A new regulatory partnership has been launched, the Guernsey Consumer Cooperation Forum.
Strengthening information sharing and encouraging cross-regulatory cooperation in the Bailiwick, the Guernsey Consumer Cooperation Forum (GCCF) comprises the Office of Data Protection Authority, the Competition Regulatory Authority and the Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman.
“More than ever consumer rights are intersecting in the regulatory spheres of privacy, consumer protection or promoting competition,” said Bailiwick Data Protection Commissioner Brent Homan (pictured). “In creating this alliance our offices are expanding our capacity and amplifying our ability to serve and protect the citizens of Guernsey”.
The GCCF will enable members to exchange best practices, conduct research and market analyses and collaborate on outreach and compliance matters of shared regulatory priority.
Douglas Melville, Principal Ombudsman & Chief Executive of the Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman, emphasised the power of collaboration: “The journey of change to create a robust consumer protection framework for Guernsey is a team effort. By working together, regulators and other bodies like CIFO can support each other in the performance of our respective independent roles but also leverage the power of collective action where appropriate.”
The signing ceremony took place at the ODPA.
“People expect more from businesses and governments, demanding transparency and assurances that their interests are being promoted and protected,” said Guernsey Competition Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Michael Byrne. “Guernsey’s approach will shape its economic competitiveness and reputation as a responsible jurisdiction.
“By creating this forum, we, as regulators, are showing consumers, citizens, and other jurisdictions that Guernsey takes these responsibilities seriously and works together to address them.”
