Guernsey Has Global Outlook, Lawyer Suggests

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

01 February 2006

Speaking this week to a capacity audience of 400 representatives of Guernsey’s financial services industry and politicians, Jonathan Conder, partner and head of the private client department at Macfarlanes, told an Institute of Financial Services debate that he had observed how the island had become less UK-centric and more global in its outlook in recent years.

“Guernsey’s reputation is first rate and the island has clearly shown adaptability to the changes that we have seen over the past 15 years," he stated, continuing:

“A good reputation is a magnet for work. I always find Guernsey a welcoming and friendly place to do business. There are a lot of positive things going on within the industry on the island and you shouldn’t fail to shout about them.”

Mr Conder also highlighted the interdependence of the different sectors of Guernsey’s finance industry and its breadth and depth as an asset. He praised the quality of administration.

The aim of the debate was to explore Guernsey’s strengths and weaknesses, to consider what the future might hold for its diverse finance industry and what the island could and should consider putting in place to influence its future.

Peter Niven, Chief Executive of GuernseyFinance, observed that:

“It was extremely encouraging to hear Jonathan Conder’s very positive view of Guernsey’s financial services industry. While we do recognise that there are challenges and issues to deal with, we are prepared for them and will overcome them, ensuring a very positive and bright future for the industry and the island."

"We do indeed have many things to shout about and an example given by many of the speakers was the phenomenal success of the Channel Islands Stock Exchange, which I would endorse wholeheartedly."

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