davis has a distinguished record of public service most recently having served as a Senior Royal Marines Officer before being appointed as Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s representative for Gibraltar from 2016 to 2020. After his tenure as Governor came to an end, he returned to the UK but is thankfully a frequent visitor back to the Rock due to his work with CWEIC and also as the Chair of the charitable Entain Foundation.


May 25, 202337:12
Series 1 / Episode 9 - Lord Swire on Brexit, the Monarchy and CWEIC

Series 1 / Episode 9 - Lord Swire on Brexit, the Monarchy and CWEIC

In this edition, Selwyn Figueras is joined by Lord Swire, Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), and former Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Minster of State for Northern Ireland and Minister of State for Europe and the Americas. Lord Swire was sworn as a member of the Privy Council in 2011 and subsequently knighted.

The podcast was recorded on the day that Northern Ireland went to the local elections, provoking a fascinating conversation in the first half of the podcast on the Windsor framework, parallels that can be drawn in the context of Gibraltar’s own Brexit and the Monarchy.

During the second half, the duo discuss the CWEIC and the Commonwealth Legal Network and the role that each network plays in terms of promoting trade and investment across the 56 member states of the Commonwealth.

May 23, 202334:52
Series 1 / Episode 8 - Women Leaders: Introducing Gillaine Dellipiani, Entrepreneur and Found of GD Associates.

Series 1 / Episode 8 - Women Leaders: Introducing Gillaine Dellipiani, Entrepreneur and Found of GD Associates.

In the third episode of our Women Leaders series, we were delighted to welcome entrepreneur Gillaine Dellipiani into the Hassans’ studio. With over 25 years of experience of project consultancy and management experience, and founder of consultancy GD Associates, Gillaine has delivered successful Gibraltar real estate projects such as The Hub, Sylvian Suites and is currently bringing the North Gorge eco-development to fruition. Gillaine was also responsible for the “Feeding the Frontline” campaign which supported essential workers during the Covid pandemic.

She talks to Partner Selwyn Figueras and Senior Associate Emma Labrador about her exciting early career, globetrotting and trailblazing in the technology sector during the 90s, how charitable work in The Gambia led to her eventual establishment of GD Associates and how she has managed to succeed as a formidable career woman through the many challenges facing women, and as a single mother of two.

 


May 18, 202330:22
Series 1 / Episode 7 - Eastside (Gibraltar) Reclamation Project with TNG's Adrian Olivero and Hassans' Partner Ian Felice.

Series 1 / Episode 7 - Eastside (Gibraltar) Reclamation Project with TNG's Adrian Olivero and Hassans' Partner Ian Felice.

The development of the reclamation on the Eastside of Gibraltar is of unprecedented scale and complexity in the local context. Anticipated to add circa £3bn of economic value in a variety of mixed use projects over the next 15 years, the deal for the purchase of the land was finalised between TNG Global Realty and the Government of Gibraltar a couple of weeks back.

In this episode, Selwyn Figueras speaks to Adrian Olivero, CEO of TNG in Gibraltar, and Ian Felice, partner at Hassans who has led on the project for TNG over the last few years, to discuss the project.

The complexities involved, some of the detail of the key milestones already achieved and a discussion of the measures taken in the environmental and sustainability context of the project all feature in this episode, with our guests describing what it takes to get a deal like this over the line and how it is expected this systemically important project will impact and benefit the community in Gibraltar.

Apr 24, 202334:57
Series 1 / Episode 6 - Summer Programme Special with Anna Buhler, Isabella Lombard and Sam Marrache.

Series 1 / Episode 6 - Summer Programme Special with Anna Buhler, Isabella Lombard and Sam Marrache.

In this special edition, Hassans' trainees, Anna Buhler, Isabella Lombard and Sam Marrache, join Head of Marketing & BD, Catherine Knock, to talk about their experiences of the Hassans' Summer Programme which will run on a fortnightly placement basis over the course of July and August.

The trio share their best and most daunting (but also most rewarding) parts of the programme, the benefits (which are numerous) of attending and top tips for completing your application and CV.

For all the info and the application portal, prospective candidates should visit Summer Programme | Hassans (gibraltarlaw.com).

Apr 05, 202319:05
Series 1 / Episode 5 - Crypto in the wake of unrest in the banking sector with Anthony Provasoli.

Series 1 / Episode 5 - Crypto in the wake of unrest in the banking sector with Anthony Provasoli.

In this episode Hassans’ Fintech Partner Anthony Provasoli talks to Selwyn Figueras on the crypto market in the wake of a tumultuous period in the banking sector.

He discusses whether it is the failures in the banking market that has benefitted the crypto market, how regulation and Gibraltar's DLT principles approach, introduced in 2018 has given our jurisdiction an advantage, TradFi v DeFi, AML, NFTs, Web 3.0, and lots more acronyms which those in the know will resonate with.
Apr 03, 202327:33
Series 1 / Episode 4 - Women Leaders; Denise Matthews, Entrepreneur and Advocate for Gender Equality.

Series 1 / Episode 4 - Women Leaders; Denise Matthews, Entrepreneur and Advocate for Gender Equality.

In this episode Selwyn Figueras is joined by co-host Chloe Oppenheimer Fa as we continue our mini series showcasing the depth and breadth of the achievement of women in Gibraltar in business, politics, media and beyond.

The duo are joined by entrepreneur Denise Matthews. Denise started her first company at 22 and after a number of years abroad and starting her family, returned to Gibraltar in 2016 to establish One Media & Events. She also serves as Gibraltar's Chapter Director for Start Up Grind, a global organisation aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, and works with numerous local charities.

An inspirational listen, Denise talks about her struggles, successes, desire and determination to crush barriers and what drives her to keep momentum.





Mar 30, 202330:53
Series 1 / Episode 3 - Building a stronger legal profession in a challenging world with Grahame Jackson

Series 1 / Episode 3 - Building a stronger legal profession in a challenging world with Grahame Jackson

Grahame Jackson, Tax Partner and co-host of the successful International Tax Bites podcast series, talks to Selwyn Figueras about the importance of using the right language when communicating with your clients; the emergence of AI in the legal industry, the development of a code of conduct in Gibraltar, which presents unique challenges en route to being enforced as of 1.5.23, and the potential impact of global trends in taxation.

Mar 24, 202338:58
Series 1 / Episode 2 - Summer Student Programme

Series 1 / Episode 2 - Summer Student Programme

Hassans' Partner Richard Buttigieg and Head of HR Richard Mor meet with Selwyn Figueras to discuss the forthcoming Summer Student Programme. With the application window open until 24.04.23, the trio discuss what the programme entails and how to apply.

Mar 24, 202323:21
Series 1 / Episode 1 : IWD2023 with Selwyn Figueras and guests Gemma Vasquez, Chloe Oppenheimer Fa and Tania Rahmany

Series 1 / Episode 1 : IWD2023 with Selwyn Figueras and guests Gemma Vasquez, Chloe Oppenheimer Fa and Tania Rahmany

Welcome to the first episode of our brand new podcast which looks at legal, regulatory and current affairs perspectives from our team at Hassans and guests.

We recorded our debut episode during the week of #IWD2023 to have a discussion about not just International Women's Day, or what it means in 2023, but to hear about my guests personal experiences and what action can be taken on every day of the year.

Thank you to Partner Gemma Vasquez, and Senior Associates Chloe Oppenheimer Fa and Tania Rahmany for the candid insights.

Mar 14, 202333:10