“We have added ten people locally to the company...it’s been quite a rapid growth. It made sense to hire from the Island where we can, as there is such a wealth of talent available.”
Ben Dixon and Paul Rouse (General Counsel & COO)
“…the ability now to be able to take my children to school and see them in the evenings thanks to the much shorter commute…”
With a strong track-record in providing alternative fund services stretching back several decades, Jersey has become home to a growing community of fund managers too, including across the hedge fund, private equity real estate fund space. Jersey was, therefore, the ideal jurisdiction for innovative investment management firm Systematica Investments to headquarter themselves.
Launched in 2015 as a spin out from BlueCrest Capital Management, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, Systematica applies science, research and technology to its investment process.
As well as its Jersey headquarters, it has a global presence with operations in London, Geneva, New York, Singapore and Shanghai. Paul Rouse, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer moved to Jersey from London and explained why Jersey proved to be an attractive proposition:
“Given its reputation for alternative investment funds, Jersey was a good fit for us. There is great support here, not just in terms of the business infrastructure, professional capabilities and regulatory environment, which are all second to none, but also personally. The community has a real expat feel about it and people are very generous in terms of offering advice and support.”
Ben Dixon, General Counsel, also relocated to Jersey from London and was impressed with the supportive infrastructure he found:
“The whole process was made very smooth by the various networks in place. I relocated to Jersey from London in early 2015, and quickly found that Jersey is incredibly supportive on every level – from the JFSC as our regulator to Jersey Finance and Locate Jersey.”
“The platform Jersey has provided us with has enabled our business to perform very well in the almost 6 years we’ve been here. We have added 10 people locally to the company in that time, it’s been quite a rapid growth. It made sense to hire from the Island where we can, as there is such a wealth of talent available. Our HR, tax, and corporate finance teams are all here, and three quarters of my legal team are based in Jersey.
To begin with we were operating out of an incubator space and I was still commuting over from London whilst we finalised our set up. The authorities here though really did understand our ambitions and what we were trying to do. Dialogue with the JFSC and government has been so efficient. The good connections to London are also helpful in terms of running the business from here. London is a key gateway for us, so that’s important.”
And for both Ben and Paul, it’s not just benefits to the business that makes Jersey an attractive place to work, but it has helped them personally too, as Paul explains:
“The outdoors lifestyle here is fantastic, and it’s a really strong sell for Jersey. It’s refreshing to be able to go for a run along the seafront during your lunchtime or head to beach in the evenings, for instance – quite different from London.
I came to see Jersey initially in October-time and was sold straight away with the beautiful views of the countryside and coast,” admits Paul. “Moving here with family, finding a good school was really important too. My daughters absolutely love their new school and friends, and they also both go to surf school at the weekends. One of the greatest gifts for me in moving here is the ability now to be able to take my children to school and see them in the evenings thanks to the much shorter commute compared to London.”
Want to know more about the benefits and process of relocating your Investment Management business to Jersey? Check out our Why Jersey for Financial Services Page. Alternatively, get in touch today on +44(0)1534 440604 or email locatejersey@gov.je
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Strategically positioned between the UK and Europe, Jersey opens up a world of connections.
- Enviable quality of life and work-life balance
- Highly regarded and well-regulated international jurisdiction
- Safe, secure community lifestyle
- Low personal and business taxes
