As Chair of the IoD, how would you describe the strength and character of Jersey's leadership community and what sets it apart in the global business landscape?
I think it says everything that the Jersey branch of the Institute of Directors is the best performing branch across the IoD network. We have 850 members, which, for an island with a population of 100,000 including children is quite incredible. It’s a really vibrant community.
Our membership is diverse: directors, senior leaders, aspiring leaders from across sectors, agriculture, retail, and of course, financial services, which is our primary base. We run a broad range of thought leadership events and actively engage with government, through consultations and discussions, on the issues our members face.
Jersey’s leadership community is particularly strong. The number of Chartered Directors, which is the IoD’s professional qualification, is very high relative to our population. That says a lot about the quality of leadership here. Platforms like Virtual Non-Execs often seek out NEDs from Jersey, which is a testament to the skills and expertise on the island.
In your role at Oben Regulatory, how are you helping financial firms in Jersey navigate complex and evolving regulatory frameworks, both locally and internationally?
Oben Regulatory is a very practical consultancy. Our mission is to help businesses comply with legislation and regulation in a pragmatic, realistic way. Regulation can be dense and complex, so we bridge the gap between legal requirements and practical application.
We work to protect the island and help firms mitigate risks like financial crime. Given Jersey’s status as an international finance centre, we are naturally exposed to such threats. But thanks to our strong laws, regulatory frameworks, and a successful MoneyVal assessment, we’re clearly on the right path.
Our approach helps firms not only comply but grow. We support clients (locally and from other jurisdictions) in onboarding new structures with a clear understanding of risks and mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance doesn’t become a barrier to opportunity.
What are the most pressing issues facing directors and business leaders in Jersey today, and how is the IoD supporting them?
Three main issues stand out.
First is succession planning, developing future leaders. We urge businesses to think long-term, to build sustainable leadership pipelines. This means focusing not only on technical skills, but also soft skills like influence and emotional intelligence.
Second is artificial intelligence. We’re actively working with the government and the private sector to help leaders understand both the threats and opportunities of AI. It's vital to embed AI into strategy in a way that aligns with human capability, balancing upskilling in tech with developing leadership and oversight.
The third is diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re shifting the narrative to focus on diversity of thought in boardrooms, not just gender or background, but a broader view on board composition, experience, and skills. It’s well evidenced that this drives better outcomes and growth.
Jersey prides itself on high standards of corporate governance. How do these contribute to investor confidence and the island's reputation?
We run an Economic Confidence Index that surveys not just our members but other business groups too. One clear outcome from the latest survey is that investors and businesses are attracted to Jersey for our depth of skills and experience.
There’s a robust culture of governance, especially in financial services, and a real willingness to remediate any weaknesses. The IoD, and firms like Oben, play an active role in helping organisations strengthen their governance frameworks and uphold Jersey’s reputation.
What trends are you seeing in regulatory expectations, particularly around AML, data protection, and risk management?
Post-MoneyVal, the regulator has increasingly focused on conduct. That’s crucial. Directors are now expected to step back and consider their fiduciary duties—not just act promptly on client instructions. This shift aligns with strong corporate governance and ethical leadership, and it’s one we welcome.
You mentioned the importance of nurturing future leaders. What initiatives does the IoD have in place to support the next generation, especially young professionals, women, and aspiring board members?
We run a Future Leaders Program annually for Year 12 students (aged 16–17). It includes CV preparation, interviews, and a week-long shadowing placement with senior leaders. They then submit a report and we host an award ceremony for the best entries.
We also have an internship scheme based on a benchmark of transferable skills. Any student with a part-time job can apply, and if they meet the standards, they receive a certificate to support future applications.
We’re also working with the Chamber of Commerce to launch a Next Gen Committee, aimed at networking and education for early-career professionals. Over time, this will feed into the IoD and wider business community.
Importantly, we’re collaborating with the Education Department to align curriculum and technology skills with the future needs of industry, ensuring young people understand the breadth of career opportunities on the island, not just in finance and law.
Speaking of which, what other opportunities are emerging in Jersey?
Traditional sectors like retail, hospitality, and agriculture remain strong. But digital industries are growing rapidly. We're working on a strategy around emerging industries like medtech, which could bring economic value and stimulate new career paths for young people.
How do you see Jersey’s regulatory landscape evolving in the next 5–10 years, and what opportunities does that open for innovation and international business?
Jersey is in a strong position to explore new products and jurisdictional partnerships. For example, there’s real potential in areas like data trusts, data is the new asset class, and Jersey already has the regulatory and legal framework, plus skilled service providers, to develop offerings in this space. Our success will depend on moving fast, embracing innovation before other jurisdictions catch up.
And how can Jersey benefit from opportunities coming from the US?
While there may be some nervousness about current US policies, Jersey remains a stable, well-regulated, English-speaking jurisdiction with global reach. Our proximity to Europe and the UK, combined with our transparency and expertise, makes us an attractive partner.
Whether you're a high-net-worth individual, a fund manager, or a business looking to relocate or expand, Jersey offers high-quality service providers and a welcoming ecosystem for new investment and ventures.
And a final message to Newsweek readers considering Jersey as a place to visit or invest?
Jersey is a hidden gem. I moved here in 1999 straight from university, and the natural beauty, rich heritage, and friendly community won me over. For tourists, there’s so much to explore, two castles within a 9x5-mile island, fascinating WWII history, and a world-class food scene using local produce. If you're already visiting Europe or the UK, it’s a short hop to come and experience Jersey’s unique charm, even if just for a few days.
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