In the latest broadcast of the Mundo Empresarial program of Canal Málaga TV, Jorge, co-founder of CERTUS, described the technological boom of the city, the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) and the firm's firm social commitment. During almost twenty minutes of conversation, headlines emerged that consolidate Malaga on the global map of innovation and confirm CERTUS 'commitment to attracting foreign investment.
"We decided to start our business adventure eleven years ago, focused on comprehensive legal and tax advice for technology and foreign companies," Jorge recalled at the beginning of the interview.
From legal boutique to strategic ally of multinationals
Founded in 2014 with Enca Baquero after its passage through EY (Ernst & Young), CERTUS was born in the midst of the 2008 crisis with the mission of accompanying the first foreign start-ups that set their sights on Malaga. The move, risky at the time – was visionary: more than 80% of the current portfolio corresponds to international technology companies from, among others, the USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, or the Netherlands.
"Our differentiation is based on placing the customer at the centre and offering technical advice in English," said Jorge. "When they increased investments, we were in an ideal position."
Today, the firm operates under a 360° model that covers the entire life cycle of a company – entry into Spain, expansion, restructuring, and divestment – adding accounting, payroll, and compliance in general to traditional commercial and tax services.
Essential 360° services
- Corporate incorporation: branch or subsidiary and soft landing procedures.
- International taxation: consolidation, transfer prices and Patent Box.
- Commercial advice: contracting, corporate law, and operations.
- In-house services: accounting, payroll and IFRS/US GAAP reporting.
- Incentive programs: stock options, phantom shares and visas for global talent.
Málaga: public-private success story that inspires Europe
According to the latest report by Málaga TechPark, the city is home to more than 715 technology companies and has increased specialized employment by 25% in five years. Iconic projects such as the Imec centre of excellence in semiconductors, the European Cybersecurity Innovation Hub and the headquarters of Google or Vodafone reinforce the trend.
"Every year, more ambitious projects arrive; the challenge is to preserve the essence of the city that welcomed me fifteen years ago," said Jorge.
Top-tier digital infrastructures, tax incentives for R&D, agreements with universities, and a flourishing venture capital ecosystem make Malaga a benchmark. In addition to this, there is a powerful attractive lifestyle: 300 days of sunshine, flights to more than 150 destinations, and a cost of living 30% lower than in other European capitals.
Artificial Intelligence: driving growth with guarantees
"AI has already transformed society and will continue to do so," said Jorge. Companies that adopt it responsibly will optimize processes and strengthen their balance sheets; laggards will be left out of play. To minimise risks – from privacy to algorithmic biases – CERTUS recommends amongst other things:
- Continuous training plans for upskilling and reskilling of the workforce.
- Impact audits before deploying tools (sandbox environments and explainability metrics).
- Data governance: clear policies on handling sensitive information and incident response.
- Regulatory compliance: alignment with the European AI Regulation (in force since 2024) and the new LOPD-GDD.
"The first failures occur due to a lack of prevention. Specialized legal advice is the best insurance policy, "he insisted.
CERTUS closely monitors the progress of AI agents, capable of executing actions without human supervision, and their impact on sectors such as tourism, logistics and e-commerce.
Social responsibility: the footprint of the 100 Vidas Foundation
Since 2017, CERTUS has supported the 100 Vidas Foundation, a Malaga NGO that rescues girls with HIV in India and develops educational projects in South America. The firm provides financial resources and professional volunteering, integrating SDGs 3, 4, and 5 (Health, Education, and Equality) into its ESG strategy.
“We were moved by the story of Athanasius of Haro, who left everything to save these girls. We invite everyone to know his work, it is extraordinary,” Jorge concluded.
CERTUS exemplifies the innovative spirit that has catapulted Malaga to the international technological scene. His career combines cutting-edge legal and tax advice, global vision, and social commitment, demonstrating that economic development can move forward with responsibility and a human approach. Thus, the firm is consolidated as a key player in the construction of an ecosystem where talent, technology, and solidarity coexist and mutually enhance each other.
