TRUSTS AND FAMILY OFFICES IN GUERNSEY: RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES

Trusts and family offices in Guernsey have long recognised the island as an ideal jurisdiction for their services — with a stable political and economic environment, robust regulatory framework, and favourable tax regime making it an attractive location for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking to protect and manage their wealth. 

However, Guernsey’s modest size can make recruiting for niche professionals a considerable challenge. In today’s climate, as role diversification and specialisation become increasing priorities, there’s an increased impetus to work with a recruitment partner that can marry extensive local market experience with access to a global network of specialised talent. 

WHY IS GUERNSEY A LEADING DESTINATION?

Guernsey’s appeal as a destination for trusts and family offices is based on multiple factors. The island’s legal system, based on English common law, provides a familiar and trusted framework for wealth management and its commitment to transparency and international cooperation in tax matters further enhances its reputation as a responsible and well-regulated jurisdiction.

A highly skilled talent pool, experienced in providing trust, fiduciary, and investment management services, is another key advantage — although for some specialisms local availability is limited. However, the island’s excellent quality of life combined with convenient transport links to London and other major European centres makes it an attractive relocation destination location for many candidates.

RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES IN A NICHE MARKET

While the island offers a wealth of advantages, recruiting specialist talent for key roles in trusts and family offices in Guernsey presents some unique challenges. Its relatively small population and the specialised nature of many roles mean that competition for skilled professionals can be intense. 

To attract professionals with the right combination of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and cultural sensitivity — especially in in-demand niches such as trust administration, compliance, and investment management — trusts or family offices may need to look beyond traditional channels.

At Victus, we’re able to help clients on the island widen their search — both by connecting them with candidates in other jurisdictions who are open to relocation, and by drawing on our global network to make discreet approaches to top-tier professionals who may not actively be looking for new opportunities but are ready to make a move. 

To help attract and retain such talent we support clients in constructing competitive compensation packages as well as communicating a strong employer brand that emphasises the island’s unique career opportunities. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The trust and family office landscape in Guernsey is constantly evolving. Technological advancements, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, are transforming the industry, requiring professionals with the skills to navigate these changes — and the increasing focus on ESG is reshaping investment strategy — creating demand for experts in sustainable and responsible investing.

Guernsey is well-positioned to adapt to these developments, with its proactive regulatory approach and commitment to innovation. Ongoing efforts to attract and develop talent will be crucial to maintaining its competitive edge in the global trust and family office market. The challenge for employers on the island is remaining ahead of competitors in attracting the most skilled professionals — which is where picking the right partner makes all the difference.

ADDRESSING THE TALENT GAP WITH VICTUS SEARCH

Victus Search understands the specific challenges of recruiting in Guernsey’s niche trust and family office market, having developed a deep understanding of the island’s regulatory environment, business culture, and talent pool over many years of experience serving clients on the island. 

Our specialist recruiters work closely with businesses to identify and attract top-tier professionals with the specific skills and experience required for increasingly specialised and demanding roles. If your trust company or family office is seeking to recruit specialist talent in Guernsey, contact Victus Search to discuss how we can help you navigate the challenges and secure the best candidates.