Jersey: A Clear Solution for Fund Managers

Jersey’s concentration of fund expertise, structuring capability and robust yet flexible regulation is attracting fund managers who are relocating all or part of their business to the Island.

From start-ups to well-established firms, a variety of managers, particularly Hedge Fund and Private Equity Fund managers, are currently based in Jersey.

Many large players have relocated here, recognising the benefits of a pro-business environment where fund managers are supported by a deep pool of specialist service providers and an accommodative fiscal regime.

International governance requirements make Jersey a clear choice as a centre of substance to meet the requirements of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project.

• In 2024 Jersey was assessed by the Council of Europe’s Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL). Its report concluded that Jersey is “compliant” or “largely compliant” with 39 out of 40 of FATF’s recommendations – an achievement few jurisdictions worldwide have matched
• Jersey offers a range of options for fund managers to meet Jersey’s economic substance requirements.
• Fund managers benefit from regulation appropriate to the risk of the structure and type of investor
• One of the world’s fastest broadband speeds
• Unrivalled quality of life with a stunning coast line, countryside and sandy beaches
• Easy commute to work and high quality of education
• Vital links to more than 20 mainland UK airports

When speed and ease are vital

With a sliding scale of regulation and cost, our flexible funds regime caters to all investor requirements. The Jersey Private Fund regime allows funds with an unlimited number of investors to take advantage of a fast-track authorisation process and lighter ongoing regulatory requirements. Set-up can take as little as 24 hours, making this a very popular option for funds.

The perfect place to work together

Jersey is in a central time zone that reaches the US, Europe and Asia across the same business day. Being outside the EU makes it an ideal location for consolidating EU and non-EU funds in one jurisdiction.

A positive approach to marketing

Jersey offers easy and cost-effective marketing into the EU through National Private Placement Regimes (NPPRs), providing fund managers with an attractive alternative to the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) passport.

The AIFMD passport allows EU investment funds to be distributed across the EU. However, the EU investment fund market is still predominantly a national market. In fact, only 3% of EU alternative investment funds (AIFs) are registered for sale in more than three Member States.

NPPRs clearly work for fund managers thanks to bilateral agreements between Jersey’s financial regulator and those in each EU Member State, which ‘Brexit’ has not affected. Crucially, marketing through NPPRs has a lighter regulatory burden, often resulting in a lower cost to managers than the AIFMD passport.

Focussed on transparency and combatting financial crime

Jersey is proud of its commitment to the highest standards of financial regulation, which has been acknowledged by the OECD, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and MONEYVAL. With a respected and approachable financial regulator, the Island has been a ‘first wave’ signatory to all key information exchange programmes, including the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and BEPS. It’s also unique in long maintaining a central register of company beneficial ownership to help share information with tax authorities and law enforcement agencies globally.

Supportive structures

As a forward-thinking jurisdiction, Jersey offers a wide range of vehicles, fund types and options to managers. All regulation of funds in Jersey is appropriate to the risk of the structure and the type of investor.

Some fund managers set up a full presence manager on the Island, whilst others partner with a regulated manager locally to act as a ‘manager of a managed entity’. The drivers depend on the promoter’s strategy and support is available to tailor the manager solution to the promoter’s individual circumstances.

An IFC with global appeal

Overall, it’s Jersey’s forward-thinking approach, robust regulatory framework, and political and economic stability that makes us one of the world’s leading international finance centres (IFCs). Jersey is in the same time zone as, and less than an hour’s flight away from, London. Our data centres are worldclass, while our high-speed and high-bandwidth communication links allow us to operate and integrate internationally. For anyone looking to relocate to the Island, an outstanding coastal environment and quality of life are undoubtedly top tier.

Jersey Finance: helping to shape our industry’s future

Funded by members of the local finance industry and the Government of Jersey, we have a global presence with offices in Jersey, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York and representation in London, Johannesburg, Singapore and Shanghai. We are proud to work with key partners to represent and promote Jersey as the clear leader in international finance. We champion the competitive position of Jersey’s finance industry, both locally and internationally, supporting the highest regulatory standards with the most attractive products and services to suit the needs of global investors. Jersey Finance delivers an extensive overseas programme of visits and events in key target markets including the UK, Europe, Africa, Greater China, India, North America, Switzerland and the Gulf region. Through this structured activity, we are able to build strategic and meaningful relationships with investors’ needs in mind.

Ready for relocation success

Our Head of Funds, Elliot Refson, is focussed on helping fund managers based in the UK, US, Switzerland and Europe relocate to Jersey. With an extensive career in funds, Elliot is well placed to provide the best advice and support, working with key partners such as Locate Jersey, the government body that helps businesses relocate to the Island and the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC), the Island’s regulator, to ensure moving to the Island is a positive experience.

Jersey Finance can also help fund managers with their applications to become high value residents in Jersey. Relocating as a high value resident is an option for individuals whose annual worldwide income comfortably and sustainably exceeds £1,250,000, and who can demonstrate personal wealth exceeding £10 million in assets (excluding main residence) and commit to a minimum annual tax contribution of £250,000.

Take advantage of our support

Becoming a Member of Jersey Finance gives you exclusive access to events, information, industry working groups, news and support, enabling your organisation to grow and develop alongside global industry leaders. Forward-thinking and proactive, we work closely with the Government of Jersey and the JFSC, to ensure that the best interests of the industry are represented, in terms of legislation, regulation and other key areas of innovation.