Commission fees for 2026

The Commission plans to increase fees for most licensees by the rate of inflation next year, as consulted on.

On 8 September 2025, the Commission published a consultation paper outlining proposed fee changes effective from 1 January 2026. The key proposals included:

• an overall fee increase of 3.9%, aligned with Guernsey mid-year RPI;
• rebasing of Private Investment Fund (“PIF”) fees;
• an adjustment to the banded fiduciary licence fees;
• the introduction of banded fees for Prescribed Businesses;
• new fees for certain requests requiring Commission approval; and
• a substantial reduction in fees for Virtual Asset Service Provider (“VASP”) applications.

The consultation ran for four and a half weeks, closing on 8 October 2025. The Commission’s response to the feedback received as part of the consultation is available on its website.

The Commission’s Chairman, John Aspden, commented: “We have carefully considered the feedback received. While we understand concerns about the need for an increase given the Commission’s healthy balance sheet position, we must remain forward-looking. Continued investment in technology and people is essential to maintain our position as a jurisdiction of choice.”

Amongst the changes being implemented is a reduction in annual PIF fees and fees for VASP applications. These areas have been a particular focus throughout the year and ones in which we believe our jurisdiction is, and can continue to be, highly competitive. Earlier this year, we simplified our PIF regime, and since those changes took effect, we have seen a healthy influx of applications.

William Mason, Director General, said: “The decision to reduce application fees for VASPs is intended to further encourage digital firms to establish themselves in the Bailiwick as part of our Digital Finance Initiative. Our objective is to ensure the Bailiwick is regarded as an attractive and well-regulated environment for emerging and innovative businesses, with fees that are proportionate to the work required to effectively supervise these types of firms.”