Michael Schmitt

AHREFS EXPLAINED IN 3 ARTICLES!!! Ahrefs’ Data Collection: A Case of Near Business Sabotage Ahrefs Incomplete Data Collection: A Pathway to Misrepresentation. Ahrefs, a renowned player in the SEO tools... malta-media.com/ahrefs-data-co… @botsbreeder @ahrefs #SEOStrategy #DataTransparency #OnlineBusiness #WebTrafficAnalysis #SEOReporting #UserTrust Ahrefs’ Latest Study: A Continuing Saga of Inaccurate and Speculative Data Analysis Ahrefs' recent publication, "Almost Half of GSC Clicks Go to Hidden Terms - A Study by... malta-media.com/ahrefs-latest-… @Ahrefs @PatrickStox #JoshuaHardwick #MichalPecánek #SEOReporting #AnalysisCritique #SEOCommunity #ahrefs Ahrefs’ Traffic Estimations: Guesswork Disguised as Research In a recent article titled "How Accurate Are the Search Traffic Estimations in Ahrefs? (New Research)",... malta-media.com/ahrefs-traffic… @Ahrefs @TimSoulo #DigitalMarketingTools #AhrefsVsSEMrush #SEOAnalyticsFlaws #DataDrivenMarketingDebate

Europe's digital banking map looks decisive. Revolut appears across much of the continent as the "most popular" brand, but this ranking is based on Google search interest, not authorisation or deposit protection. Search shows attention and confusion as often as trust. The image is a conversation starter, not evidence of safety, service quality or accountability. For a detailed analysis of what the map misses, including licensing status, guarantees and dispute resolution, read the full article: linkedin.com/pulse/tyranny-… via @LinkedIn

Check out my latest article: How Stake's Slot Charts Reveal a Deeper Truth: 1,500 Staff, Australian Base and Zero Action from AUSTRAC! linkedin.com/pulse/how-stak… via @LinkedIn

How many years of recommendations does it take before meaningful reform begins? According to the European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report, Malta is still falling short on nearly every critical benchmark. Despite minor progress in judicial digitalisation and staffing, the wider picture remains troubling: persistent inaction on political integrity, near-total stagnation on media reform, and a lack of final corruption convictions that calls into question the country’s enforcement capability. This new Malta Media article examines the most concerning findings from the report. It highlights Malta’s failure to implement a single case referral from its anti-corruption body, its continued disregard of European Court judgments, and a legislative manoeuvre that weakens the public’s right to trigger investigations. The article also outlines how Malta’s promises to establish a National Human Rights Institution remain unfulfilled and why journalists still lack effective safeguards. For lawyers, compliance officers, regulatory consultants and investors, this is not just a Maltese issue. It is a case study in reputational risk, governance backsliding and legal uncertainty in an EU Member State. linkedin.com/pulse/maltas-r… via @LinkedIn

Check out my latest article: How Malta’s Bill 55 is undermining EU Justice and Player Protection! linkedin.com/pulse/how-malt… via @LinkedIn

Something doesn’t add up. While Soft2Bet celebrates its Ontario success, their brand Tooniebet.com is quietly operating across British Columbia without any recognised Canadian licence, using a Tobique-issued permit and an Isle of Man shell. The same group now plans US expansion, backed by a hockey sponsorship with the Ottawa Senators. But who checked the source of funds? Who checked the regulatory legitimacy? This isn’t just a compliance loophole. It’s a mirror held up to the fragility of Canada’s fragmented gambling oversight. Check out my latest article: Tooniebet Entered Canada without a Proper Licence! linkedin.com/pulse/tooniebe… via @LinkedIn

BASTA GROUP ENTERS THE FINTECH SECTOR THROUGH BASTA PAY MALTA. ACQUIRES SOLÖWISE INC. (USA) AND SENDPAY LIMITED (CANADA), TO OPERATE GLOBALLY UNDER THE BASTA PAY BRAND FROM SEPTEMBER 1 Basta Group Ltd, an international holding company headquartered in Malta, has officially entered the fintech sector through its subsidiary Basta Pay Malta. As part of its strategic expansion, the Group has successfully acquired two licensed financial institutions: Solöwise Inc. (United States) Sendpay Limited (Canada) Both companies hold active Money Services Business (MSB) licenses and will officially begin operating globally under the unified brand Basta Pay starting from September 1, 2025. This acquisition enables Basta Group to establish a direct presence in North America and lays a strong foundation for the international rollout of its financial services. KEY SERVICES OFFERED BY BASTA PAY: Multi-currency accounts for individuals and businesses International transfers via SWIFT and SEPA Virtual and physical debit cards Digital payments and foreign exchange Crypto-to-fiat transactions (where legally permitted) API integration for financial process automation Technology and infrastructure are developed and maintained by Basta Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd, the Group’s dedicated technology arm based in India, ensuring performance, security, and full regulatory compliance. GLOBAL EXPANSION STRATEGY Following the launch in the United States and Canada, Basta Group plans to expand into Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, with the goal of creating a reliable and accessible global network of digital financial solutions. “Our mission is to build secure, scalable, and user-friendly financial infrastructure that connects people and businesses across continents. Malta is our home, but Basta Pay is built for the world,” said Rade Basta, Founder of Basta Group. Media Contact: press@bastagroup.com

Basta Group Malta and NGL Serbia Complete Strategic Equity Merger Valued at €7.2 Million. Basta Group Malta, a global technology and investment group, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a strategic equity-based merger with NGL Serbia (National Gaming Laboratories). The transaction, valued at €7.2 million, was executed through a non-cash share swap, enabling long-term strategic alignment without financial outflow. As part of the transaction, NGLcert Malta, a wholly owned subsidiary of Basta Group, has acquired 100% ownership of NGL Serbia, while NGL Serbia’s founder, Rade Basta, has become a shareholder in Basta Group Malta. This structure creates a unified governance model and a shared vision for international expansion. NGL Serbia, headquartered in Belgrade, is a recognized authority in testing, certification, and technical validation of digital systems, including software platforms, fintech infrastructure, blockchain solutions, and web-based technologies. The company operates in accordance with global standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and complies with multiple international regulatory frameworks. “A transaction of this scale confirms NGL Serbia’s strategic value within the Basta Group ecosystem. Together, we’re building a global standard of trust, quality, and regulatory compliance,” said Rade Basta, Founder of NGL Serbia and CEO of Basta Group Malta. NGL Serbia will continue operating independently from its Belgrade headquarters, while strategic management and global coordination will be led from Malta through NGLcert Malta. For more information, visit: NGLcert.com

Basta Group Finalizes €3.6 Million Cross-Border Equity Merger with Indian IT Company. Basta Group Ltd, a Malta-based international holding company focused on artificial intelligence, digital finance, and cybersecurity, has finalized a €3.6 million equity-based merger with Indian software firm Basta Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd. The deal was formalized under the title: “Equity Merger & Shareholder Integration Agreement.” Under the agreement, Basta Group has acquired 100% operational control of the Indian company, while its Director, Vishnu Chauhan, received a 5% equity stake in Basta Group Ltd, reflecting the strategic value of the transaction. “We are not outsourcing — we are integrating,” said Rade Basta, Founder and Group CEO of Basta Group. “This equity-based merger allows us to unite technology, leadership, and execution under one global structure.” Basta Tech Solutions will now serve as the Group’s exclusive R&D and technology development center, responsible for the execution and maintenance of the following platforms: • Basta AI – Artificial intelligence infrastructure • Basta Pay – Multi-currency payments and EMI services • Basta Secure – Cybersecurity and regulatory compliance • Basta Crypto – Blockchain systems, tokenization, and digital wallets • As well as future platforms tailored to client and partner needs This merger extends Basta Group’s operational reach across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, creating a distributed yet unified digital ecosystem built for global scale. About Basta Group Basta Group Ltd is a Malta-based digital holding company that develops and owns next-generation infrastructure across fintech, cybersecurity, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Through licensed entities in the EU, USA, and Canada, the Group now leads global product development through its new Indian subsidiary — Basta Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd. Media Contact: press@basta-group.com - basta-group.com

Basta PLAY and Jumping Play Studio Sign Strategic Partnership in the iGaming Industry. Basta Play, a Malta-based iGaming provider and one of Europe’s emerging powerhouses in regulated digital entertainment, has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Jumping Play.

What happens when regulators act too late… and companies call it “case closed”? Our latest piece investigates the €1 million fine slapped on OKCoin Europe by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) for serious anti-money laundering failings. But the story doesn’t end with a press release and a promise to do better. This wasn’t a one-time oversight. It’s part of a much larger pattern that includes OKX’s global operations, a €304,000 settlement with the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and even a $504 million penalty in the US involving its affiliate Aux Cayes FinTech. We ask a simple question: how many warning signs need to be ignored before real accountability kicks in? Read the full story and decide for yourself whether this is just another PR cleanup... or something far more systemic. Okcoin OKX Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) Malta Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) Bybit Check out my latest article: Systemic failure and just a slap on the wrist? linkedin.com/pulse/systemic… via @LinkedIn

Weekly reporting. Rolling deadlines. Zero excuses! Malta’s Centralised Bank Account Register (CBAR) isn’t flashy; but it’s one of the country’s most important regulatory tools. Updated every seven days, this system gives authorities real-time access to account data, safe deposit boxes and custodial services across the financial sector. The latest guidance from the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) Malta sheds light on how compliance should look: strict, auditable and fair. For anyone in AML, law enforcement or banking compliance, this document is worth your time. My dive into the April 2025 FAQ shows a system that’s evolved into something more than just a register, it’s become infrastructure. Malta Police Force Office Of The Commissioner For Revenue The Sanctions Monitoring Board - Malta G4S Security Services Malta Ltd Bank of Valletta plc HSBC MeDirect Bank Malta APS Bank Check out my latest article: Understanding Malta’s Centralised Bank Account Register (CBAR)! linkedin.com/pulse/understa… via @LinkedIn

GERMANY’S REGULATOR GONE ROGUE? While Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder tightens the screws on licensed operators, offshore sites are cashing in. Legit businesses are pulling out, tax revenue is vanishing, and players? They're heading straight to the black market. This isn’t regulation. It’s sabotage. Check out my latest article: When regulation backfires: how Germany is feeding its own black market! linkedin.com/pulse/when-reg… via @LinkedIn

When football stars go rogue... Arturo Vidal, the Chilean midfield legend, just launched his own betting platform; but forgot something kind of important: a licence. "Juego con el King" looks like a paradise for shady operators, with Evolution, Ezugi and Pragmatic Play games front and centre. No licensing. No company info. Just a lot of promises and a few dodgy payment logos slapped at the bottom. We took a hard look at the platform, and what we found was alarming. Full breakdown inside. Arturo Vidal Colo-Colo Pragmatic Solutions NetEnt Red Tiger Mancala Gaming Ortiz Gaming Salsa Technology Pateplay RubyPlay SmartSoft SPRIBE Turbo Games Vibra Gaming Belatra Casinogate Endorphina Espresso Games EvoPlay Galaxsys GameArt Gamzix Hacksaw Gaming KA Gaming Triple Cherry Air Dice Amigo Gaming Aviatrix JackTop TVBET Vivo Gaming American Express Mastercard Visa Banco de Chile Santander Scotiabank Check out my latest article: Arturo Vidal's Unlicensed Gambling Platform! linkedin.com/pulse/arturo-v… via @LinkedIn

Did we all get so busy talking about fines and laws… that we forgot the games are still being made? From Fishin’ Frenzy 2 to a scratch-card racing game, this week saw a surge of actual product launches. Real games. Real content. Real players still clicking. And if you zoom out, the bigger picture is clear: Studios are shipping. Platforms are expanding. CRM tools are getting smarter. Even podcast series are popping up to keep the ecosystem connected. It’s not all doom and compliance. Sometimes, the industry just… works. Check out my latest article: Creative momentum in iGaming: what’s launching, scaling and connecting right now? linkedin.com/pulse/creative… via @LinkedIn

The black market isn’t lurking in the shadows anymore. It’s building empires in broad daylight. While regulators hold roundtables and white market operators juggle compliance rules, the unlicensed sector is quietly dominating Europe’s digital gambling scene. From 🇫🇷 France’s endless debates to 🇩🇪 Germany’s enforcement dead zones and 🇮🇪 Ireland’s glacial rollout of remote licences, one thing is becoming painfully clear: Offshore and grey operators are winning this war. And they’re doing it with better UX, faster payouts and zero regulatory headaches. Our latest deep-dive explores why even the most well-meaning reforms can’t stop what’s already in motion and what might actually work before it’s too late. Spoiler: it’s not just about “more enforcement.” It’s about smarter strategy, less red tape and tech collaboration that doesn’t trail five years behind the threat. Read the full story and let us know where your country stands in this digital battleground. AFJEL – Association Française des Jeux en Ligne, Deutscher Sportwettenverband e.V. Spelinspektionen – Swedish Gambling Authority UK Gambling Commission – UKGC Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – GRAI Swiss Casinos Holding AG – Swiss Casinos BLIK – Polski Standard Płatności Totalizator Sportowy Malta Gaming Authority MGA Check out my latest article: Why the black market is quietly winning the online gambling war! linkedin.com/pulse/why-blac… via @LinkedIn

“Onboard in minutes.” But what happens in the milliseconds you can’t see? Fraud’s rising, onboarding’s speeding up, and most firms still don’t know where their users’ biometric data ends up. Platforms like Sumsub offer seamless, cross-border KYC and QES; but are they giving you compliance or just confidence? In our latest feature, we explore: – Where the real risks hide in “frictionless” onboarding – Why BaFin doesn’t endorse your favourite KYC tool – What questions regulated firms should be asking before the next audit This one’s for every compliance officer, risk analyst, and onboarding lead. Check out my latest article: Instant onboarding, invisible risks? linkedin.com/pulse/instant-… via @LinkedIn

£1.2 million to a former Chief Minister’s law firm - to defend the current one? All paid by the taxpayer. No questions asked. While many in Gibraltar face rising rents, understaffed schools and hospital delays, millions have quietly flowed into the legal system, with little public explanation. This article kicks off our new series profiling the people, companies and public authorities shaping (and spending) in Gibraltar. Read the full breakdown below... Peter Caruana & Co Fabian Picardo Ian McGrail GBC World news Royal Gibraltar Police HM Government of Gibraltar Triay Lawyers Ltd Attias and Levy Doughty Street Chambers Phillips LLP (Gibraltar) Cruz Lawyers Three Raymond Buildings Hope Williams Julian Santos Charles Gomez & Co #Gibraltar #McGrailInquiry #PublicSpending #Transparency #LegalFees Check out my latest article: While Gibraltar families struggle with housing, education and inflation... linkedin.com/pulse/while-gi… via @LinkedIn

As regulatory interest in crypto-fuelled iGaming continues to grow, so too does scrutiny around complex ecosystems like those built by the BetConstruct and Fastex teams. From NFT launches under Ortak to cross-border operations involving gambling, payments and Web3 platforms, the Badalyan-linked network is becoming harder to ignore. Our latest piece sets the stage for a wider investigation into structure, governance and compliance across these entities. Stay tuned. Check out my latest article: Badalyan brothers and the expanding iGaming footprint linkedin.com/pulse/badalyan… via @LinkedIn

The UK gambling sector this week: no fireworks, just friction! From property rants to snooker confessions, offshore loopholes and new UKGC guidance, it’s been one of those weeks. Nothing blew up. But everything added up. If you work in regulation, compliance, payments or policy, this one’s worth a scroll. 👀 Featuring reflections on: Andy Scott UK Gambling Commission GambleAware Evolution Haroon Chowdry CUE SPORT NEWS #UKGambling #Regulation #iGaming #SaferGambling #DigitalCompliance Check out my latest article: Round-up of what’s been stirring the UK market (and regulators). linkedin.com/pulse/round-up… via @LinkedIn

While UK Gambling Commission is busy publishing guidance on AI risks and #moneylaundering in gambling, they’ve quietly brushed aside serious allegations from a high-ranking ex-employee of Mansion Group. These aren’t vague claims. We're talking about detailed evidence, spanning years, involving tax evasion and unlicensed operations. Despite being urged to alert Crown Prosecution Service, the UKGC chose to log it and move on. No investigation. No accountability. So we ask: Are new rules just PR if the old crimes go ignored? #GamblingRegulation #UKGC #Compliance #CorporateGovernance #AML Check out my latest article: UKGC Publishes New Warnings - But what about the Old Crimes? linkedin.com/pulse/ukgc-pub… via @LinkedIn