Anndrea Moran's path to her current role at Vistra is marked by a series of strategic career moves, each building upon her expertise in maritime law and yachting. After completing her law degree and a Master's in International Maritime Law, she embarked on a career that would see her navigate through various aspects of the yachting and maritime industry.

“I started my career in yachting and corporate services with Credence Corporate & Advisory Services Ltd," Dr Moran recalls. This initial role set the foundation for her expertise in yacht registration, ownership structures, and fiduciary services. 

Her journey continued with roles at Melita Marine Group, where she served as an in-house lawyer, and later as a director at SMM Consultancy. These positions allowed her to deepen her understanding of yacht registration and corporate structures, working closely with captains and owners. 

Dr Moran's experience expanded further during her time at law firm David Zahra Advocates & Associates, and later at Vella Advocates, where she delved into maritime law, aviation services, anti-money laundering, corporate and advised on acquisition of assets and securing financing over such assets under Maltese law.

Now at Vistra Marine and Aviation Limited, Dr Moran is ready to apply her wealth of experience to enhance the company's services. “I feel comfortable advising clients on the best options to purchase yachts and jets, to advise on ownership structures that would best safeguard the owner’s interests,” she states.

Her goals include not only to continue assisting Vistra's existing yachting portfolio and continue growing, but also expanding its aviation services. “Currently, our focus is mainly on yachting. However, the interest is to grow the aviation portfolio as well,” Dr Moran notes.

Certainly, Dr Moran is acutely aware of the challenges facing the yachting industry, particularly its perception as a purely luxury sector. “The yachting industry has always been seen as a luxurious industry,” she acknowledges. “The difference is that in actual fact, these assets are used for commercial activity, they're used to charter to third parties.”

To address these challenges, Dr Moran emphasises Vistra's role in helping owners navigate complex regulatory landscapes. “Vistra is essential to assist owners to continue to regularise themselves, and continue to ensure that the use of the asset is within the parameters of the law, whether it is taxation or anti-money laundering,” she explains.

Dr Moran's strategy for adding value to Vistra's existing clientele focuses on comprehensive service and expert guidance. “With not only my experience but the experience of my colleagues, we are able to assist our clients in all areas,” she states.

She also highlights the importance of Vistra's international network and relationships with trusted third parties, enabling them to provide clients with assistance across various jurisdictions and industries. 

Recognising the delicate balance between client satisfaction and regulatory compliance, Dr Moran emphasises Vistra's commitment to both. “Our position at Vistra is to continue liaising with authorities, ensuring that our clients are always satisfying their obligations and at the same time enjoying their assets,” she explains. 

Looking ahead at emerging industry trends, Dr Moran observes a resurgence of interest in the yachting industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The yachting industry took another sort of fresh look, it became interesting again for clients,” she notes, pointing to the increased interest in charters as an alternative to traditional vacations.

Looking to the future, she anticipates potential increases in legal and tax obligations for the industry, as well as growing requirements for seafarers and crew. “We need to keep abreast of what is going on in order for us to be able to be in a better position to advise our clients,” she emphasises.

In the aviation sector, Dr Moran sees similar trends and opportunities. She notes Malta's efforts to attract more aviation business, highlighting the Civil Aviation Directorate's willingness to embrace online platforms to facilitate transactions and registrations.

As the Executive Director embarks on her new role at Vistra Marine and Aviation Limited, her extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and forward-thinking approach position her to lead the company into a new era of growth and innovation. Together with a capable team of colleagues, she is intent on ensuring that Vistra is well-equipped to navigate the complex waters of maritime and aviation services, providing valuable guidance to clients while adapting to the evolving needs of these dynamic industries.