Jersey Finance CEO Highlights IFC’s Role in Commonwealth

Our Chief Executive Officer, Joe Moynihan, spoke at a Government of Jersey and CWEIC webinar, where he highlighted the role of international finance centres (IFCs) in supporting Commonwealth investment and resilience. The webinar was held ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which will this year be held in Antigua and Barbuda.

The role of IFCs in global investment

Joining Lord Marland, Chairman of CWEIC, and Peter Abraham of Antigua and Barbuda’s Debt and Development Finance Office, Joe Moynihan highlighted how global uncertainty is reinforcing the value of stability, expertise and trusted relationships in international finance. He noted that investors are increasingly seeking well-regulated jurisdictions that offer certainty, particularly when deploying capital across unfamiliar markets.

IFCs such as Jersey can act as a platform to connect global capital, supported by robust regulatory frameworks and international agreements that help mitigate risk. The increasingly cross-border nature of investment structures and client needs indicates the growing importance of collaboration between jurisdictions and an opportunity for IFCs and Commonwealth jurisdictions to work even closer together.

Commonwealth advantage and investment opportunities

Lord Marland highlighted the Commonwealth’s unique advantage as a network of nations aligned by shared legal systems, language and values, offering a strong foundation for trade and investment.

With many Commonwealth nations having young and growing populations, all of the panellists pointed to significant opportunities across sectors including sustainable finance, infrastructure, energy resilience and digital innovation.

Sustainability challenges for small island states

Peter Abraham also highlighted the sustainability challenges facing small island developing states such as Antigua and Barbuda. He pointed to the growing impact of climate change, including increasingly severe weather events, alongside structural pressures such as water scarcity, energy resilience and food security.

With tourism a critical economic driver for the Caribbean, he noted the importance of strengthening infrastructure resilience and sustainable resource management. He also emphasised the significant capital requirements of projects such as desalination and renewable energy, underlining the need to mobilise international investment and develop financing solutions that support long-term resilience.

Looking ahead, Joe Moynihan stressed that building trust between regulators, governments and industry, including Jersey as an international finance centre, will be key to unlocking future growth and ensuring capital can be effectively channelled to where it is needed most.