Guernsey Finance

Today the Island plays host to an extensive array of investment businesses, including investment advisers, stockbrokers and more than fifty fund managers, custodians and administrators, who in combination offer a range of products and services for both retail and institutional investors from the general to the more specialised.

These providers are comfortable with both non-Guernsey and Guernsey open and closed-ended funds. The international marketplace for Guernsey funds is illustrated by the fact that they are now promoted or sponsored by leading institutions in 45 countries.

At the end of December 2009 the overall value of funds under management and administration in Guernsey stood at more than £184bn.

Guernsey is a premier location in which to conduct fund business and in particular alternative investments. It has experience in dealing with asset classes such as funds of hedge funds, private equity and property that are becoming ever more popular amongst investors’ portfolios and is growing a reputation as a centre of excellence for more esoteric investments such as fine art, fine wine and timber.

The Island also has expertise in using a wide range of investment vehicles including unit trusts, PCCs, ICCs and limited partnerships.

World-renowned investment management companies have the operation of their investment funds facilitated in Guernsey, where there is high quality legal, accounting, valuation, registrar, company secretarial and audit services for the structuring, launch and administration of funds.

Guernsey’s administrative heritage is being increasingly complemented by the growth of investment management services. This sector includes subsidiaries of large multinational houses as well as independent boutiques. In combination these firms deliver the widest range of asset management and stockbroking solutions to both private and corporate clients. 

There are also a significant number of intermediaries who provide advice on suitable investment vehicles and products.

Guernsey has a reputation for robust corporate governance and there is an experienced and qualified pool of non-executive directors on the Island.

Guernsey’s offering in the investment funds field was boosted in 1998 when the Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX) was established in the Island. It has experienced considerable growth since and – renowned for its consistency, speed and cost-efficiency – has become the Exchange of choice for a growing number of quality international issuers.

The local representative bodies are the Guernsey Investment Funds Association (GIFA).