Guernsey exploring role in defence investment
- Guernsey hosted a high-level roundtable on private capital's role in global security investment
- Lord Stuart Peach, former UK Defence Chief and NATO Military Committee Chair, attended the discussions
- The roundtable explored opportunities for the proposed multilateral Defence, Security and Resilience Bank
- Guernsey has already authorised three defence funds aimed at rebuilding NATO capabilities
- The initiative forms part of Guernsey's Finance Sector Growth Strategy 2035 to remain a leading international finance centre
Guernsey has hosted a high-level roundtable bringing together defence, regulatory and industry leaders to explore the role of private capital.
The discussion was attended by Lord (Stuart) Peach, former UK Chief of the Defence Staff and former Chair of the NATO Military Committee. Lord Peach currently chairs the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank) Development Group.
The roundtable brought together representatives from industry, investment, legal and fiduciary services, alongside the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, Guernsey International Business Association and Guernsey Finance.
Among the discussions were opportunities for capital raising concerning the proposed multilateral DSR Bank.
The DSR Bank will be owned exclusively by nation-states, designed to mobilise the money needed to help like-minded allies and partners finance their capabilities for the defence, security, and resilience.
The discussion builds on the regulatory approval of defence-related investment structures in Guernsey and the broader initiatives underway as part of the Finance Sector Growth Strategy 2035, developed in partnership with Oliver Wyman. The Strategy aims to integrate defence, infrastructure, and sustainability into its core funds offering.
Nick Mann
Deputy Andrew Niles, Vice-President of Economic Development, who chaired the roundtable, said: "This was an excellent and timely discussion, bringing together defence expertise, investors, regulators and industry to consider how private capital can support resilience and long-term security.
"There is a growing recognition that public funding alone will not meet the scale of the challenge, and that private capital will increasingly form part of the solution. We thank Lord Peach for his engagement and look forward to progressing discussions, including in relation to the DSR Bank."
William Mason, Director General of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission added: "Guernsey's regulatory framework is designed to be robust, proportionate and internationally credible.
"Over the past year the Commission has authorised three defence funds which plan to contribute to rebuilding NATO capabilities through their investment in defence tech. In an uncertain world Guernsey is pleased to welcome proposals for high quality and responsible defence investment platforms which help Europe and the NATO alliance enhance defences against emerging threats."
Q&A
Q: Who attended the Guernsey defence finance roundtable?
A: The roundtable was attended by Lord Stuart Peach, former UK Chief of Defence Staff and former Chair of the NATO Military Committee, along with representatives from industry, investment, legal and fiduciary services, plus officials from the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, Guernsey International Business Association and Guernsey Finance.
Q: What is the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank?
A: The DSR Bank is a proposed multilateral bank that Lord Peach currently chairs the Development Group for. The roundtable discussed future alignment and opportunities for capital raising concerning this proposed institution.
Q: How many defence funds has Guernsey already approved?
A: According to William Mason from the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, three defence funds have been authorised over the past year, which plan to contribute to rebuilding NATO capabilities through investment in defence technology.
Comments ()