Keeping an Open Mind
Guernsey has long been a attractive jurisdiction for fund structuring, known for its strong regulatory framework and deep industry expertise. As of Q4 2024, Guernsey’s total funds under management and administration reached £290.1 billion, reflecting both quarterly and annual growth. This steady increase demonstrates the island’s continued appeal to investors who value a well-regulated environment which is open to innovation. The financial services regulator in Guernsey is recognised as pragmatic, willing to discuss new ideas though its innovative Soundbox feature making the approval of the funds easier.
Closed-ended funds will undoubtedly remain a key pillar of Guernsey’s success, as a trusted and highly regarded investment structure, and they will continue to be a mainstay of institutional and private wealth portfolios. But the debate is not about choosing one structure over the other. Instead, it is about recognising the role each can play in a well-rounded investment strategy and the potential for greater use of open-ended alternatives should not be overlooked.
With the infrastructure already in place, Guernsey is well positioned to support investors who wish to explore a broader range of fund structures. As investors seek more adaptable solutions to meet their changing needs, now could be the time to embrace the full potential of open-ended funds. The opportunity exists, it is simply a matter of making better use of it.
Claire Packman, Manager Fund & Investment Administration, Cannon Asset Management Limited and Chris van Vliet, Director, Cannon Asset Management Limited