Jersey’s funds industry can be positive about the year ahead and has the right ingredients to maintain its position as a leading European funds centre, according to the head of the association that represents the funds industry in Jersey.

Speaking to an audience of 450 funds professionals at the Jersey Funds Association (JFA) Annual Dinner, which took place at the Hotel de France on Friday 9th March, Nigel Strachan, Chairman of the JFA, said that the industry was working hard to maintain high levels of investor confidence. He said:

“The most recent figures show that, at the end of 2011, Jersey’s funds sector had grown year on year, with the alternative asset classes in particular performing well. Jersey has committed to satisfying fully the criteria for the AIFM Directive whilst also retaining a flexible non-EU regime, and is successfully positioning itself as a specialist centre for institutional, sophisticated and professional investment funds business. This is all very positive.”

He also highlighted the recent launch of the Private Placement Fund regime as an example of Jersey’s commitment to innovation in a competitive market, and referred to the sustained interest being shown by fund managers considering relocating to Jersey.

Entertainment at the dinner was provided by Perrier and Sony award-winning comedian Milton Jones, who regularly appears on national television and radio, whilst musical entertainment was provided by Joe Stilgoe, a favourite at the UK’s top jazz clubs. A raffle held on the night also raised £5,000 for Multiple Sclerosis Society of Jersey.

The lead sponsors of the event were private equity fund services firm Ipes and financial services firm JP Morgan, with a pre-dinner champagne reception sponsored by BNP Securities Services.

Nigel Strachan added:

“Jersey continues to be recognised as a robust, well regulated jurisdiction with a strong expert workforce and, with relationships with key business referrers in London remaining strong, I believe we can maintain our momentum and look forward to a successful year ahead.”

Photos from the dinner are available to view via the JFA website www.jerseyfunds.org.

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