Financial Services

A well-established financial services and legal sector and expert workforce, combined with political and economic stability and robust regulatory framework, solidifies Jersey’s reputation as a world leading IFC. Jersey’s reputation as a leading and compliant IFC is endorsed by a number of worldwide organisations and international regulatory bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and MONEYVAL.

Jersey’s regulatory framework is one of the strongest in the world and is deliberately designed to bring transparency to the world of finance.

One of the Island’s unique qualities and strengths is the ability for Government, the Regulator (the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) and the financial services sector in Jersey to work together, collaborating and innovating.

Jersey offers sophistication, a breadth of choice, and an internationally recognised regulator and regulatory framework, in a secure and safe location.

• Net asset value of regulated funds under administration = £361bn (Q1 2020)
• 32,956 live companies registered with the Companies Registry (Q1 2020)
• 13,660 employed in finance and legal activities
• Total value of banking deposits held in Jersey = £145.7bn (Q1 2020)
• Over £600bn in trusts established by private individuals
• The number of banking licences stood at 24 at the end of Q1 2020
• 1,282 regulated members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
• Financial services accounted 37% of total GVA
• 396 foundations formed since 2009
• 328 registered Jersey Private Funds (Q1 2020)

Jersey is one of the world’s most successful offshore International Finance Centres (IFCs).

The sector is diverse, and Jersey is renowned for its expertise in areas including trust and fiduciary, banking, fintech, wealth, fund and asset management, philanthropy, Islamic finance, sustainable finance, and family offices. Jersey is also considered a centre of excellence for compliance, company administration, legal, accountancy and investment advisory services. The legal sector in the Island is substantial, made up of multi-jurisdictional firms, smaller practices and sole practitioners many of which focus on financial legislation, as well as litigation, private clients and other legal services.

With over 13,660 people employed within the sector (approximately 21% of the workforce), which contributes 42% of Jersey’s economic output, whatever service you are looking for, the Island’s expert financial services sector can provide it.

Move to Jersey and you will have access to world-renowned, highly educated and professionally qualified advisors.

Jersey is a compliant and cooperative jurisdiction, thanks to its robust yet pragmatic approach to regulation and legislation. The Island meets the international standards set by a number of worldwide organisations and international regulatory bodies from the EU to the OECD, and from the IMF to MONEYVAL.

Jersey continues to strive toward tighter regulation and continually amends and implements policy to ensure the Island remains compliant with the latest international standards and regulations.

The Island is internationally recognised as a leading body in the development and implementation of robust regulation. It is also recognised as an active and reliable, cooperative partner of the EU and the wider international community and takes an active role in a number of working groups designing and developing international standards.

When you move your businesses to Jersey, you can relax in the knowledge that you are within a secure and compliant jurisdiction.

To find out more about how Jersey complies with international standards, please see our page Regulation and Legislation.

On 1 January 2019 the Government of Jersey introduced the Taxation (Companies – Economic Substance) (Jersey) Law 2019 (Law). This law has put in place an economic substance test for companies which are tax resident in Jersey. Those companies must be able to demonstrate they meet the relevant criteria in order to pass substance requirements. This substance requirement underpins our attraction as a well-regulated international jurisdiction of choice. Follow the link to find out more about Jersey’s reputation.

Jersey is an award-winning jurisdiction within the global Financial Services industry. Below are just some of the Island’s recent awards, you can find out more on the Jersey Finance website.

2023

• Citywealth International Finance Centre Awards 2023 – IFC of the Year
• WealthBriefing Europe Awards 2023 – Best IFC
• WealthBriefing MENA Awards 2023 – Best IFC

2022

• Citywealth International Finance Centre Awards 2023 – IFC of the Year
• WealthBriefing Asia Awards 2023 – Best IFC
• WealthBriefing MENA Awards 2023 – Best IFC

With fine dining restaurants, areas of outstanding natural beauty, cliff-top golf courses overlooking Atlantic breakers, living in Jersey means everything is within easy reach.

Our business environment is home to some of the world’s leading banks, financial institutions and law firms, and first-class industry contacts and service providers are all within easy reach. With our highly developed communications network including island-wide 1GB fibre, establish a business in Jersey and you are instantly at the heart of a thriving business centre.

Jersey’s close proximity to France, just 14 miles (20 km) away, and easily visible from our east coast, adds a distinctly European feel to the Island’s ambiance. In keeping with this it is quite customary for business meetings to take place on balmy afternoons on an alfresco dining terrace.

Move your business to Jersey and gain all the advantages of an offshore destination, with the practicalities of sharing the same time zone and language as the UK. With the added advantage of our independence and the security of swift communications and secure connections with the rest of the world.

It’s the perfect setting for the good life, whether you’re hosting clients or just appreciating the Island’s wealth of natural and business resources.

If you would like to know more about moving your business to Jersey, please see Moving to Jersey with Your Business, where you can find out more information on the application and process.

Jersey for Fintech is a collaboration between the Government of Jersey and key agencies to promote Jersey as the ideal location for fintech firms to establish, grow and flourish.

Throughout its history, Jersey has embraced economic opportunities and innovation. The Island recognises that a number of vital components need to be in place in order for a jurisdiction to be an attractive fintech hub. Other than close proximity to a thriving and innovative financial services sector, Jersey has world-leading digital infrastructure, a proactive and supportive Government and Regulator, an active digital industry body, and a growing skills base boosted by an on-island digital skills academy. With the right enablers in place, Jersey has created an ideal environment for fintech to thrive.

The Island was quick to recognise the opportunities presented by fintech and has worked hard to develop an attractive proposition for innovative start-ups and established businesses alike. Enabled by fintech and advanced technologies, Jersey’s finance industry is open for business and our digital aspiration remains to be the easiest IFC to do business with remotely in a digital world.

With an ultra-connected business environment, both financial and tech sectors are in close proximity to each other resulting in strong collaboration and partnerships. With support from Digital Jersey, Locate Jersey and Jersey Finance, the future for finance and fintech in Jersey is bright. The Island’s key agencies are in constant contact with the fintech community, providing platforms for events and networking, while also listening to the needs of the sectors to inform strategic priorities, enhance our legal and regulatory position, and remove points of friction.

Jersey, is a secure and leading jurisdiction with a global reach, endorsed as a top international finance centre by:

• FATF
• MONEYVAL
• OECD
• IMF
• EU
• ECOFIN

To find out more about Jersey’s commitment to regulation see
Regulation and Legislation.

With major financial centres only a short flight away, moving to Jersey puts you at the heart of worldwide travel networks. 14 miles (20 km) from France and just a 40-minute flight to London, Jersey’s strategic location makes travel easy and enjoyable. With daily flights to international hub airports, easy access to major European and UK cities, Jersey is your starting point for a world of connections.

Jersey’s airport and private airfield are easy to access, so you can be home within minutes, ready to slip back into the Island’s relaxed pace of life. Move to Jersey and the rest of the world is at your fingertips!

Jersey is a low tax jurisdiction with some of the lowest tax rates in Europe. With both low business and personal tax rates, including no CGT or IHT, discover how relocating to the beautiful island of Jersey can pave the way to success for you, your team and your family.

• 0%-10% Business Tax Regime
• 20% maximum personal tax (+1% Long-Term Care contribution)
• 5% Goods and Service Tax (GST)
• No Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
• No Inheritance Tax (IHT)
• Specific tax regime for HNWIs

Jersey operates a 0% tax rate for businesses, with the exception of some businesses, this includes certain financial services companies which can incur a tax rate of 10%. Financial services companies will be liable for the 10% tax rate if they are registered for/or if their activities fall into any of the below categories. Any company which is carrying out, or is registered to carry out, in a permanent establishment:

• • investment business
  • trust company business
  • fund services as an administrator, custodian or registrar in relation to an unclassified or unregistered fund
  • general insurance mediation (class P or class Q)
  • independent financial advice and similar activities.

Or the company:

• • is registered under the Banking Business (Jersey) Law 1991
  • holds a permit under the Collective Investment Funds (Jersey) Law 1988 as an administrator, registrar or custodian
  • holds either a Category A or B permit under the Insurance Business (Jersey) Law 1996
  • is providing in a permanent establishment; credit facilities to customers by way of making any advance or granting of any credit including (but not limited to):
    • any assignment to the company of an advance or credit repayable by the customer to a person other than the company
    • the provision, in connection with the supply of goods by credit sale, conditional sale, hire purchase or leasing, of credit in instalments for which a separate charge is made to the customer.

If a financial services business does not fall into any of the above categories, they are exempt from paying business tax and will be on 0% tax rate.

*Note; that a permanent establishment, in relation to a company, includes a branch of the company, a factory, shop, workshop, quarry or a building site, and a place of management of the company, but the fact that the directors of a company regularly meet in Jersey will not, of itself, make their meeting place a permanent establishment. For the avoidance of doubt, it is the Comptroller’s view that clerical functions, such as invoicing operations, management and administration services, and the entering into of contracts in respect of a company’s international business (to include, for example, swap financing and loan funding agreements) at the address of the company’s registered office will not amount to the carrying on of a trade through a permanent establishment in the Island.

For more information on business tax and for your contributions as an employer including social security payments, please see Tax and Contributions in Jersey

Locate Jersey are proud to work in partnership with the industry body for Financial Services, Jersey Finance Limited (JFL). Through our close working relationship, you will receive the best comprehensive advice and support throughout and following your application to establish a business in Jersey.

JFL is run as a non-profit organisation funded by the local finance industry and Jersey’s Government. They are dedicated to representing and promoting Jersey as an IFC of excellence, and developing a better, more certain future for the industry as a whole. By working with the right people, and creating a safe and secure environment for investors, Jersey can help to grow both local and international economies.

If you want to find out more about financial services in Jersey or relocating your financial services business here, contact JFL on +44(0)1534 836000 or email chris.jenkins@jerseyfinance.je

 You can also get in touch with us for an initial free, confidential chat.