Banking

As we have worked on some current enforcement matters it has become apparent to us that we will be taking some cases forward seeking pecuniary sanctions where there is some wrongdoing before 13th November 2017 and some wrongdoing after 13th November 2017. Our intent in relation to such matters is not clearly covered by the Guidance Note on the Commission’s general approach to Enforcement issued in...

The Commission today launches a consultation paper on proposals for increasing the licence fees paid by firms. The consultation period will close on Wednesday 8 September. The Commission’s consultation paper is available here. Feedback may be provided via the Consultation Hub section of the Commission’s website: https://consultationhub.gfsc.gg Taking into account the Commission’s current and...

The Commission has today issued amendments to the country lists in Appendix C and Appendix I of the Handbook on Countering Financial Crime and Terrorist Financing reflecting the Financial Action Task Force’s updated list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, which includes Malta, Haiti, the Philippines and South Sudan. The amendments include the removal of Malta from the list of equivalent...

The Commission has implemented The Companies (Incorporated Cell Companies) (Prescribed Classes) Regulations, 2021. Previously, under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 a non-financial services business wishing to be incorporated as an Incorporated Cell Company (ICC), was required to be administered by a licensed person. The new regulations remove this requirement where the ICC is to be a non...

The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has issued today a consultation paper (“CP”) seeking views from interested parties as part of the implementation of the Revision of Laws Project. The CP relates to the proposed re-issuing of the Commission’s codes and guidance due to the revised supervisory laws arising from the Revision of Laws Project. The draft codes and guidance do not implement...

The Commission has today published the amended Finance Sector Code of Corporate Governance which asks Boards to consider the impact of climate change on their strategy and risk profile and, where they judge it appropriate, make climate change related disclosures. A copy of the new Code can be found here. This amendment was consulted on as part of the Commission’s Spring Green Consultation, issued...

The Commission has today published its 2020 annual report and financial statements. Talking about the report, the Commission’s Director General, William Mason noted that: “Last year, in common with the rest of the world, the Bailiwick had to deal with the effects of the global pandemic. During that period, the Commission faced a number of additional challenges as did our licensees. I was therefore...

The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has issued today three consultation papers (“CPs”) seeking views from interested parties as part of the implementation of the Revision of Laws Project. The first CP provides for revision to regulations and rules made under the Regulation of Fiduciaries, Administration Businesses and Company Directors, etc (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2020 (the “new...

The Commission is aware that there has been a recent increase in phishing attempts targeting local businesses. Firms are reminded of the guidance available to them in the Commission’s Cyber Rules and Guidance, 2021 and in particular the need to ensure the Firm: has appropriate cyber security software in place; implements IT systems updates in a timely manner; and its staff exercise caution and...

The Commission is planning to hold its 10th Annual Conference as a physical event in the Whittaker Hall at St James on 22 April 2021. Formal invites together with the conference programme will be issued shortly.