Members Spotlight - EM Group

Cornerstone of success

EM Group has almost two decades of experience in the global iGaming industry, specialising in compliance, corporate and licensing solutions across multiple jurisdictions. Julie Courte, Business Development Manager for EM Group, explains how this deep expertise and commitment to understanding unique client needs have led to its success.

For those who don’t know your company, can you provide some background?

Since 2006, EM Group has proudly been a cornerstone of the global iGaming industry, offering an extensive array of compliance, corporate, and licensing solutions. With expert teams across Malta, Curaçao, the Netherlands, Isle of Man, Alderney, the UK, Cyprus, and Germany, we ensure our clients receive the best possible support in many markets.

Can you share a little-known fact about your company?

At the opening of the Dutch iGaming market in 2021, EM Group was at the forefront, delivering a comprehensive solution to ensure the separation of players’ funds as mandated by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gaming regulator. This strategic approach resulted in a significant success for EM Group, further solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.

More recently, we have been playing a key role in the regulatory changes that are afoot in Curaçao. We are a leading Gaming services provider in Curaçao and we have been in regular touch with the regulator there, while supporting iGaming operators with their applications which will make their companies compliant with the new licensing regime. We have already had the first set of licences approved, and expect further success for more of our clients.

What are you currently working on and what are your company’s plans and strategic priorities for the coming years?

The list of what we offer seems endless, but we can summarise it as below:

• Gaming licences and regulatory compliance: Assisting with gaming licence applications and ongoing regulatory reporting to satisfy licensing body requirements.

• MGA Key function services: Offering key function services as required by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) for licensed B2Bs and B2Cs.

• Company incorporation: Establishing new companies or foundations in jurisdictions like Malta, Cyprus, Curaçao, the UK, Isle of Man, Alderney, and the Netherlands.

• Corporate management: Providing local directors, company secretary, and comprehensive corporate secretarial services.

• Legal and compliance support: Handling legal affairs, compliance/risk matters, due diligence, and the preparation of policies and procedures.

• Financial administration: Including bookkeeping, tax, VAT, payroll services, and assistance with banking/PSPs.

Are there any projects/achievements of your company that you are exceptionally proud of?

Besides our huge success in The Netherlands with the KSA license, another success of EM Group is the launch of SecurePlay in Germany. This product looks to overcome the financial hurdle that iGaming operators face while trying to apply for a licence in Germany. The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL: the German gaming regulator) has stipulated that any operator applying for a licence needs to provide a €5 million financial guarantee to be able to apply for a licence. SecurePlay provides a cost-effective way to meet this regulatory requirement with the help of an insurance element and a foundation to separate player funds from operating costs.

EM Group stands out for its innovative solutions and industry expertise. We ensure personalised and high-quality service for our clients. Our dedicated focus on the iGaming sector means we understand the unique challenges and opportunities within this industry. This specialisation allows us to provide tailored solutions that simplify the licensing process and enhance our clients’ experiences.

What in your opinion makes Malta an effective jurisdiction to set up a business?

Malta remains a prime location for setting up gaming businesses due to several advantages:

• Tier-one jurisdiction: The MGA gaming licence is highly respected and credible.

• Skilled workforce: Malta offers a diverse and experienced workforce in the gaming sector, both local and foreign.

• EU Membership: Malta's EU membership facilitates operations within Europe.

• No barriers for PSPs and software providers: Setting up in Malta ensures seamless collaboration with payment service providers and software providers.

• Favourable tax regime: Malta's advantageous tax regime is a significant draw for businesses.

• Ancillary services: The availability of services like hosting, KYC, compliance audits, technical key functions, payments, and specialised auditors enhances business operations.

What kind of people/companies in the financial services community would you want to connect with?

We are open to exploring a wide range of partnership opportunities, including:

• Law Firms or CSPs that may not currently provide the specialized services we offer to gambling clients, or conversely, those offering services we don’t yet provide that could benefit our clients.

• Firms that supply ancillary services to gaming companies, such as hosting, KYC verification apps, compliance audits, technical key functions, payments, and more.

• Auditors with expertise in financial audits, particularly those specializing in the gaming industry.

• Individuals or agents with access to potential clients who could be interested in our services.

• Licensed MGA companies that may require the ongoing services we provide.

• Other businesses within the gaming sector, such as affiliates, marketing firms, and others.

• Potential clients or partnerships for our other services outside Malta, in Curaçao, Isle of Man, Alderney, The Netherlands, Germany, Cyprus, and the UK.

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‍Bio:

Julie Courte is the Business Development Manager for EM Group, overseeing operations in Malta, the Isle of Man, Alderney, Cyprus, and the UK. Julie assists clients throughout the entire process of establishing their companies, from the incorporation stage to maintaining fully compliant and active entities.

While Julie advises prospect and new clients, she is always interested in new partnerships and innovative solutions that can benefit clients. She is also an expert in eGambling licences, banking and compliance matters.

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