What would you say are the key financial sectors currently driving Jersey’s global investment appeal? And maybe also tell us a little bit more about Jersey Finance, its history and its commitment.
Jersey Finance was set up 22 years ago, and it’s always been a not-for-profit organisation. Our original purpose was to promote Jersey as an international finance centre. In the beginning, that was all managed from our office in Jersey, but over the past two decades, our reach has really grown. We now have representation in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, and New York. That means we’re not just focused on Jersey or the UK anymore, we’re truly global in our outlook.
Over time, our mandate has also broadened. We don’t just promote the island; we also represent the financial services industry in discussions with government and regulators, especially on important policy or legislative issues. That dual focus, promotion and representation, has helped us stay relevant as the industry has evolved.
As for the sectors that drive Jersey’s appeal, there are several pillars. First, we have a significant banking presence, several global banks have substantial operations here. Our private wealth management sector is another major area; that’s all about structuring and managing assets for wealthy individuals and families around the world. It’s become increasingly international, both in terms of clients and the assets we handle.
Our funds business has grown rapidly, too. That covers fund management, investment management, and administration. It’s an area that’s expanded a lot in recent years and continues to offer opportunities. We also have a capital markets business that’s growing, many UK and international mergers and acquisitions have a Jersey component.
Interestingly, these sectors are becoming more interconnected. The traditional lines between private wealth, funds, and capital markets are blurring, and clients today demand more sophisticated, global solutions. Jersey’s strength is its ability to adapt and deliver that expertise.
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How is Jersey Finance working to further strengthen Jersey’s position as a leading international finance centre in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving global market?
Our strategy is to be proactive in identifying the most promising markets for Jersey and to promote the island’s strengths in those areas. For example, our proposition in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is tailored to the needs and interests of clients there, while our US strategy is focused on providing a platform for American fund managers to access European institutional capital, in a way that is both cost-effective and compliant with the latest regulations.
We work closely with our teams on the ground in those regions to make sure they have the information and expertise they need to promote Jersey effectively. We invest in independent market research to understand the trends and to support our messaging.
Another important aspect is supporting our member firms. We provide them with platforms, like conferences, roundtables, and webinars, so they can connect with clients and decision-makers in key markets. In fact, we’ll run over 160 events this year, ranging from major flagship conferences in cities like London and Dubai to smaller, focused discussions.
We’re also very active on social media, particularly LinkedIn, and we engage with local press and PR in each market. All these efforts help keep Jersey visible and relevant, even as competition increases and the global market evolves.
How is Jersey nurturing its fintech ecosystem and supporting the growth of emerging financial services, including digital assets, private prop, and alternative investments?
Fintech is a huge area of focus for us. We’ve partnered with Digital Jersey, which is the island’s dedicated technology agency, to make sure we’re supporting innovation in every way possible. Jersey has an outstanding digital infrastructure—we were the first jurisdiction to roll out fibre optic connectivity to every home and business. That’s given us some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, which really supports a modern financial ecosystem.
When it comes to fintech itself, we see both large institutions and smaller, homegrown firms exploring everything from automation to digital assets. For the multinationals, a lot of their technology is rolled out from head office. But for smaller players, there’s a lot of opportunity to innovate locally. We work to make sure the industry understands the potential and has the support to develop new solutions.
Regulation is another key factor. We collaborate closely with the Jersey Financial Services Commission to ensure we have sensible, robust regulation for digital assets and emerging technologies, things like tokenisation, for example. We’re open to good-quality operators in these new areas, but we are also careful to maintain Jersey’s reputation as a safe, well-regulated jurisdiction.
What steps is Jersey taking to enhance its links with global markets, investors, and intermediaries, particularly in the US, Europe, and some emerging markets?
A lot of our work centres around building relationships in those key markets. Our development managers in places like London, New York, and Dubai are constantly engaging with the professionals who advise investors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, making sure they understand what Jersey has to offer and how it might benefit their clients.
We back this up with a steady stream of information and support from our head office. Whenever we run activities or events in a particular market, we ensure that our messaging is clear and that everything is run to a high standard. We also leverage digital channels and local PR to amplify our reach.
Ultimately, it’s about making sure that when an investor or fund manager is considering cross-border options, Jersey is top of mind as a stable, reputable, and expert jurisdiction.
How successful have you been in bringing US fund managers to Jersey? Have you noticed any difference since the beginning of the Trump administration in terms of US interest in the island?
We’ve seen good success in recent years, especially by offering US fund managers a clear, cost-effective route to access European institutional capital. Our time zone, common language, and similar work culture make Jersey a natural partner.
As for recent political changes in the US, it’s probably a bit early to say what long-term impact that might have. What’s clear is that the fundamental reasons US managers choose Jersey remain strong. The structures we offer help them serve a global client base in a compliant and efficient manner.
How is Jersey positioning itself as a platform for ESG-focused investment and sustainable finance? What initiatives are being developed to support this?
Sustainability is a major priority for us. A few years ago, we set out to define a clear vision for supporting sustainable finance. That means equipping our member firms with the knowledge and resources they need, so they can advise their clients on ESG and other sustainability issues.
On the island, we’re also running initiatives like “Greening Jersey,” where we’re working with dozens of firms and local charities to restore trees lost during recent storms. It’s a hands-on effort, not just funding, but also physical tree-planting work. We’ve also hosted sustainability forums, bringing in outside experts to speak to the industry about global trends and opportunities in ESG investing.
We want to make sure that Jersey not only follows international developments in sustainability, but leads the way in supporting responsible finance.
How does the island remain a highly regulated, forward-looking jurisdiction for international business and investment?
Our strong regulatory standards are the result of a conscious decision made more than 25 years ago. Jersey decided it wanted to be at the top of the quality tree, not just another offshore centre. That meant introducing higher standards, sometimes at the cost of short-term business, but it was the right long-term decision.
We recently underwent a MoneyVal assessment, which is an international benchmark for financial regulation, and Jersey was judged to be among the very best globally. That gives real comfort to international investors, they know they’re working with a well-regulated jurisdiction.
This reputation has become even more important as institutional investors and high-net-worth families look for places that are stable, transparent, and reputable. We’re seeing more business move to Jersey because of our regulatory strength and our political and economic stability.
How do you see Jersey’s role evolving in the context of global micro-trends, such as geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and growing demand for responsible finance?
Jersey’s core values have always been stability, certainty of outcome, and high standards. Those are even more important today, as the world faces more uncertainty. Where we used to emphasise those qualities in emerging markets, now they’re relevant everywhere.
Our legislation is widely respected, and our judiciary is independent and experienced. That gives investors confidence, even in the event of disputes. With the size and sophistication of our clients growing, the need for multi-jurisdictional solutions has increased, and Jersey’s global reach and reputation make it a natural hub.
Finally, what would be your message to Newsweek readers and international investors considering Jersey as their trusted partner for cross-border finance and investment?
Trust is everything in finance. Jersey offers stability, certainty, and world-class standards, qualities that have been validated by international assessments and decades of experience. We have the expertise and the adaptability to deliver solutions for clients in an ever-changing world.
Whether you’re an investor, a fund manager, or an advisor, if you’re looking for a partner that values stability, expertise, and a solutions-oriented approach, Jersey is the right choice. We’re always happy to engage with high-quality businesses and look forward to building new relationships.
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