The funds sector has matured and developed into a more sophisticated market than it was 10 years ago. Technology advances and product innovation in new asset classes has deepened the funds industry, creating more complexity as a result. At the same time, over the last decade, demands on jurisdictions have risen in terms of the level of support that needs to be provided, in terms of substance and effective oversight. Guernsey has always been cognisant of this and has evolved in step with those changing times.
By Paul Smith, Guernsey Investment Fund Association – In an era when uncertainty and the unexpected can be relied upon to spoil the best-laid plans, Guernsey is one jurisdiction able to provide a stable, secure base from which to operate, and has the infrastructure and resources to ensure the highest levels of service quality while also being able to provide businesses with true substance.
By Andrew Maiden, Intertrust – While well-established fund managers are continuing to grow with the launch of larger and larger funds, there has also been a steady flow of first-time, spin-off and emerging managers setting up their own firms.
By Martin Scott, International Administration Group (Guernsey) – Two years ago, almost to the day, Guernsey was set to receive the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) passport to allow marketing of Guernsey funds across Europe. Then Brexit and politics took over, and the likelihood of the European Union extending the AIFMD passport to third countries now appears remote until the UK and EU have reached a trade agreement with respect to financial services. It therefore appears probable that National Private Placement Regimes (NPPRs) will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
By Dr Andy Sloan - Two years on from the UK’s Brexit referendum vote and with the recent publication of the UK’s White Paper, it is useful to take stock of the potential impact of Brexit on global financial services and Guernsey’s trading relationships.
By Andrew Harding - Ahead of the World Cup The Economist ran an article entitled “What makes a country good at football?” The journal explored the various components of a successful national side, taking account of GDP, population size and the popularity of the game in each country.
By Fiona Le Poidevin, TISE – There were 705 new listings on The International Stock Exchange (TISE) during 2017, which was an increase of 40 per cent on the previous year. In the first quarter of 2018, there was a 16.5 per cent rise year on year in new business, which took the total number of listed securities on the Exchange to 2,606 at the end of March 2018. These listings comprise a mix of equity and debt being issued by operating companies and nearly 400 securities issued by investment vehicles, including open and closed-ended funds and more than a quarter of all HMRC approved Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
By Dominic Wheatley, Guernsey Finance – Guernsey’s funds sector has developed over the past 50 years, since the first funds were formed in the island in the 1960s, and is now recognised as a leading centre of excellence for a range of alternatives. This process has been accelerated in recent years as shrinking returns from traditional investment fund strategies are making the alternatives sector more attractive to investors. Guernsey has built up and is now recognised for its expertise in alternatives, particularly private equity but also in infrastructure, Real Estate Investment Trusts, and alternative finance.
By Amit Taylor (pictured) & Mel Torode, Estera – The argument for greater diversity on boards has grabbed many headlines in recent years, as companies and organisations across the globe increasingly realise the benefits offered in terms of fresh ideas and insight.
By Craig Cordle – Data protection and privacy laws have been reformed across Europe by Regulation (EU) 2016/679, commonly known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which came into force on 25 May 2018. The GDPR builds on existing legislation and seeks to harmonise and enhance data protection and privacy laws across the EU. It also introduces significant fines in respect of breaches.
By Dr Andy Sloan (pictured), Guernsey Finance – Guernsey has been identified as an ‘emerging global contender’ in green finance. In a climate currently led by the global commitments made at the United Nations COP 21 conference in 2015, Guernsey has identified green issues as a key strategic objective.
By Andrew Carey, Locate Guernsey – Guernsey makes no excuses for wanting to attract fund managers to the island and evolve into more than simply an alternative funds jurisdiction. It is an explicit position for us, as opposed to a “nice to have”.