Giacomo Merello
Giacomo Merello | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 9, 1980 Milan, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian-Antiguan |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Diplomat |
| Title | Lord of Leslie, Baron of Leslie |
| Website | giacomomerello |
Giacomo Merello (born 9 May 1980) is an Italian-Antiguan lawyer and diplomat based in Singapore. He is the founder of the international regulatory firm Marvelux Consulting and serves as the Special Economic Envoy of Antigua and Barbuda to Singapore. He also chairs the Digital Assets Business Promotion Board of the Antigua and Barbuda Official Business Hub. In November 2024, Merello succeeded to the Scottish feudal title of Lord of Leslie, with the subsidiary title Baron of Leslie, in the Baronage of Scotland.[1]
Early life and education
Merello was born in Milan, Italy, to entrepreneur Mario Merello and Italian pop singer Marcella Bella. He is the nephew of music composer and singer Gianni Bella. He attended Collegio San Carlo High School in Milan and graduated from Bocconi University with a Master of Science in Law (LL.M.) in 2004.
Career
After beginning his legal career in Milan at Studio Baldini, Merello moved to Singapore in 2009. He founded Marvelux Consulting, a firm specializing in regulation, fintech and blockchain law. His practice includes supporting cryptocurrency and innovation startups, legacy planning, and advice on citizenship-by-investment programs.[2]
Merello is professionally active across Asia, especially in Singapore, where he also directs boutique law firm DMTV Global (founded by Federico Vasoli), Vietnam, and Georgia. He advises on regulatory frameworks and cross-border investments.[3]
Diplomatic roles
In 2022, he was appointed Chairman of the Digital Assets Business Promotion Board for Antigua and Barbuda. In 2023, Merello was named Special Economic Envoy of Antigua and Barbuda to the Republic of Singapore.[4]
In 2025, he became a delegate for diplomatic relations concerning foreign dynastic and knightly orders on behalf of the Royal House of Georgia.[5]
Nobility and honors
Merello succeeded to the Scottish feudal barony and lordship of Leslie (Fife) in 2024. He is officially listed in Debrett’s and Burke’s Peerage. He holds the distinction of Knight Grand Cross (GCEG) of the Order of the Eagle of Georgia.[6]
Media and public appearances
Merello has been featured in several international media outlets including Expat Living Singapore, Antigua News, Il Messaggero, and Corriere della Sera. He has appeared in interviews discussing topics such as heraldic law, blockchain governance, and investment migration.
Personal life
Merello lives between Singapore and Scotland, where he resides in Leslie House, historic seat of his barony, and frequently travels between the Caribbean and Asia for his professional engagements. He is a PADI Rescue Diver and a teacher of Japanese swordmanship.
References
- ↑ "The Feudal Baronies of Scotland". debretts.com. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ↑ Hockley, Georgina (27 November 2024). "Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and more!". Moving To Singapore? Essential Guide - Expat Living in Singapore. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ↑ "Key people". dMTV Global. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ↑ Staff, Editorial (17 May 2025). "Bridging Oceans and Opportunities: Giacomo Merello on Promoting Antigua and Barbuda in Singapore and in Asia". Antigua News - Breaking stories that captivate. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ↑ "Royal Orders Government". The Royal House of Georgia. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ↑ "Marcella Bella, Sanremo, la politica e la rivelazione sul figlio a Domenica In". Il Tirreno (in italiano). Retrieved 16 July 2025.