The most critical issues and latest developments in the 'offshore' wealth management world are to be scrutinised by Guernsey and UK industry experts at this year's Guernsey Fiduciary Forum in London.
The Guernsey Fiduciary Forum 2010, titled 'A wealth of opportunity in a new era', takes place at the Grange St. Pauls Hotel on Thursday 25 February.
Michael Foot – author of the recent HM Treasury commissioned report into the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories – will be keynote speaker at the event.
He will also be present to debate the future for 'offshore' wealth management in a session led by Gavin St Pier, Deputy Chairman of STEP Worldwide, and featuring Richard Cassell, the Joint Leader of the Private Client Practice at Withers Worldwide and Nils Johnson from Spence Johnson, who worked with STEP on the research for a recently published report 'Offshore Evolution'. Guernsey professionals Tony Mancini of KPMG and Marcus Leese from Ogier will also be sitting on the panel.
The discussion will look at the key issues facing the fiduciary community, including an update on Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs), confidentiality, revisions to the European Union Savings Directive (EUSD), Channel Islands tax reform and amendments to Limited Partnership legislation.
Peter Niven, Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance, said: "The high quality of the experts speaking at this year's Guernsey Fiduciary Forum means that I am extremely confident we will get to the very heart of the important issues and latest developments affecting the future of the 'offshore' wealth management industry in the wake of the global financial crisis.
"The interactive nature of the event also makes it an excellent chance for Guernsey and UK delegates to not just hear from the panellists but also raise questions and put across their views, as well as being able to take advantage of the networking opportunities available."
The event will also examine innovation in structures and products. This will include the use of structures such as Private Trust Companies, Limited Partnerships and Family Limited Partnerships, with contributions from Jon Heaume, Chairman of the Guernsey Association of Trustees (GAT), Ashley Crossley from Baker & McKenzie and Russell Clark of Carey Olsen.
In addition, practitioners Roger Berry, Chairman of the Guernsey QROPS Committee and Wedlake Bell's Jane Wolstenholme will look at the latest developments in pensions, including Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS), Employer-Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefit Schemes (EFURBS) and Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs).
The conference is followed by a drinks networking reception sponsored by Guernsey-based Richmond Fiduciary Group. Event merchandise sponsor is Guernsey law firm Babbé.
To register as a delegate please contact Fiona Murray at Orchard Events by telephone +44 (0) 1481 240606 or email fiona@orchardevents.com
For more information about Guernsey's finance industry please visit www.guernseyfinance.com
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