Aaron Payas, CFA

🎯 Head of Investment Funds | Crypto & Digital Assets Lawyer | CFA Charterholder | Ex-International Footballer | BAYC #3338

As Head of Investment Funds, I advise on the full lifecycle of alternative investment structures (private equity, venture capital, hedge, and digital asset funds) while also maintaining a leading practice in the global crypto sector. My work spans institutional fund structuring, sophisticated regulatory matters, and high-stakes advisory for some of the most prominent names in the digital asset industry.

📚 Analytical, client-focused and driven by continuous improvement, I combine a Mathematics background with the technical discipline of a CFA Charterholder. This foundation enables me to support clients navigating complex intersections between traditional finance and the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.

👨🏻‍💻 My practice is evenly balanced between investment funds and crypto/DLT. On the funds side, I advise managers on structuring, governance and regulatory positioning. On the crypto side, I work closely with leading global projects, exchanges, foundations, and token issuers, helping them build compliant and institutionally robust frameworks in Gibraltar, one of the world’s most advanced regulated crypto jurisdictions.

🔍 Core Focus Areas
Investment funds • Fund formation • Private equity & VC • Alternative investment funds • Hedge & digital asset strategies • Regulatory & licensing matters • Token issuances • VASPs • DAOs • Tokenisation • Crypto foundations • E-money • Payments • Institutional-grade compliance

🏆 Selected Highlights

– 🏛 Structured the first 3 regulated crypto funds in Gibraltar

– 🏗 Set up the first 5 Gibraltar crypto foundations supporting DAO frameworks

– 📘 Co-authored the Gibraltar Crypto Funds Code of Conduct — the world’s first regulatory code for crypto funds

– 🇺🇸 Advised INX on the first SEC-approved public security token offering, a landmark for Gibraltar’s regulatory regime

– 📈 First CFA Charterholder in Gibraltar

👨🏻‍🎓 Background & Recognition
I maintain close working relationships with the Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, and industry stakeholders. Ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading lawyer in investment funds and fintech.

🎤 Speaking & Publications
Regularly present at international conferences and contribute as an author on investment funds and digital assets.

⚽️ Beyond the Office
Former professional footballer with 12 caps for the Gibraltar national team.

🐦 Twitter: @aaronpayas

www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpayas/