The 2025 Guernsey Funds Forum, themed ‘Venture to the Future’, brought together a record number of attendees to explore the direction of the global funds industry.
The flagship event focused on digital innovation, fund specialisation, and regulatory evolution, solidifying Guernsey’s role as a key player in the global financial landscape.
Held shortly after the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC) announced major enhancements to the Private Investment Fund (PIF) regime, the forum highlighted structural changes designed to boost flexibility and innovation. Notable reforms include the removal of the cap on investor numbers and the withdrawal of audit requirements, aimed at accommodating a broader range of private capital strategies.
Alderman Alistair King, the 696th Lord Mayor of London, opened the event by highlighting Guernsey’s economic contribution to the UK. “The UK receives annual returns of about £7 billion from structures that are based in Guernsey… a figure that has been growing 14% year on year,” he noted.
Steven Hillion, Head of Data at Astronomer and a Guernsey native, spoke on the rising impact of AI and machine learning. “GenAI is not overhyped – it’s truly magic… The entire technical world is changing,” he said, adding that investment in this technology was now essential, though caution remained advisable in these early stages.
The first panel addressed how technology is transforming venture capital. Archie Burgess of Cibus Capital shared examples of agricultural tech, such as eco-robotic smart sprays that reduce chemical use by 95% while boosting crop yield and biodiversity. David Kippen of Cordiant Capital predicted dramatic growth in data usage and highlighted the urgent need for energy-efficient data centres. Regulatory considerations were also discussed, with Guernsey’s Green Fund designation praised for its balanced approach.
Mark Harrison of Sprints described Guernsey as “a small giant” in global innovation, citing its compact, well-connected business community. Woody Stileman of RTW Investments emphasised the value of specialist fund managers, particularly in complex sectors like biotech: “When capital is scarce, that’s really when you need the specialist.”
The second panel focused on Guernsey’s appeal as a fund domicile. Aranpreet Randhawa of Fried Frank spoke on the importance of regulatory efficiency, while Jerry Paul of Queen’s Park Equity called the PIF regime “a strong example of industry collaboration.” Stephanie Biggs of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett described a “tug of war” between regulatory caution and the need for deregulation to support growth.
Ed Hammond of Coller Capital noted the rise in volume and complexity in the secondaries market as a response to private equity liquidity challenges.
A recent report from Frontier Economics revealed that £57 billion in FDI flows passed through Guernsey into the UK, £13 billion of which might not have entered the UK without it. Rupert Pleasant, Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance, concluded: “Despite economic and political uncertainty, Guernsey remains a tried and tested domicile of choice.”
Pictured: Left to right – Archie Burgess of Cibus Capital, Mark Harrison of Sprints, David Kippen of Cordiant Capital, Woody Stileman of RTW Investments LP.
