How do I apply for an investment licence?
Applications can be made on the Applications portal or via email. Further details of how to apply for an investment licence are found in the New Applicants and the Investment Application pages of the website.
Who can establish collective investment schemes in Guernsey?
A policy of selectivity is applied to promoters/sponsors of open or closed ended schemes: only those with a demonstrable and favourable track record in the promotion of established collective investment schemes will be considered acceptable to establish schemes.
The authorisation of intended promoters/sponsors by regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions is not, in itself, generally sufficient. We aim to enable innovative strategies whilst maintaining meaningful investor protection. We are always prepared to meet potential promoters/sponsors or their professional advisers in order to discuss matters of policy and practice regarding proposed open or closed ended schemes. Please email Authorisations with an outline of your proposals in the first instance, so that an assessment can be made of which technical staff should attend any future meeting.
How can collective investment schemes be constituted?
Open ended schemes and closed-ended schemes may be constituted as:
- Companies;
- Incorporated cell companies;
- Limited partnerships;
- Protected cell companies; or
- Unit trusts.
The choice of constitution is a commercial decision for the applicant to determine, however, use of a limited partnership for an open-ended scheme would require further discussion with Authorisations. Incorporated and Protected cell companies are similar to umbrella schemes but are incorporated as companies not as unit trusts. The assets of each cell may not be combined with the assets of another cell and must be kept legally separate. Irrespective of the nature of the constitution of the scheme similar application processing applies.
How do I request incorporation consent for a PCC or an ICC?
Incorporation of a PCC or an ICC in the Bailiwick requires written consent from the Commission, pursuant to Sections 438 and 469 of The Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008, respectively. This is also the case when the PCC or ICC is not going to be carrying out regulated financial activities.
When considering whether it is appropriate for a PCC or an ICC to be incorporated, the Commission must have regard to protection of the public interest. This includes the need to:
- Protect the public, in Guernsey and elsewhere, against the effects of dishonesty, incompetence, and malpractice
- Counter financial crime and the financing of terrorism in Guernsey and elsewhere, and
- Protect and enhance the reputation of the Bailiwick as a financial centre.
A written request for consent to incorporate should be sent to [email protected]. The submission must include details of all the directors and beneficial owners of the proposed PCC/ICC, together with a high-level business plan for the structure. The latter should include details of all related entities and service providers.
An application fee must accompany any request for consent to incorporate when the PCC/ICC will not be directly regulated by the Commission.