“Although there are regulations for aviation and aircraft, and drones do fall under that category, there is no drone regulation currently in place,” Ms Ferrando says about the drone usage landscape in Malta. “Additionally, while the Air Navigation Order does apply to drone operations, this law was set in the nineties, when nobody thought about drones in their current form,” she adds when describing the present sentiment. Therefore, the European Union regulations just passed and entering into effect next year come in a timely manner.

Due to being easily accessible in the market, users often falsely assume that drones are rather toys, however, flying them outdoors poses numerous risks and can bring danger to the airspace of any country. The regulations are expected to break down the misconceptions related to drones.

The new EU rules regulate both the technical and operational requirements for drone usage. In fact, each and every drone must be registered in the member state, where the owner resides or their main place of business is by June 2020. The two regulations came into force within 20 days of 11 June, however, they will only be applicable as of June 2020. Ms Ferrando says this will bring peace of mind to the market. Furthermore, she notes that the European Union passed regulations and not directives, so the rules will be automatically applicable in all member states.

The environment will be unified, which means that instead of haphazard rules in every member state, the same guidelines will apply everywhere. Nevertheless, Malta does slightly stand out due to the fact that the air space is entirely controlled.

Malta’s controlled airspace

“Malta is a very specific country. Usually, we talk about controlled and uncontrolled airspace — most countries have both. However, Malta only has controlled airspace. Generally, drones are not allowed within the controlled airspace in other countries. Therefore, local authorities will set out how drone usage could work in Malta, within the controlled airspace,” Ms Ferrandio explains. The professional adds that this falls under the scope of Transport Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate.

Flying drones can also raise privacy issues, especially if the unmanned aircraft is equipped with a camera that records either private properties or passers-by in public spaces. Ms Ferrando underscores that the data protection and privacy laws already cover for this. “Regardless of anything else, legislation already in place must be followed. A collection of images of identifiable individuals may be subject to data protection law. That of course also applies to drones flying with recording devices on board.”

At the moment, if an individual is planning to fly a drone, they are required to fill in a self-declaration form on Transport Malta’s website. “If the individual can answer yes to all the listed requirements, they can self-declare that they abide by the conditions or operational requirements. If one cannot approve one of the elements on the list, they need to apply for a single permit, for now at least,” Ms Ferrando says.

How will the new regulations change the drone game in Malta? “They will definitely increase the certainty that we do not currently have in Malta, or anywhere else in the European Union. Having a law gives certainty in terms of what is meant to be done. The regulations will also bring a uniform playing field across the bloc, which is another advantage,” Ms Ferrando adds.

Nevertheless, the adoption of the regulations is only the first step. Further guidance will be issued by the end of the year related to how the rules have to be applied. At the same time, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration. “Right now air traffic management regulates only manned aircraft. With the increase of drone operations lair traffic management will be required for both manned and unmanned aircraft. This is also going to be an exciting development,” Ms Ferrando concludes.

The post EU drone regulation to bring peace of mind to Malta’s airspace first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

This is the third year in a row KPMG has earned this ranking by the organisation formerly known as Thomson Reuters Mid-Market M&A Review.

“We are thrilled that KPMG has once again been ranked as the leading mid-market provider of M&A services. This reaffirms the trust that the markets we serve have in the ability of our people to help them execute their growth strategies,” says Hermione Arciola, Director of Advisory Services at KPMG in Malta.

“We are pleased to see the network retain its leading position in M&A, an achievement which we seek to replicate locally via our constant interaction with business owners and senior management focusing on identifying opportunities for parties to get together and unlock value” commented David Pace, Partner, Head of Advisory at KPMG in Malta.

“Additionally our investment in a strong multi-disciplinary skill set means that we can journey together from the initial thinking through to reach-outs, negotiation, and integration/separation,” Mr Pace adds.

With more than 2,500 professionals in over 80 countries, KPMG’s Deal Advisory M&A network includes investment bankers with a global industry reach. Refinitiv rankings place KPMG as the leading mid-market advisor among the Big 4 and M&A boutique firms.

Refinitiv’s Financial Advisor Review shows that KPMG led the M&A field in 2018 for Undisclosed Values & Values up to $500m, with 507 deals. KPMG also came in first place in the European Involvement Mid-Market Rankings with 327 deals.

“As the market evolves, bringing strategic and holistic value to clients remains our top priority, whether that means building stronger sector networks or enhancing our leading data & analytic capabilities,” says Leif Zierz, KPMG’s Global Head of Deal Advisory.

“We are proud of our professionals who work shoulder-to-shoulder with clients from understanding the value story to helping achieve their strategic goals,” says Phil Isom, KPMG’s Global Head of M&A.

KPMG Malta is a civil partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG International.

The post KPMG tops Refinitiv’s Mid-Market M&A charts in 2018 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.