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Overview

The Guernsey legal market is differentiated by its strong insurance focus, but like Jersey and the Isle of Man it is also an attractive location for investment funds and private client work.

Guernsey was rocked in early 2010 by two major announcements. First, global offshore giant Appleby raided top-tier Guernsey firm Ozannes for three associates to launch an office on the island. Hot on the heels of that move was the confirmation of a merger between Ozannes and Jersey heavyweight Mourant du Feu & Jeune. The combined firm – Mourant Ozannes – boasts 200 fee-earners, 50 partners and offices in Cayman and London, as well as the Channel Islands.

The union will pose the biggest threat to Carey Olsen’s position. The firm has dominated the legal market across both islands for some years now following the name-making merger between Jersey-based Olsens and Guernsey firm Carey Langlois in 2003. Although Carey Olsen does not have offices in any other offshore jurisdictions, it does retain a ‘best friends’ relationship with Cayman-based Maples and Calder, ensuring a good international platform.

The mid-tier market in Guernsey is largely comprised of local firms, with Jersey-based Ogier and Bedell Cristin being the exceptions to the rule.

Babbé and Collas Day are aiming to become full-service firms, and are the only two local firms recommended for commercial property work.

The smaller firms in the market tend to have a bias towards contentious work; of these AO HALL deserves mention for its top-tier employment practice.

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Legal Developments in Guernsey

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

  • Response to Consultation on the Draft Overseas Pension Schemes Regulations 2012

    We are a firm of advocates practising in Guernsey and regularly advise on issues arising from pension arrangements established or administered from Guernsey. Based on our experience and interaction with our clients, we are writing to you in response to HMRC’s invitation to consult on the Draft Overseas Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2012 (the “Draft Regulations”) issued by HMRC on 6 December 2011.
    - Carey Olsen

  • MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL GUIDE 2012 INVESTMENT FUNDS

    Guernsey
    - Carey Olsen

  • The Overseas Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2012 – Update

    Responding to HMRC’S proposed changes for Guernsey QROPS
    - Carey Olsen

  • Guernsey Companies Law - Office of the Registrar of Companies

    This memorandum has been prepared for the assistance of our clients in connection with the provisions relevant to the Office of the Registrar of Companies under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) (the “Companies Law”).
    - Ogier

  • Overseas Restraint Orders in Guernsey have no extra-territorial effect

    The Royal Court has ruled that restraint orders obtained in Guernsey on requests from foreign authorities can only apply to assets located in the Bailiwick, striking down the extra-territorial effect of a restraint order obtained at the request of the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa.
    - Mourant Ozannes

  • QROP Schemes - The Pertinent Issues

    Whilst many trustees and providers are now familiar with the QROPS regime, as schemes mature and members seek to avail themselves of the funds in their schemes in various ways, important questions are arising in relation to matters as diverse as the level and age on which benefits can be taken, how to align Guernsey and English taxation requirements and what restrictions apply in respect of investments and the granting of loans.
    - Carey Olsen

  • Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

    Global Overview Mark Moedritzer and Kay C Whittaker Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP 3
    - Carey Olsen

  • A Guide to Funds and Private Equity in Guernsey

    Table of Contents Introduction to Guernsey 1 About Carey Olsen 2 Fund Regulations in Brief 2 Investment Business 3 Collective Investment Schemes 3
    - Carey Olsen

  • Guernsey Qualifying Investor Funds

    This memorandum has been prepared for the assistance of clients considering establishing a fund under the laws of Guernsey. It is intended to provide only a summary of the main legal requirements and general principles applicable to establishing a fund in Guernsey and it is not intended to be comprehensive in its scope. It is recommended that a client seeks legal advice on any proposed transaction prior to taking steps to implement it.
    - Ogier

  • Code of Corporate Governance

    Introduction The Guernsey Financial Services Commission (the GFSC) has recently issued the final form of the Code of Corporate Governance for the Finance Sector (the Code) which will take effect from 1 January 2012. Its stated purpose is to provide boards and individual directors with "a framework for sound systems of company governance".
    - Ogier

Press Releases in Guernsey

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
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