Guernsey's fast track application regime for managers of overseas funds

An incoming Manco needs Guernsey Financial Services Commission (“GFSC”) consent to migrate to Guernsey as well as a licence to conduct fund management under the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2020 (the “POI Law”). The fast track regime can be used to combine these two processes within 10 business days or alternatively the licencing of a newly incorporated Guernsey entity within 10 business days.

This briefing note explores the reasons why Mancos migrate to Guernsey, the process of migrating and what the application consists of.

Why are more migrations occurring?

• Substance: In light of economic substance requirements, businesses are asking themselves the question “given my operations and where my group of companies is focussed, which jurisdiction is easier for me to locate substance?” Both the geographical location of the relevant directors and other personnel as well as transport links are crucial. Essentially, companies appear to be migrating to jurisdictions where they can most readily comply with substance requirements. This is particularly the case where a corporate group structure involves companies registered in various offshore financial centres. In these cases, it is better from a substance perspective to locate all relevant companies with their personnel and office space in a single jurisdiction than to have them, and their substance, spread out over multiple jurisdictions. 
• Efficiencies in administration of group entities: Aside from substance, there are practical and cost efficiencies both administrative and legal in structuring all entities within one jurisdiction.  
• Guernsey as a jurisdiction: Fund managers are attracted by Guernsey’s fiscal and legal stability and its highly rated systems for combating financial crime. Guernsey is a leading jurisdiction for funds and has a wealth of quality financial service providers and professionals, including non-executive directors. From a regulatory perspective, the GFSC is familiar with a wide range of fund and financing structures and welcomes innovation. Guernsey is a short flight from London with multiple flights daily and is in the same time zone. English and other common law authorities are persuasive in the Guernsey Courts.

The process of migrating

Migrating a company’s registration is often straightforward, with many jurisdictions specifically providing for inbound and outbound migrations. Typically shareholder approvals will be required and filings will need to be made in the outbound jurisdiction and Guernsey respectively, to ensure that the company is de-registered in the outbound jurisdiction at the same time that it becomes registered in Guernsey. Where a company is carrying on a regulated activity, like a Manco, the consent of the regulator in the outgoing jurisdiction is generally required.  

Application process

An incoming Manco requires consent from the GFSC to migrate as well as a licence under the POI Law. The GFSC’s fast track regime aims to provide such a licence within 10 business days.  

A migrating Manco will need to complete the GFSC’s Form FTLM. The GFSC’s usual licence application Form RA/1 and supporting documents should also accompany the Form FTLM. The Manco will need an administrator in Guernsey and these forms require the proposed administrator to make specific declarations to the GFSC in order for the Manco to be able to benefit from the fast track regime.

The GFSC will simultaneously consider the merits of the application to migrate the Manco into Guernsey and a licence under the POI Law.

Carey Olsen advises 81% of Guernsey-domiciled funds by asset value (Source: Monterey Insight) and would be delighted to assist with any enquiries into this product which is proving very popular with fund managers looking to benefit from the expedited regime.