Jersey Private Funds – Recent Reforms and their GCC Relevance
Unveiling the Advantages of GCC Asset Managers and Family Offices Leveraging Jersey Private Funds for Global Investments.
In the dynamic landscape of global finance, asset managers and family offices from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are constantly seeking investment vehicles that combine flexibility, efficiency, and credibility. Jersey Private Funds (JPFs) have emerged as a compelling option, offering structures well-suited to the priorities of GCC investors. With regulatory agility, streamlined formation, and a trusted reputation, JPFs provide a strong platform for cross-border investment. Recent enhancements to the regime strengthen this position further, making Jersey an increasingly attractive alternative to other centres such as Cayman, traditionally favoured by regional asset managers.
Regulatory Flexibility and Transparency
A defining feature of JPFs is their combination of regulatory responsiveness with high standards of oversight. In a climate of increasing global scrutiny, GCC investors value regimes that balance strong compliance with scope for innovation. Jersey has long been recognised for its robust yet pragmatic regulatory framework.
From August 2025, the JPF regime has been refined: the long-standing 50-investor cap and the “restricted circle of persons” test have been replaced with a more modern “restricted group of investors” framework. This adjustment expands fundraising capacity while maintaining proportionate protections. The change provides managers with greater latitude in structuring investor participation without undermining Jersey’s reputation for regulatory integrity.
These enhancements are reinforced by Jersey’s positive Moneyval assessment, which praised its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards. For GCC institutions, this adds confidence that Jersey offers both the regulatory rigour and the adaptability needed to execute sophisticated strategies in a compliant environment. In fact, this top-tier endorsement not only validates Jersey’s current AML/CFT framework and international reputation, but also provides strategic “future-proofing” for investors. At a time when many other fund domiciles face weaker compliance ratings or are awaiting re-evaluation, Jersey stands out as having already secured its status at the forefront of global standards. For GCC institutions considering Jersey Private Funds, this translates into a tangible advantage: confidence that their chosen jurisdiction is not just fully compliant today but is also resilient and well-prepared for the regulatory challenges of tomorrow.
Tailored Investment Structures
The versatility of JPFs is another core attraction. They can accommodate both traditional and alternative asset classes, aligning with the increasingly diverse portfolios of GCC investors. Whether focused on real estate, private equity, hedge or equity strategies, JPFs allow bespoke arrangements to be crafted quickly and effectively.
The recent revisions expand this flexibility further: JPFs may now, in limited circumstances, be listed with regulatory consent, broadening structuring options for managers. Clarifications on carried interest, co-investment, and feeder vehicles provide greater certainty when developing tailored structures. For family offices, the ability to incorporate Sharia-compliant features remains particularly relevant, allowing wealth to be managed across generations in accordance with ethical and cultural considerations.
Efficient Fund Formation and Management
In fast-moving markets, time to market can be critical. JPFs retain one of their most distinctive features: a streamlined, 24-hour authorisation process, with no requirement for prior regulatory approval. This allows managers to seize opportunities quickly and to allocate capital with minimal administrative delay.
The 2025 updates also reinforce governance by strengthening the role of Designated Service Providers (DSPs), like Fiduchi. These firms now assume explicit responsibilities, including verifying investor eligibility on an ongoing basis, notifying regulators of material changes, and filing annual compliance returns. Importantly, these enhancements do not dilute the regime’s efficiency, the swift approval timetable remains intact, but they ensure that governance standards evolve alongside market expectations.
For GCC managers, this combination of agility and assurance is invaluable. Operational costs remain low, resources can be directed toward investment decisions, and confidence in the regime’s integrity is maintained. The presence of a sophisticated local ecosystem — from fund administrators and accountants to specialist law firms — further supports smooth establishment and management.
Access to Global Markets and Expertise
As GCC investors look outward to diversify internationally, Jersey offers a gateway to global markets. Its status as a respected international finance centre, with deep expertise in structuring cross-border investments, gives managers access to a wide network of institutions and counterparties.
The revised JPF framework also introduces clearer disclosure requirements for funds promoted as sustainable. ESG-focused investors must now set out taxonomy alignment, the proportion of sustainable investments, and due diligence processes. This transparency brings JPFs in line with leading global sustainable finance practices and allows GCC allocators, who are increasingly focused on ESG themes, to participate with clarity and confidence.
Combined with Jersey’s political stability, common law legal system, and tax neutrality, these advantages position the jurisdiction as a safe, efficient, and globally connected base for sophisticated investors.
Enhanced Privacy and Asset Protection
Privacy and asset protection are enduring concerns for GCC family offices and asset managers. JPFs continue to deliver a high level of confidentiality, with no public disclosure of fund particulars or investor identities. This discretion, coupled with Jersey’s strong data protection framework, offers assurance that sensitive information remains secure.
Simultaneously, the regime ensures that oversight and compliance requirements are met through the regulated DSP, maintaining the balance between privacy and integrity.
Conclusion
Jersey Private Funds stand out as an optimal structure for GCC asset managers and family offices navigating global investment opportunities. They combine regulatory flexibility, bespoke structuring, efficient authorisation, access to international markets, and robust privacy. The 2025 enhancements add further depth: expanded investor reach, stronger DSP-led governance, and transparent ESG disclosure obligations.
Equally significant is the shifting competitive dynamic. Jersey’s strengthened regime positions it as a credible alternative to traditional offshore jurisdictions such as Cayman. For GCC managers exploring fund domiciliation, the combination of regulatory rigour, efficiency, and confidentiality now offered in Jersey provides a compelling case to reassess old preferences.
As the GCC cements its role in global wealth management, the adoption of JPFs is likely to accelerate. By harnessing their advantages, investors can pursue global diversification with confidence, knowing they are backed by a regime that is modern, respected, and attuned to the demands of today’s marketplace.
Partner with Fiduchi
At Fiduchi, we specialise in the formation and ongoing administration of Jersey Private Funds for clients across the GCC and beyond. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of asset managers and family offices in the region and provides tailored, efficient solutions within a fully compliant regulatory framework.
If you're considering a JPF structure to support your international investment strategy, please contact Terry Northcott, Christopher Dungan or Graham Marsh TEP to explore how we can help you unlock the full potential of Jersey Private Funds.