New Limited Liability Company (LLC) legislation can significantly enhance Jersey's proposition as a leading jurisdiction supporting US alternative fund managers.

Officially approved by the Government of Jersey this week (7 February), the law, which enters into force on 14 February, expands Jersey’s existing comprehensive suite of private fund vehicles, adding a new structure that is intended to be familiar to US private equity, venture capital and other alternative fund professionals.

Benefitting from a simple registration process and flexible governance requirements, the Jersey LLC, which will have separate legal personality and can be classed as a ‘body corporate’, is expected to offer a number of key opportunities, including being used for issuing securities, as a manager vehicle, and as a fund entity in conjunction with the hugely successful Jersey Private Fund (JPF) regime.

The structure also provides certainty for US managers looking to fundraise within the EU, with the Jersey LLC able to market into Europe, subject to the usual fund permissions from the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC), under the Alternative Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) third country private placement rules.

Elliot Refson, Head of Funds, Jersey Finance, said: “Following a period of extensive consultation, the introduction of the Jersey LLC is a significant development for Jersey’s funds sector and bolsters our ability considerably to support US fund managers.

 “The Jersey LLC has been deliberately and specifically developed to be a structure US managers and investors are familiar with, backed up by Jersey’s world-class ecosystem for cross-border alternative funds, our leading regulatory framework and our position as a non-EU European time-zone hub.

“Through the Jersey LLC, US fund managers will now be able to take advantage of seamless marketing into the EU via national private placement regimes, underlining our proposition as the ideal gateway into Europe.”

 Philip Pirecki, Jersey Finance Lead in the Americas, added: “LLCs are hugely popular in the US private markets space, with advisers, managers, and investors very familiar with the structure. In that light, we see significant opportunity for the Jersey LLC to support their needs.

 “Since opening our office in New York three years ago, we have seen our book of US business increase significantly. By adding the LLC structure to our proposition, we are expanding our solutions for the US market even further, as we look to meet the cross-border needs of US managers and sophisticated investors.”

Michael Johnson, Chair of the JFA, commented: “The funds industry has seen a sustained increase in business from the US over recent years, particularly as alternative managers have sought to draw on Jersey’s platform for accessing EU investor capital efficiently. The introduction of the long-awaited Jersey LLC meets a growing need in that light, offering a vehicle that is familiar to managers but at the same time that offers all the benefits of Jersey as an expert and well-regulated alternative funds centre in Europe. We expect to see strong appeal for the LLC in the months ahead from managers across the private equity and venture capital space.”

The introduction of the Jersey LLC follows a period of sustained growth for Jersey’s funds industry in relation to the US market, with funds business from US promoters more than doubling over the past five years.

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Towards the end of 2022, Jersey Finance embarked on its first US roadshow, hosting events in Miami, Chicago and San Francisco, as well as New York, where it has had an office for three years.

A number of industry professionals from Jersey Funds Association member firms were involved in the roadshow, including Ian Horswell, Global Head of Business Development for Funds at Suntera Global. Here, Ian reflects on the roadshow and how Jersey is evolving its proposition for US managers…

Q: What sort of business is currently being undertaken between Jersey and US?

Ian Horswell (IH): We continue to believe that Jersey is a fantastic jurisdiction for US managers looking to access European assets or working with European investors – it is well respected, well-regulated and has tax neutrality, all of which is appreciated increasingly by managers we speak to.

In May last year, for instance, we acquired US-based fund services provider Socium Fund Services and since then we have seen rising levels of new business flows between both jurisdictions.

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Q: Why is the US such an interesting market for Jersey?

IH: The US is the largest funds market in the world and we’ve seen some exciting growth in the US this year. It’s also a market that is experiencing a sharp movement towards the outsourced model – so it’s a space where Jersey can add real value.

Against that backdrop we hired a dedicated senior Business Development lead in the US to help tell our and Jersey’s story. The feedback is that US managers are increasingly used to the IFC model and see Jersey as an interesting gateway to Europe.

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Q: How is Jersey’s reputation evolving in the US?

IH: I think Jersey’s reputation is growing all the time. Jersey Finance and JFA member firms are more and more active in the US, which is giving Jersey greater visibility, while a number of US law firms have a large presence in London, which means that Jersey is already familiar to them. US managers and lawyers are using Jersey and having a good experience in doing so – that quality of service is a really strong play in the US market.

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Q: How useful was the Jersey Finance US Roadshow in getting Jersey’s message across?

IH: The roadshow was really useful, both from a jurisdictional and an industry perspective. Jersey Finance and Suntera are already well known in New York and its surrounding areas, and this series of roadshow events brought our story to a much wider audience and new groups of stakeholders.

Chicago, for example, was a new city for both Jersey Finance and Suntera, but actually Chicago has several managers who use Jersey and we had lots of legal contacts in the area too. The roadshow gave us an opportunity to reinforce our message face to face with a new audience, which was vital, and gave managers a chance to ask questions.

It also gave us an opportunity to really focus and ensure our clarity of message – that Jersey is well positioned to support the US market, with excellent experience in all major asset classes. One important point which we highlighted a lot during the week was our political stability, whilst we also pointed consistently to how, as a small jurisdiction, Jersey punches well above its weight with over 14,000 financial services employees.

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Q: How well is Jersey perceived in the US market?

IH: Overall, the Roadshow has really helped move the dial in terms of Jersey’s proposition for the US. What was clear was that those managers and lawyers that use Jersey already are big fans.

However, we also need to continue to focus on other groups, those that are less familiar with what we do, and do some educational work to explain our USP over other IFCs – in particular in relation to our responsiveness, pragmatic regulator, and the impressive flexibility and experience we offer. That will be our focus for the US in 2023.

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Find out more about Jersey's US proposition for US managers here and about Jersey Finance's US roadshow here.

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Professionals from across Jersey’s funds sector including lawyers, administrators, NEDs and compliance specialists, heard from the JFA’s Legal and Technical Sub-Committee this week, at a briefing outlining some of the measures the industry is taking to maintain Jersey’s leading position as a centre for alternative funds.

A number of speakers from the sub-committee, including Chris Patton, Head of Private Equity, Intertrust Group, Simon Burgess, Fund Advisor and Non-Executive Director, and Matt McManus, Managing Associate, Ogier, discussed a range of areas of regulatory and legislative focus for the JFA, including the recent JFSC AML Exemptions Consultation Paper, a JFSC Outsourcing Paper and JFSC Consultation on Senior Management.

The session was hosted by Joel Hernandez, Head of Funds, Mourant, Vice Chair of JFA, and Chair of the JFA Legal and Technical Sub-Committee, who said:

“Our role as a sub-committee is to look at ways to defend and develop our industry from a legal and technical perspective, working with other stakeholders and organisations, to enhance Jersey’s proposition and add value to the funds sector. The fact that so many people joined us for this session reflects the appetite to support the evolution of Jersey’s funds industry, which is fantastic to see.

“The most recent figures for our funds industry were extremely positive, with AUM and AUA reaching record levels yet again. It’s clear though, that there is a huge amount of work being undertaken by the JFA to maintain our position and appeal in a landscape that is extremely competitive and increasingly influenced by international regulatory and compliance pressures – and this is what the session really focused on.

“From looking at our AML/CFT frameworks and how we can keep the cost of doing business with Jersey competitive, to enhancing our Jersey Private Fund regime, as well as honing our ecosystem for virtual assets – there is a lot that the Committee has been working on. On balance, we feel that Jersey remains in a strong position, given the support of the JFA's members and its other partners.”

The total net asset value of regulated funds administered in Jersey rose by almost £8bn over the first half of 2022 whilst the corporate and banking sectors also posted record mid-year figures, according to the latest industry statistics.

According to the most recent quarterly figures to be collated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) for the period ending 30 June 2022, the value of regulated funds under administration increased by £7.7bn (1.7%) compared to 31 December 2021 to stand at £458bn.

The alternative asset classes, including private equity, real estate and hedge, continued to drive growth to now represent 89.5% of total funds business, with private equity and venture capital making up 44% of total funds business undertaken in Jersey. The value of hedge fund business booked in Jersey in particular grew over the past six months, increasing by 14%.

In addition, a total of 556 Jersey Private Funds (JPFs) have now been registered in Jersey since the structure was launched in 2017, according to the JFSC- an increase of 100 (22%) over the past twelve months. Total Assets Under Management (AUM) held in JPFs, which is reported separately to the quarterly figures for regulated funds, now stands at£61.7bn, spanning private equity, venture capital, real assets and other global equities.

Meanwhile, the total value of deposits held in Jersey banks increased by £10.8bn (8%) over the first six months of the year to stand at £144.4bn – the biggest half year increase since 2019. 57% of deposits in Jersey banks were held in foreign currencies.

Corporate activity also remained strong over the first half of the year. There were 35,447 registered companies on the register as at 30 June 2022 – the highest number in the past decade – whilst in the second quarter alone there were 974 corporate registrations, the highest quarterly figure on record.

Commenting on the figures, Jersey Finance CEO, Joe Moynihan, said:

“In a persistently challenging environment, these are really robust figures for our industry. We have seen consistently positive figures and a growth trajectory for our funds industry for some time now, and the past six months have consolidated our position as a leading specialist funds hub in Europe.

“Meanwhile, it’s pleasing to see the appeal of our IFC reflected in impressive figures for our banking and corporate sectors too. Record levels of company incorporations over the past six months and a resilient banking sector underline Jersey’s appeal as a stable, reliable centre, supporting international business and growth as the world looks to rebuild after a period of uncertainty.”

“Particularly as we look to build out our service lines and take our messaging to new markets in 2023, in particular across Asia and the US, these positive figures paint a very positive picture of the role Jersey is playing in supporting high quality cross-border capital flows.”

Mike Johnson, Chair, Jersey Funds Association, added:

“The fact that Jersey has maintained its upward trajectory in 2022 against a backdrop of instability in Europe and a complex post-pandemic fundraising landscape, is a reflection of the high regard in which Jersey is held by managers. The growth of the JPF, five years since it was introduced, is particularly noteworthy. Its success means that today, across its suite of fund regimes, Jersey is administering high quality global fund assets well in excess of £0.5trn, and that figure continues to grow.”

Following its recent Annual General Meeting (8 July), the Jersey Funds Association (JFA) has elected a new-look committee as it continues to champion Jersey's ecosystem for alternative funds.

With outgoing Chairman Tim Morgan completing his three-year tenure, Michael Johnson takes over the role, with Joel Hernandez taking on the position of Vice Chairman. Michael is Group Head of Institutional Services at Crestbridge, whilst Joel is a Partner at law firm Mourant.

The new committee features some continuity whilst also introducing a number of new faces, with Robin Wilson, Sophie Reguengo, Stephanie Hopkins, Clive Spears and John Riva all joining. Remaining on the committee this year are Richard Anthony, Mike Byrne, Steve Cartwright, Ben Dixon, Ben Honeywood, Dilmun Leach, Robert Milner, Tim Morgan, Simon Page, Martin Paul, Tom Powell, Peter Rioda, Ben Robins, Martin Rowley, Sarah Sandiford and Elliot Refson.

At the AGM, outgoing JFA Chair Tim Morgan, who is a Partner at law firm Maples, provided an assessment of achievements and highlights from the past year:

“Jersey's funds industry continues to operate in a fast-evolving market, with regulatory, economic and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to pose challenges – but the fact that Jersey’s funds industry succeeded in reaching new record highs of assets under administration in 2022 and in each of the past three years speaks volumes about the appeal of Jersey’s platform of stability. As ever we need to continue to work hard to underpin this.

“Reflecting on the past three years, there’s no doubt it has been a busy but exciting time to lead the JFA, through a complex period encompassing the implications for Jersey of the effects of Brexit, to the challenges of the global pandemic, to on going enhancements to Jersey’s international standing for tax and regulation. It is a credit to the committee and to the wider industry that Jersey’s funds offering has gone from strength to strength throughout this period. I’m really grateful for the efforts of all those who have given their time to the committee, including Caroline Harrington, who is retiring from her role as secretary of the JFA after many years. We have achieved a lot – from navigating tax and regulatory changes, to integrating ESG into our thinking and supporting cutting-edge training for our members.”

Meanwhile, newly appointed JFA Chairman Michael Johnson added:

“There’s no doubt that the landscape continues to pose challenges. Geopolitical developments have significantly worsened since the increased hostilities in Ukraine, and from a macro-economic perspective, inflation rates, interest rate changes and other economic indicators are pointing to a significantly more challenging economic environment. Jurisdictionally, the competitive environment remains intense and evolving too.

“But there is plenty for Jersey to be positive about. We have a compelling proposition, an industry that is growing at an impressive rate, and more and more managers of substance looking at Jersey to support their cross-border needs. Private equity, venture capital and real assets are at the heart of global economic rebuilding efforts, and we have precisely the experience and platform here to support that and make a positive impact.”

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With figures from the JFSC confirming that total regulated funds business grew by a fifth over 2021 and now stands at almost £460bn (March 2022) and with 200 managers and around 370 funds currently marketing into the EU through private placement in Jersey, the JFA has worked with industry to put together a new factsheet designed to illustrate why Jersey provides such as compelling proposition for alternative funds compared to other jurisdictions.

You can access that factsheet here.

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Towards the end of last year, Jersey Finance published a ground-breaking report that highlighted the value Jersey’s finance industry adds to global markets and the positive impact the work done in Jersey has around the world.

The ‘Jersey’s Contribution to Global Value Chains’ report explores the redistribution of the value of work done in Jersey – and it makes some significant findings. In particular, Jersey firms intermediate £1.4 trillion (€1.7 trillion) of global capital each year and support £170.3 billion of global economic output.

That activity in turn supports millions of jobs of ordinary people, and accounts for 0.27% of total global economic activity each year. It’s an impressive contribution globally for a small jurisdiction.

Read the full article here.

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Stability, expertise and flexibility have been highlighted as key components of the international fund domicile of the future in a new report published this month by IFI Global and supported by Jersey Finance.

‘The Evolution of the International Fund Jurisdictions’ report forms the latest in a series undertaken by IFI Global with Jersey Finance, with previous reports published over the past two years having focused on fund domiciliation, structuring, and fund governance.

This new report explores the origins of the fund domiciliation industry and how a number of locations around the world with no previous connection to funds, have ended up playing fundamental roles at the heart of the global funds landscape, servicing more than US$16 trillion of fund assets.

The report also explores how those centres, including Jersey, BVI, Bermuda, Cayman, Guernsey, Ireland and Luxembourg, have since evolved and what their past experiences tell us about their future direction. Among the report’s key areas of focus are:

·        Key dates, from the establishment of the first expatriate banking operation in Jersey in the 1960s to EU alternative fund regulation in 2018

·        The origins of the international funds industry in the 1980s, including the first investment funds offered to expats and the largely Anglo-Saxon asset management industry of the 1990s

·        The dawn of alternatives, including the introduction of regulatory measures, the shift towards institutional investors, the heightened focus on governance and substance in the wake of the global financial crisis, and the impact of Brexit

·        The future, including the growth of sustainable finance and crypto funds and the importance of first mover advantage when it comes to new investment categories

 Commenting on the findings, Elliot Refson, Head of Funds at Jersey Finance, said:

“Given the trends over the last decade or more highlighted in this paper, there’s no doubt that the fund jurisdictions that will be most successful in the future will be those that are stable with strong expertise and infrastructure, and robust but flexible regulatory frameworks. This has really been Jersey’s mantra for the past twenty years, and we’ve seen the fruits of that in the growth of Jersey in recent years as a trusted funds domicile.

“There will undoubtedly be more changes over the coming decades and our focus will remain on staying true to our values and on retaining our position as an integral part of the global fund landscape.”

 Simon Osborn, CEO of IFI Global and author of the report, added:

 “Fund domiciliation patterns have always been subject to change and there is no reason to believe this will not continue to be the case in future. To understand how the asset management business might develop in the future, it is a good idea to know something about how the international fund jurisdictions, on which this industry depends, are evolving.

 “This White Paper touches upon how a few unlikely locations, dotted around the world, got into this business, focuses on what is happening in international fund domiciliation today and explores what may well happen to international fund jurisdictions over the next few years.”

The new research can be viewed and downloaded here.

The JFA Dinner was held on Friday 6 May with over 460 people in attendance. Photos from the event can be viewed by clicking on the link below -

https://www.jerseyevents.com/jerseyfundsassociationannualdinner20226may22

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The total net asset value of regulated funds administered in Jersey rose by almost a fifth over the course of 2021 to reach a new record level whilst corporate activity and bank deposits also showed year-on-year growth, according to the latest industry statistics.

According to the most recent quarterly figures to be collated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) for the period ending 31 December 2021, the value of regulated funds under administration increased by £72.1bn year-on-year (19%) to stand at £450.2bn.

The growth is driven by the alternative asset classes, including private equity, real estate, hedge, credit and infrastructure, which now represent 89% of total funds business, with private equity and venture capital in particular increasing by 27% over the year.

Meanwhile, the total value of deposits held in Jersey banking institutions increased marginally, by £1.9bn (1%) to £133.5bnover 2021, with 56% held in foreign currencies.

Corporate activity also remained strong over2021, with levels of company incorporations over the twelve months meaning the highest ever year-end number of live companies on the register was recorded this period (34,523).

Commenting on the figures, Jersey Finance CEO, Joe Moynihan, said:

“Overall, these are positive figures for our industry in what continues to be a challenging global environment for cross-border financial services. The message is clear – investors and institutions value the certainty, stability and expertise Jersey offers in an uncertain landscape.

“The funds industry in particular maintained its strong upward trajectory, with total fund assets in Jersey now topping £450bn. Meanwhile our banking sector has remained stable despite ongoing currency fluctuations, and our corporate sector has been particularly active, reflecting a buoyant picture across the industry. These figures should give us optimism for the year ahead as we continue to innovate and deliver high quality services to global investors.”

Tim Morgan, Chair, Jersey Funds Association, added:

“Our focus as a funds industry is on creating the very best ecosystem for investors and managers, to facilitate the global distribution of capital securely and efficiently. That these figures show a near 75% increase in funds business over the past five years is testament to the fact that investors right across the alternatives spectrum recognise Jersey as a top-tier jurisdiction, offering expertise, innovative structuring options and a no-nonsense regulatory environment that is entirely geared up to supporting their endeavours.”

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The total number of registered Jersey Private Funds (JPFs) has surpassed the 500 mark, according to the latest figures, as the structure continues to assert its appeal for flexible alternative fund structuring.

According to the latest quarterly statistics collated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission and published by Jersey Finance, there were 502 JPFs at the end of September 2021, a number that has risen by 38% compared to the same time the previous year.

Launched in 2017, the JPF structure is tailored to the needs of small numbers of sophisticated investors and offers high levels of flexibility, fast-track authorisation and lighter touch ongoing regulatory requirements. Further, the nimble nature of the structure mean it chimes particularly well with the tried and tested private placement route for marketing funds into Europe as well as within the ESG space.

Commenting on the figures, Jersey Finance CEO, Joe Moynihan, said:

“These latest figures show the enduring strength of the JPF, particularly when it comes to private capital co-investment and cross-border institutional alternative fund structuring. By being cost-effective, flexible and swift to market, the structure has genuinely become a go-to vehicle that has, undoubtedly, played a part in the sizeable growth we’ve seen in our funds sector as a whole.”

By Alistair Horn, Mourant LP Partner and JFA committee member, John MacFeeters, Counsel and Rachel Fowler, Senior Associate at Mourant

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With reports suggesting that global investors have set aside up to £46bn to deploy in the London office market alone this year (the highest since 2012), it’s an opportune time to take a look at some of the trends we are seeing in Jersey for UK real estate investments.

For years, Jersey has been an attractive option for asset managers looking to establish real estate holding structures, and for investors wishing to invest in real estate assets and recently we have seen a noticeable increase in the use of Jersey REIT structures, whilst the traditional Jersey Property Unit Trust (JPUT) remains just as popular as ever.

In fact, there has been an uptick in establishing new JPUTs despite the continued impact of COVID-19.

We've seen a particular recent trend in the increased use of JPUTs to acquire healthcare and logistical assets, with the importance of the latter increasing due to the online activity of consumers during the past 12 months and beyond. Notably, many of the JPUT investors have come from South East Asia and North America, emphasising how far-reaching the JPUT has become.

Meanwhile, Jersey continues to grow its market share in private REITs and this trend is expected to continue. The UK REIT regime is already attractive to many sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, major global financial institutions and specialist property investors.

However, it is expected that this market will grow following the UK Budget 2021 announcement of the rise in the corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% starting in 2023. This change will make the REIT regime more attractive to a broader range of UK real estate investors.

In addition, we are seeing a trend that 'responsible' capital and sustainability are no longer 'fringe' concepts. They do (and will increasingly need to) underpin strategic decision-making and investment allocations by fund managers in the coming decades, as the global economy grapples with the impact of climate change, other potential environmental damage, rising inequality and political and economic crises.

Funds focusing on social housing, urban regeneration, supported living as well as more bespoke projects such as water related regeneration are becoming more common.

With these trends in mind, it’s worth noting that there are a number of reasons underpinning Jersey's continuing appeal in this space that should give managers and investors confidence, including the following benefits.

‍Accessibility

As an independent jurisdiction conveniently located near the UK and mainland Europe, Jersey appeals to managers who want to access global investors whilst remaining outside the AIFMD environment.

Removing the additional costs associated with AIFMD compliance, whether that is achieved by marketing into the EEA via national private placement routes or by targeting the US and Asian markets, can result in lower running costs and higher investor returns.

Managers and investors alike are familiar and comfortable with Jersey as a jurisdiction, and this appeal is enhanced by Jersey's global reputation as a market leader in promoting anti-money laundering measures and combating financial crime.  

Speed to market and cost efficiencies

As detailed below, it is possible to establish and manage real estate holding structures efficiently and effectively due to the flexibility and expertise that the Jersey real estate services industry can provide.

Holding vehicles can be established on a same day basis, whilst a Jersey 'private fund' can be established and authorised in as little as 3 business days (with a slightly longer lead time where there is EEA/UK investor marketing).

The expertise available across legal, accounting and administrative functions can also lead to lower launch costs and on-going maintenance costs, which ensures that Jersey remains a cost-effective choice.

Legislative flexibility

Jersey's company, partnership and unit trust laws are broadly based on the UK equivalents and will therefore be familiar to lawyers and asset managers in the UK and other common law countries.

The Jersey legislation is, broadly speaking, more flexible and more permissive which means it can easily accommodate the commercial terms of a deal.

JPUTs, for instance, are popular for single investor/single asset structures, but they are equally suited for multi-asset joint ventures or as investment fund structures. JPUTs often hold UK real estate directly, however, a JPUT does not need to, nor is a JPUT required, to hold the UK real estate directly. In addition, we are also seeing a revival in the use of JPUTs as hybrid or evergreen investment fund structures.

Regulatory flexibility

Jersey's regulatory environment provides significant flexibility in choosing a regulatory regime for a real estate structure, its investors and asset managers. Whilst some small structures can benefit from special dispensations afforded to joint ventures, the 'private fund' regime in Jersey is a popular option where there are a small number of sophisticated institutional investors who would benefit from a light-touch and effective regulatory approach.

For those asset managers who are seeking to attract a larger number of investors, or less sophisticated investors, then there are several public fund regimes which offer increased investor protection.

Tax neutrality

Jersey's tax regime is designed to avoid double taxation on real estate holding structures, so that these remain tax neutral where appropriate for non-resident investors and asset managers who are dealing with foreign real estate assets.

Service providers

Jersey is well known for its real estate-based service provider expertise, with service providers able to confidently support managers and investors throughout the entire property life-cycle from acquisition to development, financing, leasing, planning work and joint ventures, and eventual disposal.

Against the backdrop of its longstanding appeal and given the current trends in the market, as a jurisdiction, Jersey has the right infrastructure and ecosystem to assist first time and established asset managers with setting up and administering real estate fund structures, whilst at the same time providing certainty of tax treatment - which is not necessarily fully mirrored in other jurisdictions.

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An ability to remain agile in a changing landscape, deliver innovative solutions and offer a platform of stability are key differentiators for Jersey’s funds industry that are resonating clearly with managers and investors, according to the chairman of the Jersey Funds Association (JFA).

JFA Chair Tim Morgan gave his update at the JFA Annual Dinner recently (23 September), attended by more than 350 funds and wider industry professionals, including an overview of the current funds landscape, the ongoing work of the JFA with its key stakeholders in Jersey, and future opportunities for Jersey’s funds sector. It was the first physical return to events for the JFA since 2019, since when all updates had been provided on a digital basis.

Pointing to the fact that Jersey’s funds industry recorded another new record high of fund assets being administered at the half-way point in 2021 (£436bn), with private equity and venture capital increasing by 21% year-on-year and the number of Jersey Private Funds (JPFs) rising to 456, Tim commented:

“The latest figures show that Jersey’s focus on alternative investment funds continues to provide a stable platform of long-term capital. From the start it was clear that the pandemic was affecting participants differently. Large, well-known sponsors with strong platforms continued to fundraise. Conditions were more challenging for new and smaller investment groups. However, many have in any case proceeded with the raising of successful, small, first funds and club deals, and that correlates with the continued growth in the number of JPFs we have seen. It’s a real endorsement of Jersey’s appeal and expertise.”

In addition, Tim, who is also a partner at the Jersey legal practice of the Maples Group, highlighted the importance of Jersey’s funds industry maintaining momentum in delivering innovative solutions to global investors:

“Jersey has continued to test innovations in digital assets, as well as increased amounts of structures aimed at sustainable technologies and related assets, which is very positive. In addition, significant changes have also occurred in the administration space – increasingly tech is a key component of how services are being provided, which is enhancing how governance, risk management and compliance are managed in practice. Jersey service providers have been impressive in adopting a digital first approach over the past year and this is undoubtedly a key part of our success.”

Meanwhile, Tim also highlighted that shifts in global geopolitics, regulation and competition were providing challenges, with Jersey’s focus on maintaining a perfect ecosystem for alternative funds putting it in a strong position:

“The political environment is volatile – the change in US administration; increased pressures from the EU and OECD in relation to tax; numerous policy initiatives from UK in the post Brexit and post pandemic environment; upcoming elections in Germany and France. All this means that there is a need for continual engagement in relation to Jersey’s position internationally. At the same time, jurisdictionally, the competitive environment is intense.

“However, Jersey’s ability to pivot in an agile manner, in particular between JPFs and more narrowly-held joint venture and co-investment vehicles, is valuable and provides popular, efficient solutions. At the same time, Jersey has an incredibly strong culture of partnerships with the JFSC, government, and other industry elements all working together on areas of opportunity or concern for our funds and wider finance industry. This is a real differentiator for us, as we continue to focus on our core message - that Jersey offers a unique ecosystem to provide a platform of stability in a rapidly changing market.”

Entertainment at the event, which was held at the Trinity Showground, was provided by comedian and writer Jo Caulfield and London-based singer-songwriter and former Jersey Young Musician of the Year Sam Walwyn.

The main sponsor of the dinner was Mourant, whilst silver sponsors were BNP Paribas Securities Services, IQ-EQ, Ogier and PwC, and the champagne sponsor was Carey Olsen.

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Sustained buoyant private equity activity continued to drive growth in Jersey’s investment funds sector as the total value of fund assets administered in the jurisdiction grew by £26.3bn to stand at a new record level of £436.3bn at the mid-year point, according to new industry data.

The latest quarterly figures for Jersey’s finance industry, collated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) and published by Jersey Finance for the period ending 30 June 2021, show that the value of total funds business booked in Jersey grew by 15% over the first half of 2021.

In particular, the figures show that funds sector performance has been driven by private equity, which has grown by 24% over the half year to stand at £203.6bn. Combined, the alternative asset classes, including private equity, venture capital, hedge, real estate, infrastructure and debt funds, now account for 89% of all funds business in Jersey.

In addition, the number of registered Jersey Private Funds (JPF), a structure designed for small groups of sophisticated and professional investors, grew by more than 50 over the six-month period to reach 456 (up 13%). JPFs hold total Assets Under Management of £78bn – these are not included in the headline quarterly data.

Commenting on the figures, Jersey Finance Deputy CEO, Amy Bryant, said:

“These latest quarterly figures reinforce some important points. First, the fact that corporate activity has remained strong and our banking sector has been resilient despite significant currency movements in an uncertain environment, underlines the robust nature of our industry.

“In addition, the fact that our investment funds sector has shown such impressive and sustained growth – in particular in the private equity and alternatives space – highlights our strengths as a centre focused on putting significant and high quality institutional and private capital to work around the world. Investors and managers clearly recognise Jersey as an IFC that offers specialist alternative fund expertise. That is important not just for Jersey but for global economies as we all look to rebuild in a sustainable way.”

Tim Morgan, Chair of the Jersey Funds Association, added

“These are once again really positive figures underlining Jersey’s reputation as a specialist funds centre. We work tirelessly to maintain the perfect ecosystem for alternative funds - an ecosystem that is straightforward, well-regulated, effective, flexible and driven by genuine expertise - and those efforts are reflected in the ongoing growth we are seeing in the alternative asset classes, particularly private equity. That the JPF continues to grow its appeal across the range of investors from institutional investors through to family offices is also very welcome and demonstrates our ability to innovate to meet the range of needs across the market.”

 The full set of quarterly statistics is available here.

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