Guernsey’s funds industry is looking to attract and support the next generation of investment managers through a new initiative aimed at helping emerging firms establish themselves and raise capital.
The Guernsey Investment & Funds Association (GIFA) is bringing together first-time fund managers, investors and industry specialists to explore the challenges of launching and growing an investment business.
The initiative aims to strengthen connections between emerging managers and Guernsey’s private capital sector, where investment businesses manage or administer more than £1 trillion globally.
Support available to emerging managers includes the island’s Private Investment Fund (PIF) regime, under which qualifying funds can be registered within one business day, and the Fund Foundry programme, which provides selected managers with financial support, mentoring and technical expertise.
As part of the initiative, GIFA is organising its inaugural Emerging Managers Forum in London on 23 October, hosted and supported by EY.
Early registrations suggest interest from managers at different stages of development, with approximately 32% of applicants actively fundraising and a further 32% establishing management companies. Target fund sizes range from below £10 million to more than £150 million, covering venture capital, private equity and private credit strategies.
The forum will include contributions from British Business Bank Interim Chief Executive David Hourican, who took up the role on 1 October, alongside investment industry specialists.
Ove Svejstrup (pictured), EY Partner and GIFA Executive Member, said: “Emerging managers are often building a firm, developing an investment proposition and raising capital at the same time. Choosing the right structure and surrounding yourself with the right expertise can make a real difference during those formative years.
“Guernsey has a long-established private capital ecosystem and a range of flexible fund structures, but this Forum is not about giving managers another jurisdictional sales pitch. It is about bringing emerging managers together with people who have built, backed and advised funds, and creating an environment where they can have candid conversations about the decisions and challenges they face.”
