Guernsey Finance
The finance sectors that Guernsey is best known for include:
Trust and company administration Investment funds Asset management
Guernsey's independent regulator is the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC).
Trust and company administration
Guernsey boasts 50 years experience in services such as trust and company administration.
The Island's full corporate licensees include everything from huge organisations to smaller independent businesses. The expertise in Guernsey helps to protect wealth for individuals and institutions.
Guernsey has a proven track record in providing trust services. Estate and inheritance planning are key components of the Island's offering. Guernsey also remains a key choice for organisations that use trusts for pensions and employee shares. Corporate structures hold assets and investments of all types.
Guernsey recently updated its legislation with a new Trusts Law. Changes include:
Introducing Purpose Trusts Limit removal on a trust's duration Removing liability of corporate trustees directors
Guernsey is well known for its robust and pragmatic regulatory environment. It was one of the first jurisdictions to introduce an effective system for licensing in relation to trust administration services, company management and ancillary services. Businesses that manage and provide fiduciary services are regulated, rather than the trusts themselves.
Investment Funds
With 50 years of experience, Guernsey is an excellent location for investment funds.
The Island hosts an extensive array of investment services, including investment advisers, stockbrokers, fund managers, custodians and administrators. All offer a range of services for retail and institutional investors.
The overall value of funds in Guernsey stood at more than £224bn in June 2010.
Guernsey's fund industry has experience in hedge funds, private equity and property - all of which are becoming more popular amongst investors. Guernsey even continues to grow an outstanding reputation as a centre of excellence for investments such as fine art, fine wine and timber.
Guernsey's administrative heritage is complemented by the growth of investment management services within the island. This includes large multinational houses and independent boutiques. These firms offer a huge range of solutions to private and corporate clients.
There are many experts who provide advice on various investment products. Guernsey's offering in investment funds was given a boost in 1998 when the Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX) launched. It has seen significant growth since and is known for its consistency, speed and cost-efficiency.
Asset Management
Guernsey's financial expertise extends to high quality investment management. There are many investment management providers in the island, from large multinational houses to independent businesses. These firms deliver a huge range of asset management and stockbroking services to private and corporate clients throughout UK and beyond.
Investment services include funds, management portfolios and stockbroking arrangements. The larger experts also meet the wealth management needs of institutional investors.
Guernsey's asset management industry provides a quality of service that is set apart from the competition. It recognises niches in the market and delivers innovative products and services. As such, alongside more traditional investments, there continues to be growth in other, alternative, investments and a move towards multi-manager solutions.
Guernsey also boasts independent consultants who monitor investment performance. This drives managers to strive to outperform in a global marketplace.