Authorisations

On 30 October 2015, the States of Deliberation approved a Policy Letter submitted by the Policy Council which recommended that the regulatory laws should be updated to reflect current international standards. Representatives of the States of Alderney and the Chief Pleas of Sark had previously indicated their support for the proposals which followed a major public consultation process. More...

The Commission has today issued, in final form, the revised Handbook on Countering Financial Crime and Terrorist Financing. This follows the approval of the Criminal Justice (Proceeds of Crime) (Bailiwick of Guernsey) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 by the States of Guernsey during December 2018. The revisions to the rules and guidance in the Handbook, together with the revised legislation, bring the...

The Guernsey Financial Services Commission (“GFSC”) announced on 7 August 2018 its participation in the Global Financial Innovation Network (“GFIN”) ( link to news story) and today GFIN has published two documents: 1) A Press Release confirming the GFIN’s functions and the opening of a 1-month application window for Cross-Border testing 2) GFIN’s Terms of Reference for Membership and Governance...

The Commission is pleased to announce the publication of the Code of Market Conduct (“the Code”) following the closing of the consultation period on 12 July 2018. The aim of the Code is to provide guidance on whether or not behaviour amounts to market abuse, in the opinion of the Commission. The Commission would like to express its gratitude to everyone who has provided valuable feedback on the...

The Guernsey Financial Services Commission (“The Commission”) recognises that cyber and information security is a high priority risk area for organisations of all sizes. The Commission considers that all financial services firms and prescribed businesses in the Bailiwick of Guernsey should have a structured approach to managing cyber and information security. Cyber and information security should...

The Commission has today released guidance to assist individuals, and the entities who may employ them, on how to meet the “fit and proper” standard set out in the relevant minimum criteria for licensing. The guidance may be found here. Please note the above article has been archived. Please refer to the latest guidance on Fit and Proper Persons.

The Commission has historically consulted annually with industry on proposals for increasing the fees which it charges licensees. Those fees represent the Commission’s principal method of funding its operational costs including any capital expenditure. However, after careful consideration, the Commission has decided not to seek any increase in the current level of its fees for the next two years...

The Commission’s Director General, William Mason, was the guest speaker at today’s lunchtime event held by the Chamber of Commerce. Mr Mason explored the positive relationship that can exist between regulation and economic growth. He posited that the key issue is not whether growth and regulation can co-exist but rather what level and type of regulation is optimal for economic growth. He suggested...

Two-factor authentication (“2FA”) functionality is now available on the Online Submissions Portal. This is in line with the Commission’s commitment to continually improving the security of licensee data. If your organisation promotes the use of 2FA, then please ensure that your portal users opt in to use the functionality. A guide with instructions is available here.