The evolution of ARQ Group is a testament to strategic foresight, calculated risks, and a commitment to delivering value-driven solutions. What began as a collaboration between professionals with complementary expertise has grown into a leading advisory firm at the forefront of Malta’s financial, legal, and corporate services industry.

In an exclusive interview with MeetInc, David Borg, Tax and Advisory Partner, and Christian Farrugia, Founding Director, reflect on the group’s origins, philosophy, and the challenges of navigating an ever-changing regulatory landscape.

From Collaboration to Integration

ARQ Group was born from a shared client project that revealed the potential for a deeper partnership. As Christian Farrugia explains: “We saw great chemistry and identified a gap in the market. Instead of staying separate, we asked ourselves: why not integrate?”

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At the time, the market was divided—accounting firms had legal teams, and law firms had accounting departments, but no true hybrid structure existed. ARQ changed that, creating a firm where accountants, lawyers, and advisors could collaborate as equals under one roof.

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But integration was more than just a business decision—it was a cultural shift. David Borg highlights the importance of a well-balanced team: “We needed like-minded partners who shared our vision. It was about building a structure where different skill sets could work seamlessly together.”

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Merging disciplines and personalities under one entity, however, came with its challenges.

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Challenges and the Importance of Compromise

Growing a business requires vision and adaptability. When four partners with different backgrounds come together, alignment becomes crucial. As Farrugia puts it: “We have heated discussions, but that’s something we cherish—it shows people care.”

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Constructive debate and diverse perspectives have been key to ARQ’s long-term stability. A critical early decision was drafting a shareholders’ agreement to ensure that business choices were not just financially driven but built on strong professional relationships.

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“We spent a lot of time on that document,” says Borg, “hoping we’d never have to use it.”

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With a solid foundation, ARQ expanded beyond corporate services into AML compliance, advisory, and international structuring.

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Redefining the Market: Beyond a ‘One-Stop-Shop’

ARQ’s multi-disciplinary approach provides clients with a comprehensive range of services. However, Borg is hesitant to use the term ‘one-stop-shop’: “I don’t like that phrase, but in essence, that’s what we are. We offer the full spectrum of services for structuring in or out of Malta.”

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Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, ARQ focuses on its strengths. By recognizing both opportunities and limitations, the firm has carved out a niche for delivering high-value, specialized services while maintaining strong client relationships.

Malta’s Evolving Financial Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

Malta’s financial services sector has transformed over the decades, shifting from an offshore model with tax incentives to a more compliance-driven system. As a veteran in the industry, Farrugia recalls: “In the late 80s and early 90s, Malta’s appeal was its low tax rates. But as the industry matured, we realized that long-term success required more than just tax advantages.”

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Stricter AML regulations have further reshaped the industry. While ARQ saw this as an opportunity to expand into advisory services, Farrugia acknowledges that regulatory frameworks can sometimes be overly rigid: “The authorities are becoming more receptive, but there’s still room for improvement. In some cases, we’ve gone overboard.”

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Despite challenges, Malta remains an attractive jurisdiction, particularly for sectors like shipping, gaming, and financial services. Borg points out that Malta’s small size can be an advantage: “We can tweak legislation and adapt rapidly—something larger jurisdictions simply can’t do.”

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This agility, combined with a strong talent pool, has positioned Malta as a trusted hub for international business.

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A Culture of Excellence and Adaptability

At the heart of ARQ’s success is its ability to adapt while maintaining high service standards. The firm has invested heavily in compliance, innovation, and professional development to remain at the forefront of the industry.

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“We know our strengths, but we also know where we need to improve,” says Borg. “We can’t be the best at everything, but we can be the best at what we choose to focus on.”

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This mindset has helped ARQ attract long-term clients—many of whom initially came for tax structuring but have since established deeper roots in Malta. A combination of regulatory improvements, a skilled professional base, and a strong business culture has cemented ARQ’s position as a leading advisory firm.

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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for ARQ?

While this interview has provided insights into ARQ’s journey, challenges, and strategic growth, the conversation is far from over.

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In Part 2, David Borg and Christian Farrugia will explore:

The future of Malta’s regulatory and financial ecosystem

The impact of technology and AI on the industry

The biggest challenges ahead for ARQ and its clients

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As ARQ continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—its success is built on strong partnerships, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to delivering value.

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Stay tuned for Part 2 of this exclusive MeetInc interview.