Inteliumlaw has carved out a strong reputation as a premier law firm providing high-level business legal services to clients in iGaming, crypto, IT, marketing, and investment sectors. As industries face rapid regulatory changes, Inteliumlaw offers strategic, forward-looking counsel that ensures compliance and fuels growth. At the helm is Elena Sadovskaya, Managing Partner and an accomplished legal expert with over a decade of experience spanning international tax, corporate law, and business structuring — including time at global consulting giant Ernst & Young.
In this interview, Elena discusses Inteliumlaw’s evolution, its approach to navigating complex regulations like MiCA, and how the firm’s bespoke solutions help businesses thrive in dynamic global markets.
Please tell us your name, title, and a bit about your background.
Elena Sadovskaya: I’m the Managing Partner at Inteliumlaw. My legal career began during my second year at university, where I represented clients in court and handled corporate cases. My passion for legal science inspired me to write over 45 articles and earn several professional awards.
Before founding Inteliumlaw, I worked in a law firm specialising in international business structuring and later led my own legal practice. I’ve spent nearly 10 years advising companies, including almost four years as an international tax and legal consultant at Ernst & Young, one of the Big Four firms.
Tell us about Inteliumlaw — how it started, your team, and your focus on the crypto and iGaming industries.
Inteliumlaw was officially established in 2021, but its foundation dates back to 2016, when I joined Ernst & Young. During that time, I advised global businesses and investment funds on structuring projects across diverse industries.
In 2019, I launched my own practice and built a team of dedicated legal professionals who developed strong sector expertise. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional markets, many investors sought alternative opportunities — particularly in crypto and iGaming. These clients turned to us for specialised guidance, and that demand laid the groundwork for Inteliumlaw.
Today, Inteliumlaw offers end-to-end legal support for IT, iGaming, software, and crypto companies. We act as long-term partners, providing customised strategies that align with each client’s goals and ensure sustainable growth.
With the MiCA regulation now in force, how has your approach to advising crypto companies evolved?
Launching a crypto business today is far more complex than it used to be. Previously, setting up required only basic company registration and AML policies. With MiCA now active, businesses must submit extensive documentation, secure technology certifications, and maintain specialised AML/KYC teams.
Moreover, the EU has tightened its stance on reverse solicitation — the practice of serving EU clients from offshore jurisdictions like Panama. Under MiCA, this approach is no longer sustainable, and most crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) must obtain formal EU authorisation.
At Inteliumlaw, we stay ahead of these changes. Our team helps clients navigate the transition, obtain MiCA licences, and adapt their operations to meet new standards. We ensure compliance across EU markets, keeping businesses both secure and competitive amid evolving regulations.
Which regions do you believe will emerge as the most crypto-friendly hubs in the coming years?
Without a doubt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is positioning itself as a global crypto powerhouse. Analysts project that crypto could become the UAE’s second-largest economic sector within five years. The country has built a robust framework — from the creation of VARA, its dedicated crypto regulator, to the establishment of digital asset free zones and a central bank-backed stablecoin.
In Europe, Estonia, Malta, and Lithuania continue to lead as top destinations for crypto business registration due to their progressive regulations and innovation-friendly ecosystems.
For iGaming startups, which licensing jurisdictions do you recommend — and how do your choices differ for mature operators?
Every iGaming business is unique, so there’s no universal licensing solution. We tailor our advice based on each client’s business model, market focus, and growth strategy.
That said, Anjouan has become a top choice for startups — offering strong compliance standards and good industry recognition at a reasonable cost. Curaçao, while reputable, can be too costly for early-stage companies, whereas Costa Rica enables fast crypto-based launches but limits access to top-tier banking partners.
For established operators, Malta, the Isle of Man, and Estonia remain reliable and respected options. In particular, Estonia’s licensing system provides a well-balanced, cost-effective framework that appeals to many of our clients.
Nevis recently launched a new iGaming licensing framework. What are your thoughts on it?
Nevis is emerging as a strong contender in the iGaming space. With over four decades of financial regulatory experience, the jurisdiction offers a solid foundation and a reputation stronger than Anjouan’s.
While it’s still gaining recognition from banks and partners, Nevis could soon rival Curaçao as a preferred licensing destination. At Inteliumlaw, we already recommend Nevis licences to suitable clients because they provide significant cost advantages and fewer administrative hurdles compared to Curaçao.
With Curaçao enforcing stricter requirements — such as greater economic substance and local presence — many companies are seeking more flexible alternatives, and Nevis is fast becoming one of them.
How do you help clients view compliance as a competitive advantage rather than a burden?
Compliance is often seen as an obstacle, but we help clients see it as a strategic asset. Strong compliance frameworks allow businesses to operate confidently, mitigate risks, and maintain credibility.
A non-compliant company faces uncertainty; a compliant one controls its risks. Compliance isn’t just paperwork — it’s a shield protecting businesses from reputational and regulatory damage. At Inteliumlaw, we design systems that help clients remain compliant today and adaptable tomorrow, turning what many see as a challenge into a lasting competitive edge.
Can you share a success story where Inteliumlaw’s legal support made a measurable impact?
One success that stands out is helping early-stage ventures grow into recognised international brands through sustainable legal structuring. We’ve successfully defended clients in regulatory disputes where other firms had failed, preserving their licences and market access.
Our team has also implemented over 50 tax-efficient structures and facilitated multi-million-dollar transactions, protecting assets and optimising resources. Many clients now see us not just as legal advisors but as strategic partners driving their long-term success.
What’s next for Inteliumlaw? What’s your vision for 2026 and beyond?
We expect to see continuous innovation in fintech, crypto, IT, and iGaming — and with it, a growing need for comprehensive legal guidance. Inteliumlaw aims to meet that demand by expanding our portfolio of licensing options and incorporation jurisdictions.
By 2026, we plan to stay at the forefront of emerging regimes, evaluating new frameworks as they appear and guiding clients through each transition. As regulations evolve, we’ll continue refining our strategies to keep businesses compliant, agile, and competitive across all major markets.
Our long-term vision is simple: to remain proactive, informed, and instrumental in helping businesses grow securely in an ever-changing legal landscape.
