IGA Trust’s exciting rebrand: Insights from the women shaping this winning partnership

In the fast-paced world of iGaming, staying ahead of the curve is more crucial than in many other industries. With regulations constantly shifting and competition heating up, businesses need more than just surface-level support; they need a partner who truly understands their needs. This is where IGA Trust comes in, offering the best of both worlds: global expertise and robust local knowledge, providing indispensable support for clients to make their mark in this fast-moving sector.

This year has marked a significant milestone, with Wyze and IGA Group joining forces to launch IGA Trust, now a proud member of the seasoned IGA Group. More than a rebrand, this transition expands IGA Trust’s resources to better support iGaming businesses operating in Curaçao, especially as the jurisdiction undergoes major regulatory changes. With the new legislation – LOK – introducing a revamped licensing structure and stricter AML/KYC procedures, IGA Trust is perfectly positioned to provide clients with the confidence they need to stay on top of regulatory changes while keeping their operations running smoothly.

Thanks to this strategic partnership, IGA Trust is more equipped than ever to offer comprehensive support, covering everything from navigating complex regulations to optimising financial strategies and managing risks. Their holistic approach ensures clients don’t simply comply with evolving standards but also capitalise on growth opportunities.

iGamingCapital.mt recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the three women who drive the company’s mission forward through their extensive expertise. Claire Godschalk, Vivian Pieters, and Phaedra Hanst were happy to share with us how they apply their experience and skills to tackle industry challenges, drive innovation and guide IGA Trust in realising its vision.

Claire Godschalk, Managing Director and Co-Founder, brings a wealth of expertise in corporate structuring and tax law, particularly in mergers and acquisitions. She excels in dealing with the intricacies of corporate governance and tax obligations. When asked how she helps clients handle the challenging landscape of the iGaming industry, Claire highlights the importance of understanding their goals before offering any advice. “Listening closely to what clients would like to achieve allows me to make contributions that truly add value to their businesses,” she explains.

“It’s not just about ticking boxes for us,” Claire notes. “We take the time to get to know each client’s needs to make sure our advice is not only tailored but also genuinely valuable.” She emphasises, “In today’s fast-changing environment, staying compliant is just the start. We focus on helping clients position themselves strategically for long-term success, making sure their corporate structures aren’t just compliant but actively supporting their future growth.”

During our conversation, it became clear that Claire excels at translating complex legal and tax jargon into clear, actionable advice. She takes pride in making technical topics accessible, which has made her a go-to advisor for many. As Claire puts it, “This skill has been an asset for clients as they face new compliance standards that aren’t always that easy to digest.”

Vivian Pieters, also a Founding Partner and Managing Director, brings over 15 years of experience in tax advisory and financial consulting, and knows the ins and outs of international tax planning and financial analysis like the back of her hand. Merging her knowledge with a strong client-focused approach, Vivian helps businesses ensure that their financial strategy works in tandem with their regulatory compliance efforts.

“In the iGaming industry, financial strategy and regulatory compliance go strictly hand in hand,” Vivian notes. “Our role is to help clients make sense of complex concepts by guiding them to straightforward interpretations that they can easily grasp and act upon. Ultimately, our aim is to help clients optimise their business and grow while staying on the right side of the law.”

Beyond her advisory role, Vivian is actively involved in developing IGA Trust’s service offerings. She works to ensure that the company’s solutions respect the changing requirements of the iGaming industry and the specific regulatory landscape of Curaçao.

Rounding out the leadership team is Phaedra Hanst, the Commercial Manager at IGA Trust. With a background in Media and Business, Phaedra brings a forward-thinking edge to relationship management and strategic planning.

“The iGaming industry is a whirlwind of fast-paced action and fierce competition,” Phaedra tells us. “We’re here to help our clients not just keep up but get ahead – not only in terms of compliance, but also when it comes to market positioning and growth strategies.” Phaedra’s role extends beyond client services, playing a key part in developing IGA Trust’s marketing strategies and building partnerships within the iGaming ecosystem.

Together, Claire, Vivian, and Phaedra form the backbone of IGA Trust. For them, keeping abreast with local insights and expanding their global expertise is an ongoing exercise fuelled by their passion to drive IGA Trust’s vision forward. Ultimately, with the commitment of the full team at IGA Trust, clients can rest assured that as the industry’s standards and regulations keep changing, IGA Trust remains a steadfast partner, supporting their success.