The internationally renowned thought leader in Fintech, Dave Birch, has been appointed Fintech Ambassador for Jersey, which validates the strength of Jersey’s offering in this area, and will help ensure Jersey’s success as an internationally recognised Fintech hub.
Dave Birch is a successful author, advisor and and commentator. Ranked as one of the top 100 Fintech influencers for 2021, one of the top ten most influential voices in banking by Financial Brand, previously named one of the global top 15 favourite sources of business information by Wired magazine and as well as a frequent Forbes contributor. He is a long time supporter of Digital Jersey and has spoken at several events and conferences in the Island.
Dave said: “I’m delighted to take on this role with Digital Jersey. After visiting the Island many times over the last few years, I have seen first-hand the opportunities provided by the technology and regulatory infrastructure there. This, combined with its world-class connectivity and an agile, innovative mindset, makes Jersey an interesting proposition in the Fintech space. I’m looking forward to working more closely with the DJ team.”
Jersey is known as a well-established and well-regulated International Finance Centre and together with its world class infrastructure it makes the perfect testbed and growth environment for Fintech innovation. Digital Jersey offers an island wide Sandbox proposition supported by all key Fintech players on island.
Jersey was the first jurisdiction in the world to make full-fibre broadband available to every home, and as an independent island, it offers a complete critical infrastructure on a microscale, allowing easy access to key stakeholders such as regulator, industry and government. Its finance industry has a longstanding global reputation for transparency and excellence. The local regulator, Jersey Financial Services commission have taken a proactive approach to innovation and was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to implement a virtual currency regime in 2016.
Digital Jersey CEO, Tony Moretta, said Dave Birch’s involvement will confirm the Island’s Fintech status: “Dave has an excellent reputation built through decades of experience. We know he fully understands the unique advantages we have here in Jersey and will help spread the message off-island that we are open for business in the Fintech arena.”
Under the ‘Jersey for Fintech’ proposition Digital Jersey has come together with Jersey Finance, Locate Jersey, and industry organisations to help raise the Island’s profile internationally as well as grow and support the local Fintech community. It also works with Jersey Financial Services Commission and the Government of Jersey to support the development of Fintech talent and help establish the right regulatory environment to foster innovation.
Jersey is the perfect sandbox location to develop, test and launch new technology in a campus-like environment, without the high cost and complex legal, government and regulatory barriers often faced in other cities or markets.
Watch a video of Dave Birch talking about Jersey as a Fintech sandbox here
