Private client in the spotlight, what Jersey's regulation means for you

Jersey’s position as a leading international finance centre remains strong, but the regulatory spotlight on private clients and their intermediaries is sharper than ever. For lawyers and tax advisors, the challenge is no longer understanding regulation in principle, but translating it into practical, defensible advice for clients operating across borders.

Recent regulatory focus in Jersey continues to centre on substance, governance, and accountability. For private client structures, this means greater scrutiny of who is making decisions, where those decisions are taken, and why the structure exists in the first place. Trustees, directors, and advisors are increasingly expected to evidence real oversight, not just compliance on paper.

What does this mean for intermediaries? First, structures that were historically “good enough” may now require refinement, particularly where family offices, holding companies, or private trust companies are involved. Second, client conversations must evolve. Regulation is no longer a back-office issue; it is a strategic consideration that affects tax outcomes, reputational risk, and long-term sustainability.

At Reckon, we work closely with legal and tax professionals to bridge the gap between regulatory expectation and operational reality. The most effective advisors are those who can distil complexity into clear guidance - helping clients understand not just what Jersey regulation requires, but how it supports robust, future-proof structures.

In a world of increasing transparency, regulation done well is not a constraint, it’s a differentiator. If you’re advising private clients with Jersey connections, now is the time to reassess how regulation features in your client strategy.