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Contents
Highlights at a glance 1
Forewords |
| 3 | |
Chair's statement |
| 5 | |
Director General's statement |
| 9 | |
Performance report |
| 13 | |
Introduction |
| 15 | |
Areas we regulate |
| 19 | |
Our strategy |
| 2 | |
Combatting financial crime together |
| 25 | |
Performance analysis |
| 29 | |
Supervision |
| 34 | |
Registry |
| 41 | |
Enforcement |
| 45 | |
Intelligence |
| 47 | |
Policy |
| 49 | |
Risk, legal and data protection |
| 57 | |
Technology and data |
| 63 | |
People and culture |
| 67 | |
Industry survey |
| 73 | |
Human rights, anti-bribery and corruption statement |
| 78 | |
Environmental, social and governance |
| 79 | |
Finances and resources |
|
| 81 |
Accountability report |
|
| 83 |
Governance statement |
|
| 85 |
Remuneration and staff report |
|
| 93 |
Governance structure |
|
| 97 |
Financial statements |
|
| 99 |
Independent auditor's report |
|
| 10 |
Financial statements |
|
| 105 |
Notes to the financial statements |
|
| 109 |
Our team |
|
| 125 |
Board of Commissioners |
|
| 127 |
Executive team |
|
| 128 |
Highlights at a glance Harnessing technology
Facilitating business integrity
7 core processes External security
operations centre built and deployed introduced
130 examinations 40 whistleblowing conducted calls received
Industry survey conducted on the adoption and use of digital identity solutions
10 public sanctions issued
More than 1,000
intelligence reports
disseminated Developing our people, systems and capabilities
9% of our colleagues 3,159 Schedule 2 74 drop-in sessions Employee turnover are returners, rising to
business registrations held for those affected rate reduced to 14%, 15% in our Supervision processed by changing regulation half that of mid-2022 and Enforcement teams
50 JFSC team members £218,596 spent supported the MONEYVAL on learning and onsite visit development
Forewords
Chair s
statement LsGtoornovgen-rgtnewmrmoernkrtei,ngignu drlaeutlsaottrriyoy n easffnhedicpotibtvheeetnwrekeseesynr aetgqheeuniJrcFeiSse Csa.,
The global environment in 2023 remained Vision and top
ctghhreoa wlcleoinnsggt- iionmfg-pl, iawvciintt gho fhccrigilsihmisi,anttfliegahctithoamnn oagnneedat iannrdtyeirpneocsrltiecrayas, tetehdse , strategic priority geopolitical tensions. We're a values-led organisation, committed
to being a force for good for Jersey, including The global direction of travel continued toward protecting people from financial crime.
greater regulation and transparency, increasing
the size of our regulatory perimeter, and bringing Our sustained focus on combatting financial
a range of individuals and organisations into scope crime continued throughout 2023 and
for the first time. The importance of meeting was central to our MONEYVAL evaluation
international standards is clear, and Jersey's recent preparation. Long-term regulatory effectiveness
MONEYVAL evaluation was a good example of requires a strong working relationship between
our approach to regulatory transparency and the JFSC, Government, industry and other
effectiveness. key agencies. The MONEYVAL evaluation Monique O Keefe demonstrated the value of this joint effort. It
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) was excellent to see the levels of collaboration Deputy Chair (Interim Chair, considerations only grew in importance and are throughout the process.
31 October 2023 to 18 April 2024) increasingly driving stakeholder expectations. This
is an area of focus for the JFSC, both as a regulator Our focus on preventing financial crime
and in terms of how we operate as an organisation. preceded the MONEYVAL evaluation and
will extend beyond it. We have long had a programme of work focussed on combatting financial crime, firmly embedded in both our strategy and operational delivery.
Delivering our strategy
2023 saw progress under our three strategic anchors:
• facilitating business integrity
• harnessing technology and influencing the digitalisation of financial services
• developing our people, systems and capability to be a high performing organisation
MONEYVAL was a clear priority and we allocated significant resources towards it, but we also
made progress in other strategic areas, including improvements to our internal and external digital systems, continued industry engagement on RegTech, and development of our risk model.
Our people strategy is fundamental to regulatory effectiveness. 2023 saw us continue our work
to provide a leading employment experience
in Jersey. This focus on people and culture saw a reduction in our employee turnover rate, an area industry had expressed concern about
in our previous industry survey.
The year ahead We continue our focus on We have an ambitious plan for 2024, as we look to stakeholder engagement continue to execute our current strategy, including: to ensure strong alignment
• rtehseproengduilnagtotroy tchheaMngOeNs E inYt Vro Ad Lu rc ee pd o i rn t a2 n0 d2 3 e mto b c eo dm dib nagt with Government,
financial crime industry and our team.
• completing an independent fee review with industry, so
we can understand where the pain points are and ensure
our competitiveness as an international finance centre
• balancing our focus on financial crime with our focus on conduct and prudential matters, including expanding our responsibilities to consumer lending and aligning our regulatory framework and banking supervision with the appropriate components of Basel III
• continuing our focus on stakeholder engagement to ensure strong alignment between Government, industry and our team
• international horizon scanning to meet the changing demands of global regulation
• continuing to focus on our own digital transformation and supporting industry in their adoption of regulatory technology solutions
• advancing our ESG agenda
Leadership changes at the JFSC
Mark Hoban retired as Chair of the Board in October 2023. We thank Mark for his leadership. His influence and impact were extremely valuable to the organisation and built upon his previous role as a Commissioner. Particularly notable was Mark's setting of the strategy to future-proof the JFSC, his stewardship through the MONEYVAL evaluation and commitment to the highest corporate governance standards.
We are delighted to announce that Jane Platt CBE has accepted the appointment as the new Chair. Jane brings extensive experience operating in large and complex businesses with a successful track record across financial services, including retail and institutional investment management, stockbroking, and banking. We are all looking forward to welcoming her to the JFSC and to Jersey. We are also pleased to welcome experienced Chief Financial Officer Helene Narcy as a new Commissioner.
Our work at the JFSC continued to contribute to Jersey s reputation as
a well-regulated international finance centre, meeting international standards.
2023 regulatory Facilitating Director developments to business integrity
combat financial crime Alongside our work as part of the multi-agency General s 2fr0a2m3eswaowrk a. Tsihgen irfiactea notf ecvhoalnugtieo nh aosf oaturt i rmeegsu latory gwInreo2uc0op2n 3"tciwnoumeesbdeattt otuinpegvaofislvneeap noacuraira trle ics, rkdi-mebdeai scteaodtge eadtp hRpeirsro"k,a ch.
statement bnbewveeuaowesslinvntl ieoecng shgesiansrellselaseugtnariuoegnln aidJnteagiinronsdgndei.i vyvthie disenumrtaehlesseeotctouionramcgbepissnlo etrrexebriqt nnyuaeiotrwiefo dtnohafrerlom tGpoWeuueaertdmtmSrinyulagcepihndoe t -nrbavayitinshdoeiioeusdn mriamneonexpnewaosxmrtCttreaianhnntaiietsotfiainvoRrenoei fseap knt. rh WgoOegaefgrffi aoae cmclmesumores Cneewt hv eori'lrsve ed
in response to national risk assessments.
The primary motive driving these developments
standards in the fight against financial crime. programme with industry, with targeted
The global political and economic environment Alongside being extremely damaging in campaigns to reach individuals and
itself, financial crime also facilitates other organisations in regulatory scope for the
made its impact felt here in Jersey in 2023, with serious crimes, including terrorism and human first time, including non-profit organisations, Jersey's cost-of-living crisis outpacing the UK's. trafficking. It's our responsibility as members individual sole trader directors, virtual asset
The JFSC, like our stakeholders, is impacted by of the international community to play our part service providers and other designated
tbhuessinee issssuine so ua rn dcu t rhree nintcernevaisroe nd m coemntp.lexity of doing in preventing it. Effectiveness in combatting non-financial businesses and professions.
financial crime is also essential to maintaining
From a transaction perspective we saw a dip in our reputation as a well-regulated international Harnessing
finance centre.
nbuumt tbheerssi tbuoatthioonnwthaes Rveergyi smtruycahnsdercetgoru-ldaetopreyn sdiednet, , technology and
wcoitmhpbaarnekd dweiptho sthites panredvoiovuesr aylel afur.nd values up in 2023, Itnh eth Neastaiomnea lvReiisnk, 2A0s2s3e saslmsoesnat wfotrhLeedgealli vPeerrys oofn s influencing the
aFnindanAcrrinagn gaenmd eMnotsn, e ayn Ld a uupnddaet reins g t o N t ah te io Tne ar lr Ro ir sis kt digitalisation of
TsJFehSrevCcichceaosln lietninndguueesstdr wyto er ecremonsatiigrninbeiudfit creeatsnoitl ,iJebenurtst.e OJyeu'rsrs reweypo'sru ktfi aanttai otnnhceiaasl AAsllsoecsastimngenstisg,n aifill c oafn wt hreicsho uorucret etoa mth he eMlpOeNd E s Yh Va ApeL. financial services
a well-regulated international finance centre, meeting
evaluation was our top strategic priority while
international standards. Digital transformation is a core anchor of our also keeping both operational tasks and change strategy. In 2023 we continued our focus on
projects moving forward. This was not without its regulatory technology (RegTech) and digital
challenges, but a great deal was achieved in 2023 identification, working closely with other agencies Jill Britton and I'd like to personally thank my colleagues, including Government, Jersey Finance, Digital
Director General Government and everyone who contributed to Jersey and industry to understand how Jersey can the MONEYVAL evaluation process, our strategic best use this technology. We also made a range
delivery, and our core operational activities. of improvements to the myJFSC portal.
The year ahead
The MONEYVAL evaluation outcome is clearly a significant consideration for the JFSC in 2024. Operationally we are prepared, and our team will respond with flexibility and purpose to the outcome.
The regulatory landscape is always developing. We will continue to track emerging developments and standards, including in artificial intelligence and digital assets, and will respond in a manner relevant to Jersey. We will also continue our work in combatting financial crime and embedding the significant regulatory changes we've seen over the past two years.
We will continue to support Government in their work to regulate consumer lending, alongside bringing our regulatory framework and the supervision
of banks in line with the appropriate components of the Basel III standards. Sustainable finance is firmly on the agenda, and we will respond to the future Government roadmap appropriately with a multi-year plan.
Enhancement to our own technology and digital interface with industry and other stakeholders remains a key priority. We will continue to provide guidance to industry on the adoption of technology solutions which support ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements. The security of our own systems is of course a key priority and, following the Registry vulnerability issue identified in January 2024, we will be working to ensure we understand how the vulnerability came about, and taking forward any recommendations arising from a third party review.
The foundations are now firmly
in place to further develop Wfeee dwbiallc akl saon bd e r eccoonmclmude inndga at nio in ns d aes p ew ne d beanl ta fnecee r t ehve ie nwe e wd it f ho ir n c do un st ti rn yu , o wu es l coming organisational capability in 2024. itimto's pbereoscvseoemmntepianeltt wittoiev eshu ainpv peo ousrrut fftefihecesi ensnettre urdecsst uooruferin.cTdeosu seatnnrsdyuacrneadpreatgbhieuli ltJaiFetSosrCtyo, ew dfieftehlicv ttehirve ebnnoeetehs d so, ur
strategy and our core, business-as-usual functions.
Develop our people, systems and capability Thank you
to be a high performing organisation I'm incredibly proud of the JFSC team and how we've worked together during the
MONEYVAL evaluation, while also keeping the JFSC moving forwards so we can We recognise that regulatory effectiveness begins with our people. Developments to our people support Jersey beyond it. I also appreciate the collaborative approach we saw strategy continued at pace in 2023. between the JFSC, industry, Government and all other stakeholders across 2023.
Thanks to the significant investment we've made in cultural change, including a modernised We know this has been a significant year of regulatory change for organisations approach to recognition, values, performance management and professional development, we have that are also grappling with challenges around resourcing and the cost of doing improved our recruitment and retention rates. The foundations are now firmly in place to further business. We welcome constructive challenge, and I know that we are all aligned develop organisational capability in 2024. on the ultimate goal, which is the long-term success of Jersey.
This enhancement of our employee value proposition has been substantial and will have a direct I'd also like to thank the outgoing Chair Mark Hoban for his excellent
impact on our industry stakeholders, improving your experience of working with us. stewardship and guidance, especially in the build-up to the MONEYVAL onsite
evaluation, and for all he has contributed to the JFSC, both as Chair and as Commissioner. We look forward to welcoming our new Chair in 2024.
Performance report
Introduction Our vision is to be a high-
performing regulator, building for the long-term success of Jersey. This includes setting ambitious objectives and measuring our performance against them. Strategic delivery is critical.
Our performance report rounds up our significant activity for the year, and the actions we re taking to realise our vision.
Our performance report contains:
• a summary of the purpose and activities • our human rights, anti-corruption of the JFSC and anti-bribery statement
• a recap of our strategy • information about our approach
• an overview of our key performance metrics to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters
• an overview of our activity by division
• a summary of finance and resources
• a description of the risks faced by the JFSC and
of the people and organisations we supervise
Annual report 2023 17 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual report 2023 18 www.jerseyfsc.org
Purpose and activities of the JFSC
We are the regulator for financial services in Jersey, responsible for regulating, developing and supervising the island's financial services industry. We aim to deliver balanced, progressive, risk-based financial regulation, built on insight, integrity and expertise. We also operate the Companies Registry, which registers Jersey companies, partnerships, foundations and business names.
Our mission is to maintain Jersey's position We aim to fulfil these responsibilities by:
as a leading international finance centre,
with high regulatory standards, and to adhere • ensuring that all authorised financial
to our guiding principles which are set out in law: services businesses and individuals meet
the appropriate criteria and that we, as the
• reducing risk to the public of financial loss regulator, meet appropriate international due to dishonesty, incompetence, malpractice, standards relevant to the sectors we supervise or the financial unsoundness of financial
• playing our role in combatting financial crime
service providers
as part of the wider international effort
• protecting and enhancing the reputation
• working closely with fellow regulators and
and integrity of Jersey in commercial
lawmakers to ensure access to efficient and and financial matters
effective markets for financial services
• safeguarding the best economic interests
• reacting to and, where appropriate, anticipating
of Jersey
changes in markets and the financial services
• countering financial crime both in Jersey industry by developing policy and the way and elsewhere we supervise
• acting as an agile, thoughtful, proportionate regulator that gives fair consideration to both
Our statutory responsibilities are set out
the costs and benefits of regulation
in the Financial Services Commission
(Jersey) Law 1998 and include:
• authorising, supervising, overseeing,
and developing financial services in
or from within Jersey We aim to deliver
• dthisecChaormgminigs soiuonr fLuanwctions under balanced, progressive,
• raenpdoirntfinogrm, aindgv itshinegG, aosvseirsntminegn, t risk-based financial
of Jersey and other public bodies regulation, built on insight, ••psoeprerevpriaactreiinnsggletaghniesdlCaretoicomonpmamnieens dRinegg ifistnrayncial integrity and expertise.
Areas we regulate
We regulate and supervise the following for both anti-money laundering, We regulate and supervise the following for AML/CFT/CPF purposes: countering the financing of terrorism and countering proliferation financing
(AML/CFT/CPF) purposes, and for conduct and prudential purposes:
Banking Collective Fund services Insurance Financial Non-profit Virtual asset Designated investment funds business business institutions organisations* service providers* non-financial
businesses and professions
General insurance Investment Money service Trust and company
mediation business business businesses service providers
*New for 2023
Annual report 2023 21 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual report 2023 22 www.jerseyfsc.org
Vision
To be a high-performing regulator, building for the long-term success of Jersey.
Top strategic priority
Achieving sustainable, long-term excellence in regulatory effectiveness, and increased capability for the island in combatting financial crime.
Strategic anchors
Three strategic anchors provide the lens through which we make our decisions:
Facilitate business integrity
Our strategy
Harness technology and influence the digitalisation of financial services Develop our people, systems, and capability to be a high performing organisation
Our current strategic framework was launched in 2021.
The framework ensures we are:
• delivering our vision
• performing well against our guiding principles within a changing international landscape
• supporting Jersey as a competitive, successful and well-regulated international finance centre
In 2023 we undertook significant activity to drive our strategy forwards. Our top strategic priority
is regulatory effectiveness and combatting financial crime. Three strategic anchors provide the lens through which we make our decisions.
Core workstream activity
Strategic anchors:
Facilitate business integrity
Core workstream Combatting financial crime together
Key 2023 activity
• MONEYVAL onsite preparation and mutual evaluation
• supervision of new regimes
Harness technology and influence the digitalisation of financial services
Core workstream Digital transformation
Key 2023 activity
• digitising/enhancing the following forms:
- material change application
- limited liability company
- Supervisory Bodies Law application
- fund service business application
• introducing entity self-management of roles on the myJFSC portal
• increased engagement with industry
Develop our people, systems, and capability to be a high performing organisation
Core workstream People and culture
Key 2024 actions
• phased iteration of new features in our HR system
• updates to reward and recognition
• enhancement to our approach to performance management
In 2023 we undertook significant activity to drive our strategy forwards.
Preparation for Jersey's MONEYVAL evaluation While we applied substantial focus and remained a core focus area, with substantial resources to the MONEYVAL evaluation and work throughout 2023 both in the build-up to to building Jersey's financial crime prevention the onsite review in September and beyond it, capability across 2023, we also made progress as we received written key findings, and the first in other key strategic areas.
draft of MONEYVAL's report for review.
Through our digital transformation core
To enable Jersey to continue to meet workstream we delivered a range of international standards in combatting financial improvements to the myJFSC portal,
crime, our Policy team led on the revision and simplifying and enhancing key
creation of a substantial amount of policy and customer-facing digital solutions.
guidance to remove the scope exemptions for
anti-money laundering, countering the financing Our people strategy also continued to develop of terrorism and countering proliferation at pace, with modernised approaches to financing (AML/CFT/CPF). Following these recruitment, performance management, changes, our Central Authorisations Unit reward and recognition, and culture. We have experienced a significant uplift in applications successfully grown our headcount, reduced in 2023 compared with 2022. time to hire and reduced our turnover rate.
2023 also saw the delivery of the National Further information on strategic delivery can be Risk Assessment for Legal Persons and found in the following sections of this report: Arrangements, and updates to the Terrorist
Financing and Money Laundering National Risk • Combatting financial crime together – page 25 Assessments. The JFSC provided significant • Digital transformation – page 63
support in the completion of these assessments.
• People and culture – page 67
While we applied significant focus and resources to the MONEYVAL evaluation and to building Jersey s financial crime prevention capability across 2023, we also made progress in other key strategic areas.
November 2022 March 2023 July 2023 October 2023 January 2024
Country training MONEYVAL confirmed First draft of technical August 2023 Jersey received written Second draft May 2024 delivered by onsite dates and compliance annex Final version key findings in terms of mutual evaluation Mutual evaluation report
MONEYVAL Secretariat assessors delivered to Jersey of scoping note of effectiveness report sent to Jersey discussion at plenary
March 2023 April 2023 July 2023 September - December 2023 March 2024 July 2024 Technical Effectiveness Draft scoping note October 2023 First draft of mutual Face to face Mutual evaluation
questionnaire questionnaire provided, highlighting Onsite visit evaluation report sent meetings to discuss report published
submission submission the areas of focus to Jersey second draft
Combatting financial crime together
MONEYVAL is the official denomination of the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism. It is a permanent body of the Council of Europe.
MONEYVAL evaluates how well member countries Jersey's MONEYVAL evaluation was therefore a core focus comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2023, with substantial work both in the build-up to the Recommendations on combatting money laundering, onsite visit in September and beyond it, as we moved into the the financing of terrorism and proliferation. MONEYVAL receipt of the draft report and review stages of the process. assesses the effectiveness of countries' implementation
of the standards, making recommendations for Our preparations for the mutual evaluation involved all improvement in a country's systems. divisions of the JFSC and saw developments at a strategic
and operational level. Not only was the JFSC a significant Assessors from MONEYVAL conducted an onsite mutual contributor to Immediate Outcome 3 (Supervision) but evaluation visit of Jersey in September 2023. Mutual we were also a key contributor to Immediate Outcomes evaluations are in-depth country reports analysing the 1 (Risk, Policy and Coordination), 2 (International implementation and effectiveness of measures to combat cooperation), 4 (Preventive measures), 5 (Legal persons money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing. The and arrangements), 9 (Terrorist financing investigation reports are peer reviews, where members from different and prosecution), 10 (Terrorist financing preventive countries assess another country. Ahead of the onsite visit, a measures and financial sanctions) and 11 (Proliferation significant amount of data was collated and submitted to the financial sanctions). We continued to deliver a substantial assessors, which all formed part of the mutual evaluation. industry engagement programme, including outreach to
individuals and organisations affected by new or evolving The outcome of a MONEYVAL evaluation has significant regulatory regimes, alongside ongoing development implications for a jurisdiction's international reputation and of our policies and guidance to ensure alignment with market access. The importance of the evaluation is reflected international standards.
in our strategic framework, with our top strategic priority
defined as "achieving sustainable, long-term excellence in
regulatory effectiveness and increased capability for the
island in combatting financial crime."
Financial Crime National risk assessments Coordination division Identifying and effectively responding to risks relating
to money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation While there is a clear link to the MONEYVAL evaluation, our financing are ongoing priorities in Jersey's work to prevent
commitment to combatting financial crime predates and extends financial crime. At a national level these risks are managed beyond the mutual evaluation process. We've embedded the through the completion of national risk assessments. prevention and detection of financial crime into our processes for
the long-term, with a view to continually improving those processes The JFSC played a crucial role in producing these national for ongoing effectiveness in meeting international standards. risk assessments by providing data analytics and insights, The establishment of a dedicated Financial Crime Coordination sectoral and subject matter expertise, outreach and
(FCC) division underscores our commitment to this. education. We did this not only to deepen understanding of
financial crime risks nationally, but also to set expectations During 2023 the FCC division was tasked with ensuring that and provide support for industry in responding to them.
we were prepared for MONEYVAL's mutual evaluation of Jersey.
This included: In 2023, we contributed to the delivery of one new and two
• support and guidance to JFSC team members updated national risk assessments. This work included:
in the preparation of critical documents, including
reviewing the technical compliance and effectiveness • the updated Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment questionnaire submissions (May 2023)
• providing regular updates and training to JFSC colleagues • the new Legal Persons and Arrangements National Risk Assessment (July 2023)
• delivering mock interviews to colleagues who were meeting
with the assessment team • the updated Money Laundering National Risk Assessment
(September 2023)
• participating in regular meetings with partner agencies
and competent authorities
We also continued work on the Virtual Asset Service
• coordinating all actions throughout the process to ensure Providers National Risk Assessment, due to conclude they became embedded in the JFSC's processes in early 2024.
The FCC division also provided extensive input during the onsite itself, including:
• coordinating with partner agencies
• serving as the main point of contact for partner agencies While there is a clear link to
icnr ismuep ptoogrte othfetrh"e national framework "combatting financial the MONEYVAL evaluation, our
• pinrvoovlivdeindgin s uthpep oorntsaitnedegxaumidiannacteiotno JFSC colleagues commitment to combatting
• cinotoerrdviienwatsinwgi tJhF SthCe c aoslsleeasgs umeesn' ta nteda imndustry participants' financial crime predates and
• providing regular updates to JFSC colleagues extends beyond the mutual
• creoqourdeisntas t binyg t hane da sres se pssomnde innt g t te oa am dditional information evaluation process.
50 members of the JFSC team participated in the MONEYVAL
evaluation. The FCC team's work meant that we successfully
delivered on all deadlines relating to the mutual evaluation.
Performance analysis
In our 2023 business plan we published a new set
of external key performance indicators. These key performance indicators support our strategic delivery and also help us to demonstrate the changes we're making in response to stakeholder feedback, following our inaugural industry survey.
As the chart on the next page shows there has been a good level of progress across our key performance indicators, but there is clearly more to do.
Notable is the increase in external engagement activity, both locally and internationally. The MONEYVAL evaluation has afforded opportunities to strengthen relationships with
key international stakeholders, which has been useful in building Jersey's reputation in regulatory effectiveness.
Internally, the operational performance initiatives have progressed through process improvement driven by automation, simplification and digitisation. During 2023 we established a new Operational Excellence team who are supporting a continuous improvement cycle, with particular emphasis on external user experience through our portals.
Both our external and internal survey results remain broadly unchanged, with some indicators marginally down year-on-year. There are areas to celebrate across both surveys, but also areas to focus on where less progress has been made. These point in time assessments help
us ensure that the voices of our critical stakeholders - colleagues and industry - are well represented when it comes to shaping the business plan for the year ahead.
Finally, the average tenure of colleagues is now 4.5 years. Importantly, turnover has reduced significantly and is now in line with market norms. More information can be found in the people and culture section of this report.
These key initiatives will remain areas of focus as we implement our strategy, and our measures will evolve in 2024 to ensure that we are assessing the indicators that matter most to us and our stakeholders.
Table key
Harness technology and influence Develop our people, systems and capability Strategic key performance indicators Facilitate business integrity
the digitalisation of financial services to be a high performing organisation
KPI Description Measure Target 2022 results (if applicable) 2023 results
Engagement International and industry engagement | Level of local and international engagement by the Board of Commissioners and the Executive Directors Committee. | # of international (off-island) meetings versus target. # of meetings with local firms versus target. |
| Annual target – 18 international and 30 local engagements. | n/a |
| 23 international engagements (excluding Financial Action Task Force matters). 27 local engagements. | |||
Industry perception External perception of the JFSC through annual industry survey | Engagement and perceptions of the JFSC divided in 3 areas (based on the categorised heading of the question set posed):
consistently, promoting tech)
competitiveness as a jurisdiction of choice for financial services | Year-on-year improvement in industry survey results |
| % year-on-year improvement on industry survey results |
6.2, operating consistently 6.2, promoting tech 6.1
|
|
5.6, operating consistently 5.7, promoting tech 5.6
| |||
iii. JFSC acting in the best interest of Jersey
264 MyProfile applications processed
in 2023 - 88% within SLA.
Service level agreements 1,056 MyProfile applications As at 31 December 2023, 97.08%
processed in 2022 – 86% within SLA
(SLAs) Monitor, measure and reduce % adherence to published SLAs of annual confirmations returned. Adherence and improvement current industry SLAs. with year-on-year improvement 90% As at 31 December 2022, 88.5% of
of user experience SLA and reduction in processing times. annual confirmations returned Baseline has now been set. In 2024 with industry we will focus on measuring key
external processes and adherence to published SLAs.
Digital processes
Online streamlined interactions
Increase in end-to-end digital Exceeded target. Seven core One new-end- to-end One new end-to-end process Six core processes built and
interaction processes with end processes built and deployed process per quarter. per quarter deployed by end of 2022
users. by end of 2023.
Annual staff happiness Year-on-year improvement
Staff engagement Year-on-year improvement Average score 7.5 Average score 7.3
index survey. in annual happiness index.
52%
Increase in proportion of internal Average tenure was impacted by Increase in staff % year-on-year increase in
Staff retention staff with a greater than 2-year 55% a 15% increase in our permanent
retention. average tenure of JFSC staff.
tenure period from 50% to 75% headcount across 2023. Our attrition rate has halved since mid-2022 and
was 14% at the end of 2023.
Supervision
The Supervision division s primary function is overseeing financial businesses and assessing how effectively they are meeting relevant legal obligations and regulatory requirements.
We operate a risk-based approach to our supervisory activities, focussing our resources and activities on businesses that we calculate as posing higher regulatory risk to Jersey's reputation as an international finance centre. We test the compliance status of all businesses in line with our risk model.
Challenging economic and market conditions continued into 2023, which had an impact on Jersey businesses. These challenges included ongoing cost pressures as inflation persisted, rising interest rates, liquidity pressures in the banking market and, internationally, some banking failures. Despite this backdrop, Jersey continued to attract business. Application levels for collective investment funds increased in 2023 compared with 2022, and banking deposits and the overall value of funds increased in line with trends.
Despite challenging economic and market conditions, Jersey continued to attract business.
In 2023 we completed 3,159
TinhFeenberwuaEryx.eDcauvtiivde l eDdirtehcetodri voifs iSounp'se or nvigs oioinn g, DparveipdaEraatciootnts, tfooor kthuepMhiOsNpEoYstV AL Schedule 2 business registrations evaluation and its delivery of other business objectives. compared with 27 in 2022, following KEenyh a2n0c2i3n ga cotuivri tayp ipnrcoluadcehd t: o assessing business integrity by including the removal of AML/CFT exemptions.
sector and firm-specific onsite examinations in line with our risk model.
These onsite examinations complemented our financial crime and
cross-sector examinations.
Completing 3,159 Schedule 2 business registrations compared with 27
in 2022, following the removal of AML/CFT exemptions. Excluding Schedule
2 business registrations, the number of applications across the regulatory perimeter in 2023 remained level with 2022, at 486 and 483 respectively.
It was a year of two halves however, with H1 activity materially below trend but H2 activity very much back on trend.
Issuing 865 letters of no objection to individuals seeking to act as key and principal persons in 2023, compared with 1,049 in 2022. On average these letters of no objection took 29 working days to complete, within our service level agreement of 30 working days.
Processing a significantly higher volume of outsourcing notifications, with our team receiving 221 notifications in 2023, compared with 120 in 2022.
Digitising key supervisory processes and forms to increase efficiency and convenience for the user – for more information, see the technology and data section of this report.
Publishing five feedback statements from our 2022 examinations covering:
- financial crime
- the role of the money laundering compliance officer
- sanctions and screening systems
- beneficial ownership and control
- non-profit organisation significant donors
We intend to publish four feedback documents in H1 2024 relating to our 2023 examinations, which will cover:
- natural persons undertaking Class G trust company business
- reliance on obliged persons
- countering the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing
- independent financial advisers' investment advice to vulnerable persons
Continued activity in our Heightened Risk Response team, which was established in 2021 to deliver effective risk-based supervision of firms where serious deficiencies and/or regulatory concerns have been identified. During 2023, we engaged with 16 firms across various industry sectors. Our activity remained focused on intensified oversight of firms' remediation measures following examinations or third-party reviews.
Industry engagement
Our team undertook a significant amount of in-person
engagement across the year, both with industry and other
regulators. We played an active role in the cross-agency
initiative "combatting financial crime together", including 2023 examination activity attending various conferences and meetings.
An important area of focus was supporting those During 2023, we conducted a range
individuals and organisations brought into the regulatory of supervisory examinations based on pdeersiimgneateter dfo nrotnh-efifinarsntctiiaml eb.uOsiunre ds esedsic aantedd p treoafems ssiuopnpso, nrtoinng- conclusions in the national risk assessments
profit organisations and virtual asset service providers, and sectoral risks as determined by the
spoke at several industry events across the year, held JFSC's risk model (see the risk, legal and dJerrospe-yinFsineasnsicoen smfeomr bnoenrs- parfofefict toerdg abnyi scahtaion ng sin, gmreetg wu il taht ory data protection section of this report for
regimes and attended regular meetings with the following more information). In addition to our financial industry bodies: crime and firm-specific examinations, we
• Jersey Society of Chartered and Certified Accountants also reviewed:
• Jersey Law Society • the fund sector's controls over Jersey private funds. This was a follow-up review to establish whether businesses
• Jersey Estate Agents Association
were improving their control procedures to support the
• Jersey Gambling Commissioner growth of the product, in line with feedback from the 2021 review
• Jersey Charities Commissioner
• the adequacy of training provided to key staff in the trust
Our other teams continued their engagement with the and corporate services business sector to mitigate risks financial services industry, attending key conferences associated with their business profile
including the Group of International Finance Centre
• the extent to which banks have appropriate procedures
Supervisors (GIFCS), the Group of International Insurance
for onboarding customers
Centre Supervisors (GIICS) conference and AGM, and
regular meetings with the following industry bodies and • the compliance monitoring plans of investment organisations: businesses, including their scope and adequacy given the
risk profile of the sector
• Jersey Bankers Association
• the extent to which Jersey businesses identify vulnerable
• Jersey Resolution Authority customers in line with their obligations and appropriately manage their relationships with them
• Jersey Association of Trust Companies
• application of controls over significant donors
• Jersey Funds Association
by non-profit organisations
• Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman
• the extent to which designated non-financial businesses and professions and virtual asset service providers
We engaged with the Channel Islands Wealth Management
complied with their obligations to report suspicious Forum and will attend regular meetings with them
activity in a timely and accurate manner
throughout 2024.
• the awareness of regulatory requirements among
Our outreach also included working with overseas regulators individual directors with large portfolios regarding cross-jurisdictional entities or matters, including
the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the Isle of
Man Financial Services Authority.
2023 examination activity Wstre sucutuprpeo. Trtehd these ce dhaenligvees ary ore pf thaer st oe bf aun osinensgs ooinbjg pecrotivgraes wmmith se to eomne csuhr ae wnge hes tao ove tuer ia nmts thernaal t
are accountable for delivery, improve our operational resilience and offer appropriate career opportunities to our team. Changes made in 2023 included:
During 2023 we conducted 130 examinations, including 100 thematic examinations,
25 periodic assessment visits and five financial crime examinations. • eanstd pabrloisfheisnsgioan sS, nupoenr-vpirsoofirt oy trgeaamn fis oa ct uio sn ss a ed ond v n dir et su ia gl a nas tese d nt s oe nr -v fiic ne p ancro iav l bide ur ss inesses
Thematic assessments are focussed reviews of specific risks in a sector and involve several entities. Following • establishing a Risk, Data and Governance team to formalise the ownership of key processes these assessments, we provide individual feedback to participating firms/individuals and publish feedback including the management of data and reporting, the risk data collection exercise and oversight papers on our website. In 2023, all thematic assessments included an element of financial crime risk in the of Supervision policies and procedures
scope of the reviews.
Periodic assessment visits are focussed on individual entities which we have identified as high, medium-high, or medium risk. These assessments are conducted every two, three or four years depending on the entity's risk rating.
Financial Crime Examination Unit assessments assess compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations relating to anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and countering proliferation financing.
Authorisations statistics
Periodic assessment Financial Crime
Examination type Thematic Total
visits (new for 2023) Examination Unit The table below shows the level of applications supported by the Central Authorisations Unit in 2023,
compared with previous years.
Accountant 12 – – 12
Banking 8 4 1 13 Licence type 2021 2022 2023 Casino 1 – – 1 Alternative investment fund services business 8 6 11 Fund service business 6 1 – 7 Auditors 3 7 4 Investment business 15 8 1 24 Banks 1 1 0 Lawyer 8 – 1 9 Collective investment funds 16 26 35 Money service business – 1 – 1 Control of Borrowing Order (CoBO) 111 157 126 Non-profit organisation 8 – – 8 Fund services business 26 28 17 Real estate agent 7 – – 7 General insurance mediation business 2 3 7 Trust company and service provider 30 11 2 43 Investment business 4 2 3 Virtual asset service provider 5 – – 5 Insurance 2 7 5 Total 100 25 5 130 Jersey private funds 163 195 136
Money services business 3 1 0 Non-profit organisations 63 29 117 Schedule 2 business 34 27 3,159[1] Trust company business 11 21 25 TOTAL 447 510 3,645
Cessations and revocations 238 159 445
This movement was driven by the island's reputation as a well-regulated international finance centre. Our team balanced this workflow across the year with the delivery of the JFSC's top strategic priority of regulatory effectiveness and combatting financial crime. To ensure effective resourcing and succession planning, Beverley Kent was appointed as Director of Registry in Q3 and Executive Director of Registry from 1 January 2024. Julian Lamb, who will have been with the JFSC for 25 years in 2024, moved into the role of Executive Director, Registry Projects from 1 January 2024.
Registry s structure and approach
The Registry holds and updates 15 registers, including the central register of beneficial ownership, companies, business names, foundations, partnerships and security interests. Jersey is one of a small number of jurisdictions to benefit from its regulatory and entity registries operating under a single commission.
We continue to operate a four cornerstones approach to prevent misuse of our Registry for money laundering and terrorist financing purposes:
- Awfo icrt henneatwrriaglleo Rgreaoglupisse itnrrsycoognrapst oaernkadeteiaoprner/arr nefuggneiscmttrei aontnito s n
- JfAOoFMrrSdaLCed/rCrmaeFnginTdui oslJatbFtr lSeaigCdtia ogAtnaiMo tone Lf sk /o Ceuve nFep dr T e e/7 Cr r0s Pt%, h Fr e e o H s Mf ap c nooondnme bs yp oib a oLl n ke ai ue ns d, weri it nhg
- Aoatnc tlohemeg aprela gpnieysr tasepor pne rsd o toaof c fikhec, eewp ah adicnd hdr e pms lasa cinetsa oinb liingfaotrimonast ion
Registry 4 Aw iRthe ginisftorrym Sautipoenr vriesqiounir feumnecntitosn, developed
to carry out the proactive monitoring of compliance
While adverse market conditions resulted
in a reduction in the number of applications WInfeoormpeartaioten )u (nJedresre tyh) eL aF win a2n0c 2ia0l , Swe hr icvi hc ehs a s(D tiwscol oaspuprreo aa cn hd e Psr toov iesniosnu roef
of certain entities, our Registry division t• hreeq inufiroermmeantitotno h perlodvbidyeuuspis t oa ddeaqteu aatned, aaccccuurraattee ainnfdo rumpa ttoio dna –te a: ll companies continued to see an influx of work in 2023, manuds tc opnrotrvoidllee rRse, ganisdtr syi gwniitfihcdaenttapileerds ionnfos rmation in relation to beneficial owners
including structures looking to relocate to • Registry Supervision – Registry has its own Supervision team which carries out Jersey from other international finance centres. otaonn sdui stae. uInitnh 2sep0ne2tci3ct aiootune rsd R at ehngedi sdate rst yya sSiltuse pomefa r1tv4i ics,2ir o5e n6v i t ea ews as m aon c udi na tidne etder tproraoorgkt ia2et ,si 6o. 3n 0o fe nd taittay sinu sbpmecit tt ieodn s
Engagement Registry vulnerability
We continued our engagement programme in 2023 both On 23 January 2024 a vulnerability was detected in our locally and internationally including: Registry system. An initial forensic review identified that
the vulnerability was due to a misconfiguration in our
• speaking at STEP Jersey's annual regulatory update
third party-supplied Registry system, which had been
on the requirements of the Disclosure Law and risk
implemented in January 2021. The vulnerability allowed assessment of entity setups and incorporations
access to non-public names and addresses. It did not
• speaking at the Corporate Registers Forum on Jersey's link any individuals to registered entities or roles held. four cornerstones approach We immediately took action to resolve the issue and have separately written to certain individuals whose name and
• working with the Government of Jersey and other JFSC address was accessed and to whom we owe an obligation teams on the updated National Risk Assessments for to communicate individually.
Money Laundering, Legal Persons and Arrangements,
and Terrorist Financing We deeply regret this has occurred and are currently undertaking further investigations to determine how
• working with industry representatives to improve this happened.
people's Registry experiences, including delivering
enhanced support for high-priority/time-sensitive We have been working throughout with the Jersey transactions, and streamlining and improving the Office of the Information Commissioner.
continuance process
Customer service
In 2023 we continued our focus on enhancing customer service. This included building the Registry team's resilience, with growth in our headcount of 15% to successfully deliver a rising number of incorporations, registrations and data updates.
We also continued to work with industry stakeholders
to provide certainty that high-priority and/or complex submissions would be registered on the agreed target dates. Despite this focus on improving customer
service, we recognise that our delivery in 2023 was not at the level we and industry expect. We experienced several challenges throughout 2023 - resourcing
and denormalisation being two of the largest - which impacted our ability to meet our published timeframes for registrations. Only 55% of the registration timeframes were met in 2023. This is well below our expectations and improving this performance is a key focus for us in 2024.
In 2023 our dedicated client response team responded to 76% of emails within 72hrs and 69% of phone calls within 3 rings, which is below our target level of 90%. We decreased the response time for Registry service desk tickets being resolved from 8 days to 5 days in 2023.
We continued to use digital solutions to provide straight through processing. We delivered a faster annual confirmation process through the myRegistry platform, with 35,445 annual confirmations submitted by the extended deadline of 31 March 2023. Of these 94% were processed straight through. By the end of 2023 37,029 annual confirmations had been submitted, representing 97% of all active registered entities.
Enhancing our customer service and delivering in line with our published timelines will be a key focus in 2024.
Digitalisation
of Registry services
In 2023 we tested new API services to our myRegistry portal which we are looking to launch in 2024. We also enhanced the multi factor authentication tool on the portal, improving security and usability.
Statistics
2023 2022 Live entities 38,544 38,449 Total registrations 2,759 3,438 Company incorporations 2,464 3,050 Company dissolutions 2,452 2,244 Dissolutions cancellations 236 2,365 Entities migrated in 184 218
30.2% 37.7% Speed statistics
2023 2022
2 - hour fast track 1,040 1,130
1 day 469 538
2 day 263 235
3 day 154 209 5.6% 5 day 833 938
9.5% 17%
During 2023, we issued 10 public sanctions in the form of public statements and/or restricting individuals employment in the finance industry.
Enforcement Investigations Cooperation
We have seen a change in the nature of the matters In line with our international cooperation commitments, we being considered by Enforcement, with cases becoming responded to several requests for assistance from overseas
Our Enforcement team conducts investigations causing us to revisit ways of working and the skillset jurisdictions. We saw an increase in these types of requests increasingly complex. This pattern continued in 2023, regulators to support enquiries/investigations in their
into concerns of serious non-compliance with required of team members. in 2023 in comparison with 2022. The requests were also
more complex in nature than those previously seen. Jersey s financial services regulatory framework During 2023, we issued 10 public sanctions in the form
by relevant businesses and/or individuals. oesafmnppcultobiyolimcn ses tnwatetienremtahelens tofis n iasansnudce/ eod ri nirnde tsuht sreti r cfyto.i rnFmgo uion rfd npiv orii ndv -au ptaeuls b' lic Lcaonomdcaaplgleytr,e ewne etd a wnueotwrh ko ewr diat iypesas r ootfincausgle aevrnelcyry a c lclomo slaleat ltbye owrrs ia tot hifo Jjneo ritn sht ea yitn 'stwe irlle st
reprimands. At year end, we had 30 active cases, split be embedded in 2024.
relatively equally between businesses and individuals.
Enforcement policy The case outcomes included actions taken to protect
the public from financial loss and to protect Jersey's
Following consultation, in early 2023 we issued our formal notice designating which senior reputation. In 2023, we issued three warnings related
managers fell within the scope of our civil financial penalties regime. The extension of the regime to suspected scams and three sanctions relating to the
to designated senior managers was effective from 13 March 2023. conduct of unauthorised business.
To further enhance Enforcement's performance, a significant workstream in 2023 was the Of the cases investigated by Enforcement, there was production of additional internal guidance for the Enforcement team and decision-makers on key a noticeable theme arising in a lack of risk understanding, aspects of the processes for investigating and determining how cases should be concluded. and poor corporate governance and board or senior
management oversight.
Stakeholder engagement
Intelligence shared with 36 agencies in 25 jurisdictions |
|
More than 1,400 pieces of information processed |
|
43 pieces of intelligence related to sanctions were shared with the Minister of External Relations |
|
40 whistleblowing calls received |
|
81 suspicious activity reports externalised |
To support the new strategy, the Intelligence division has put
a particular focus on developing and maintaining relationships
with key stakeholders internally, locally, and internationally.
The team regularly meets third party agencies and regulators in other jurisdictions to identify trends and share intelligence. In 2023, we shared intelligence with 36 agencies in 25 jurisdictions.
Dissemination of intelligence
The Intelligence division receives, collates, investigates, and evaluates information from a wide range of sources to identify, among other things, potential non-compliance within the various sectors regulated and supervised by the JFSC.
Intelligence
The team processed over 1,400 pieces of information which resulted in more than 1,000 intelligence reports being disseminated both internally and externally. 2024 will see the team developing an in-house intelligence system to improve the efficiency and quality
Over the course of 2022 and 2023, we saw an increase in the volume of intelligence we received.
of the intelligence it disseminates.
Supporting the implementation of sanctions related to Russia s invasion of Ukraine
The Intelligence division continues to play a key role in supporting
the Minister of External Relations in the implementation of financial sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 43 pieces of intelligence were shared with the Minister and 150 pieces of intelligence were shared with the JFSC's supervisory teams to ensure regulated entities were aware of their exposure to sanctions issues.
The Intelligence division works closely with Enforcement, Supervision and Registry, developing intelligence to enhance our activities as a risk-based regulator. The Intelligence division is
Protecting whistleblowers
also responsible for maintaining the JFSC's whistleblowing line and works closely with law enforcement agencies and the Financial Intelligence Unit, Jersey.
The Intelligence division is responsible for working with whistleblowers, ensuring any communication is kept confidential and anonymity is protected. All details are held in a secure system where access is restricted to the division.
In June 2023 we set our three-year strategy for the Intelligence division. This includes clear objectives and key initiatives, building on the foundations already put in place by the team.
Over the years whistleblowing has provided vital intelligence for ongoing investigations and for the supervision of regulated entities. Our team received 40 whistleblowing calls during 2023, a third more than in 2022.
Suspicious activity reports
The JFSC's money laundering reporting officer function is carried out by senior staff in the Intelligence division. The suspicious activity reports we receive are based on supervisory visits, information received from other agencies, Enforcement investigations and
the Intelligence division's own horizon scanning. This resulted
in 81 suspicious activity reports being externalised in 2023.
Annual report 2023 49 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual repor t 2 0220323 50 www.jerseyfsc.org
Policy
Facilitate business integrity
Fighting financial crime
Legal and policy changes to Schedule 2, which removed scope exemptions within Jersey's AML/CFT framework
to align with international standards, concluded in 2023. To implement this regulatory change, we issued two
joint consultations and feedback papers, published guidelines and issued a range of FAQs. We also undertook an extensive outreach and engagement programme to support newly in-scope businesses and impacted industry sectors to understand their obligations under the changed regime. This outreach included 74 drop-in sessions, over 50 workshops and presentations, alongside social media and radio awareness campaigns. We thank all those in industry who have contributed to this substantial piece of work.
The preparations for the MONEYVAL evaluation, of which Schedule 2 changes formed part, were a significant driver of activity during 2023. This activity included work on the technical and effectiveness assessment documentation and support for the Government of Jersey's ongoing programme to develop and maintain up-to-date national risk assessments (NRAs). During 2023, we contributed to the work on the Virtual Asset Service Providers and Legal Persons and Terrorist Financing NRAs, and the updating of the Money Laundering NRA.
In addition to this work, we also updated the AML/CFT/CPF Handbook. In August 2023 we consulted on changes to the Handbook and hosted drop-in sessions for industry to discuss the proposed amendments during the consultation period. The changes aligned terminology with FATF's to make the Handbook clearer, and enhanced the content
to provide additional clarity and guidance to more clearly demonstrate compliance with the FATF Recommendations and Immediate Outcomes. The revised Handbook became effective 1 September 2023.
Supporting business Basel III Consumer lending Tokenisation development and Throughout 2023, we progressed plans to We continued to work with the Government Work commenced on potential revisions facilitating business mcoomvep loiaunrcbeawnkitihn gthpeoplicreyv farialimnge wBoarske lt oIIwI ards ooff Jaenrseewy raengdu linatdoursyt rreygtoimseh afopre c tohnes duemveerlopment tfoo roiusrs ugeurids aonf cinei tniaolt ec ooinn tohfefe arpinpglisc,a wti iothn ap rvoiec wes s resilience sAtsa na draersduslt wohf eoruer awpoprrko ipnr 2ia 0te2 3a ,n wd ep wro ep ro er ati bo ln ea te. l2e0n2d4inign.lWinee wexitphe tchte t oim wpolrekmfeunrtthateiro nont itmheist ainb le tiso daucec otombmeocdoanticnlgud teodkeinn iHsa1t 2io0n2. 4T.his work
to publish the first consultation, including a set by the Government.
We continued to undertake other policy roadmap to implementation, in Q1 2024. Further Sustainable finance development work during the year in support consultations will take place throughout 2024/ Compliance function
of our guiding principle to safeguard the best early 2025.
economic interests of Jersey and to protect We continued our direct involvement and
and enhance the reputation and integrity of Jersey private fund Recognising the compliance resourcing engagement with the Jersey for Good group. Jersey in commercial and financial matters. challenges firms are facing, in the second half We will develop our multi-year plan in response The main piece of work which we concluded (JPF) guide of 2023, we began exploring ways in which we to the Government of Jersey's future roadmap. in 2023 was a revision to the outsourcing policy. could adjust our policy framework to support
In February 2023, we issued our feedback paper industry. We plan to publish an initial discussion
on the follow-on consultation to the revised A full review of the JPF guide commenced paper on this area in 2024.
outsourcing policy, which became effective in the second half of 2023. The review has
1 January 2024 following a six-month transitional incorporated feedback received from industry
period. This update was designed to help throughout the year on suggested areas of
businesses identify where outsourcing is taking improvement. A working group was established
place, their obligations under the Codes and in Q4 2023 to explore wider changes to the JPF
the situations in which they need to notify guide. This work is due to be concluded in the
us of outsourcing arrangements. first half of 2024.
We also worked on a number of policy areas, both in support of Government initiatives and to lay the foundations for further improvements in the policy framework.
Following feedback from industry, in May 2023 we paused our work to consolidate and simplify the sectoral conduct and prudential codes into one mega code'. As agreed at the time, we will revisit industry appetite for a mega code in the second half of 2024.
Engagement and outreach
International and local engagement are critical in a fast-moving geopolitical environment. In 2023 our interactions with international bodies including FATF, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the Group of International Finance Centre Supervisors (GIFCS) directly contributed to our vision, supporting regulatory effectiveness and protecting Jersey's long-term reputation as a well-regulated international finance centre.
This engagement enabled us to present Jersey effectively, upskill and update our collective knowledge, and shape the regulatory agenda. We also maintained our contact with overseas regulators and the Channel Islands Brussels Office to ensure that the JFSC is aware of
policy development within the other Crown Dependencies, the UK, and the EU.
We engaged regularly with a number of local trade associations including (but not limited to) the Jersey Bankers Association, the Jersey Funds Association, the Jersey Law Society, the Jersey Association of Trust Companies and Jersey Gambling Association.
We held regular meetings with each of the Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman and Jersey Finance Limited, attended several roundtable events and were involved in panel discussions arranged by various members
of industry.
Alongside that, our other policy engagement across 2023 included hosting or speaking at more than 30 industry events and meetings, working with overseas regulators on cross-jurisdictional matters and engaging with the Jersey Compliance Officers Association, IoD Jersey, and the local regulatory consultant community.
We will develop a multi-year plan for sustainable finance
in response to the Government of Jersey s future roadmap.
Annual report 2023 55 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual report 2023 56 www.jerseyfsc.org
Marketing and communications
How we communicate with stakeholders has a direct impact on regulatory effectiveness. In 2023 we invested in our Marketing and Communications team to improve our engagement with industry and build external understanding of our strategy and delivery.
Through strategic hiring, the team strengthened and broadened their skill base, especially in digital marketing and public relations, to enable us to engage with stakeholders more effectively. We adopted a data-driven approach to marketing and communications, including using feedback from the industry survey to drive our strategy.
Digital marketing channels have been a clear area of focus to further develop perceptions of our employer brand and increase stakeholder exposure to our digital transformation programme.
Our team has worked closely with other agencies such
as the Government of Jersey on national communications, including the "combatting financial crime together" campaign, delivering events, social media and video content to increase the reach of our communications.
Marketing and communications have also been used effectively to help prepare our employees, industry, and Jersey more widely for the MONEYVAL evaluation through multichannel engagement, including events, industry updates, mailers, social media and public relations.
Across 2023 we hosted, or spoke at, more than 30 industry events to inform and engage our stakeholder community.
Responding to these challenges has strengthened our resilience and highlighted the continued importance of effective risk management and a robust governance framework for regulatory effectiveness. We also recognise that our approach needs to continuously evolve.
In response to this challenging environment, the expanding remit
of the JFSC and the growing importance of risk in how we operate as a regulator, in 2023 we reorganised our risk function to bring
all relevant areas under its remit including legal, data protection, information management and oversight of regulatory risk. With this change, the Director of Risk's role was also expanded and elevated to executive level, with Chris Gedrych promoted to Chief Risk Officer.
Responding to challenges in the geopolitical Risk, legal and environment has strengthened our resilience
and highlighted the continued importance of data protection effective risk management.
Throughout 2023 we managed and The JFSC s risk model responded to many challenges including: In early 2023 we deployed enhancements to our risk model to:
• provide a more granular view of risk
• the ongoing war in Ukraine • enable us to deploy real-time amendments based
• war and escalating tensions in the Middle East on our horizon scanning activities
• difficult macroeconomic conditions Oatu ar rniaskti omnoa dl, e sle isc t ko er ya l t aon od u re nut nit dy e l resvtae nl adnindg i so fin rfisokrmed by:
• high-profile business failures abroad
• the information we collect annually through our supervisory
• the rise of artificial intelligence data collection exercises
• the adoption of distributed ledger technology • tshuec hreassu tlthseomf atthice avanrdio fiunsarnecviiaelwcsrimaned e exxaammininaattioionnss we perform,
• the pressures of an expanding regulatory remit • data from breaches
• the intensity of a MONEYVAL evaluation • annual review meetings
• intelligence gathering
We use our risk model to determine our approach to the supervision of regulated entities, applying higher amounts of regulatory resources to supervising higher risk entities and sectors.
Annual report 2023 59 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual report 2023 60 www.jerseyfsc.org
Our focus in 2023 has been on the following principal risk exposures:
Enterprise risk Risk Mitigation
management
Cyber security We align with industry best practice, and are advanced Principal risk exposures Human or technical weaknesses are exploited, in the process of attaining our ISO27001 certification and
Through our enterprise risk management allowing cyber criminals access to critical systems Cyber Essentials Plus, to ensure our information security framework, we actively identify, measure and highly sensitive data. management system is robust and fit-for-purpose.
and manage principal risk exposures facing
the JFSC as an organisation.
Critical system disruption
Through our system and infrastructure design, business We work collaboratively within our governance
Disruption to business-critical systems impacting continuity management and regular testing we ensure structures to assess these risks and implement
operational efficiency and regulatory effectiveness disruption to critical systems is kept to a minimum. appropriate and measured responses that protect for both the JFSC team and industry.
the JFSC, evolve our risk culture and ultimately
support us in delivering on our purpose.
MONEYVAL
Strategy execution is closely overseen by the JFSC Operational and strategic activities are heavily Executive Directors, underpinned by robust governance
impacted by our focus on MONEYVAL preparation and oversight from the Board of Commissioners.
and response.
People
We have a robust defined people strategy Potential lack of capacity and capability across underpinned by best practice approaches
the business resulting in the JFSC not being able to recognition, performance management to meet current demands for business as usual and learning and development.
as well as strategic delivery.
Business resilience Our response is underpinned by our approach
to business continuity management, deployment Inadequate response in the event of a crisis of playbooks, regular testing and ongoing
or significant incident faced by the JFSC. continuous improvement.
Third party
Our approach is supported by risk-based policies Management and oversight of new and existing and procedures and overseen by a dedicated
relationships does not work as designed, resulting procurement function.
in disruption and reputational risk.
Data strategy We have a defined data strategy with Executive
ownership, supported by a programme to ensure Lack of a clear data strategy impeding our ability appropriate data governance, training and upskilling,
to realise the benefits of use of that data as planned. and tooling.
Insider threat Access to confidential and sensitive information is
appropriately restricted and based on individual roles. Confidential and / or sensitive information Our approach to protection of information undergoes
is compromised by our people. regular independent testing.
Prudential We closely monitor the evolution of this risk through data Challenging macroeconomic conditions expose that we collect and horizon scanning activity. A revised both the banking and non-banking sectors and refreshed approach to prudential supervision has
to the risk of financial failure. been agreed and implementation is underway.
Annual report 2023 61 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual report 2023 62 www.jerseyfsc.org
Data protection
Compliance with the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018
is overseen by the JFSC's appointed Data Protection Officer. During 2023, there were no data protection breaches that required reporting to the Jersey Office
of the Information Commissioner (JOIC). In January 2024, a matter was identified that required reporting to JOIC,
and this was undertaken in accordance with our obligations as a data controller.
Human rights
We are committed to respecting and upholding recognised human rights, and the JFSC is fully compliant with Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000.
Anti-bribery and corruption
Under the Financial Services Commissions (Jersey) Law 1998 we seek to secure a proper balance between the interests of persons carrying on the business of financial services, the users of such services and the interests
of the public at large.
In addition, we require relevant persons' systems and controls to prevent, detect and report financial crime, including measures to mitigate risk associated with money laundering, terrorist financing, financial sanctions, bribery and corruption, proliferation financing and carrying on sensitive business activities.
Internally, conflicts of interest are strictly managed, and clear policies exist for our people, including in relation to:
• share dealing
• gifts
• hospitality
We continued to make
progress with our digital
transformation strategy Technology through our three well-
established projects: and data
Protect and sustain - consolidating, rationalising and simplifying our systems and infrastructure landscape
to increase efficiency, enhance productivity, develop
increased agility and realise greater organisational
efficiency, while continually strengthening our defences Harness technology against cyber-attacks.
and influence the digitalisation
of financial services Tenhvei roopnemraetniot nisocfrait ircoablutsot b, eoftfih coiuern to,r agnadn irseastiiloiennat ntdecthonJoelrosgeyy .
In 2023 we:
Harnessing technology and influencing the digitalisation of financial • further improved our cyber security standards, including services in Jersey is one of the JFSC's strategic anchors. Our goal is strengthening our policies and procedures, deploying new to become an increasingly digitally enabled regulator. We want to threat protection technology, and initiating organisational deliver highly efficient business outcomes and regulatory services change to align with various recognised security standards through secure, reliable access to our systems, both for our team
• introduced an external security operations centre,
and our industry stakeholders.
complementing our existing in-house security monitoring We're determined to enhance Jersey's reputation as a leading capabilities
international finance centre and the JFSC's reputation as an • completed the tender process for a managed service employer of choice by: provider to manage certain aspects of our technology
estate on our behalf, realising greater internal capacity
• maximising the value we get from our existing investments that can be focussed on increased delivery of digital
in technology change more quickly
• harnessing the power of new and emerging technologies • initiated a strategic and commercially focused to deliver and transform our services review of all technology investments, identifying
opportunities for consolidation, simplification Recognising the value that technology and data-led innovation and improved cost efficiencies
bring to the JFSC's overarching strategy, during 2023 the Board of
Commissioners agreed to increase the seniority and remit of the
existing Director of Technology role and create a new role: Executive
Director of Technology and Data. Liam Ronan was appointed to this
new post, effective 1 January 2024. Liam originally joined the JFSC
in April 2023 as Interim Director of Technology.
In 2023 we continued to source and
Isny s2t0e2m3s w nee cceosnstainr uy e t do ts ot r se on ug rt ch ee an n b do dth e vo eu lr o i pn t tehr en sa kll iyll sa ,n cd a epxat ce itr yn a al nly d develop the skills, capacity and systems facing technology and data capabilities.
necessary to strengthen both our
internally and externally facing technology and data capabilities.
Annual report 2023 65 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual repor t 2 0220323 66 www.jerseyfsc.org
Evolve and innovate - working with our Registry and regulated users, and wider industry, to identify new service and efficiency improvement opportunities through new technologies.
We remain committed to the continual improvement of our systems and services so that we can deliver increased usability and efficiency for all stakeholders. Throughout 2023, we delivered a range of improvements including:
• enhancing the Limited Liability Company online form within the myJFSC portal in response to industry demand, supporting the introduction of this new product type
to enable the island to secure new opportunities in
US markets
• migrating the data collection process for investment businesses to the myJFSC portal, significantly simplifying and increasing the speed with which submissions now take place
• introducing the ability for entities to administer their own users and roles online, empowering users with greater management of, and flexibility over, their experiences with us
• continuing the development of a new online chat functionality to improve user accessibility with the JFSC and increasing the speed of communications
• introducing the new Supervisory Bodies' and Material Change' online application forms to enable a more efficient end-user process and reducing the need for email-based correspondence
• deploying new, highly secure and more universally recognised electronic file sharing software, Egress, improving the ease with which we interact with external agencies and information sharing bodies
• replacing our legacy interview recording equipment with a modern digital equivalent that is more efficient to use
We continued to deliver progressive, technological change to benefit industry and its interactions with us.
External influence - continuing to engage industry stakeholders about our shared ambition to identify new and effective ways to digitally transform financial services in Jersey.
We continued to deliver progressive, technological change to benefit industry and its interactions with us. This included maintaining outreach to ensure ongoing and effective collaboration on our digital ambitions, and to champion regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions.
Our Innovation Hub worked with Government, Digital Jersey and Jersey Finance to develop a strategic approach to this.
In 2023 we:
• carried out an industry survey on the use of digital identity solutions to understand barriers to adoption
• led digital identity training sessions, raising industry awareness of this useful technology and the value and efficiencies it can bring to businesses, particularly to the new customer onboarding process
• participated in an industry RegTech event with Government
• developed financial crime RegTech guidance responding to feedback in the 2021 RegTech report where barriers to use were highlighted
• supported industry in better managing risk through the increased adoption of RegTech and the additional capacity this can help businesses create
• contributed to the work undertaken by Digital Jersey
to create a digital sandbox for industry, allowing them to develop and evaluate changes to their customer onboarding processes against the regulatory framework
People and culture
Develop our people, systems, and capability to be a high performing organisation
Our vision is to create a leading employment experience where our people are high performing, role model our values and enjoy professional and personal development, building confidence and competence for now and the future.
2023 workforce developments
With an increased regulatory perimeter and the resourcing demands of a MONEYVAL evaluation, we continued to grow our team. Our focus across 2023 was to bed in a high number of new starters, while also maintaining the pace of organisational change needed to achieve our aim to create
a leading employment experience, the bedrock for regulatory effectiveness.
On a practical level, we continued to improve both our recruitment processes and retention activity to provide stability, which was identified as a key area for improvement in our 2022-23 industry survey.
We increased our permanent headcount by 15% across 2023 and finished the year at 86% of our resourcing plan. Our attrition rate has halved since mid-2022 and was 14% at the end of 2023, more in line with local market norms.
Our efforts to promote our unique employment proposition via social media, employee referral and external engagement, have led to a significant improvement in our attractiveness as an employer and a change in how candidates are sourced. Approximately 50% of candidates now come via direct applications, employee referral and internal moves, with the remainder via agency. This reduces agency fees and, more importantly, is helping to build resilience into our resourcing model.
In 2023 we welcomed leaders with international experience in other finance centres alongside continuing to welcome a high proportion of returners to our workforce.
We also further stabilised resourcing levels by reducing the average time it takes us to fill roles. The average time from opening to filling a role was seven weeks in 2023, down from 11 in 2022. This, combined with the newly introduced three-month notice period, reduces the gap between leavers and starters, which in turn smooths out resourcing levels and improves continuity as handovers are easier to manage.
In 2023 we welcomed leaders with international experience in other finance centres alongside continuing to welcome a high proportion of returners to our workforce.
As of 31 December 2023, 9% of our colleagues had worked with us before, rising to 15% in our Supervision and Enforcement teams, further strengthening the depth and breadth of experience in our team.
With these improvements, we hope to improve service continuity and quality for industry stakeholders. We also hope to improve employee engagement and performance from a more stable environment, with workloads that enable time for development and career enrichment.
Making our workplace future ready
Training and development
Creating a leading employment experience is central to vision delivery and it's critical we respond effectively to Jersey's competitive employment market. As Jersey's only financial services regulator, we offer unique personal and professional development opportunities.
We continued to build our people's skills and expertise across the year to improve stakeholders' experience of working with us. Actions we took to achieve this included:
• launching a new online learning portal for our team
• improving new starters' organisational and industry knowledge through a revamped induction process
• deploying technical training across the organisation in key areas which affect industry, including interviewing skills and professional report writing
• developing people's self-understanding, leadership and communication skills through the roll-out of DiSC assessments, and training in effective questioning and difficult conversations
Our support for our people's professional development saw 17% of our workforce gain a professional qualification in 2023, despite the time and focus required for the MONEYVAL evaluation.
Culture
We launched our culture book (a principles-based guide replacing our employee handbook) in April 2023 to provide a more progressive employment experience.
A new peer-led, democratic recognition scheme was launched in January 2023 linked to our values and responding to one of our employee survey focus areas of acknowledgment'. It supports cultural change and provides a mechanism
for an instant reward and reinforcement of the desired behavioural habits across the organisation.
We've continued our work on values embedding, with enabling habits reflecting our values of professionalism, respect, integrity, trust and excellence now heightened in our performance management process.
Our employee-led inclusion and mental health groups continued to drive
cultural change in 2023 through a busy calendar of events, talks and internal
communications including wellbeing month in June. The results of our dedicated
all employee inclusion survey have enabled focus on the topics of most
importance to our people. They have also laid the groundwork for further change Our goal is for our people to be
in 2024 including through training, workplace policy development where relevant,
and skills building for people managers.
outcome-focussed, furthering our PWeer flaourmncahnecdet mhea n2 a0 g2 e3 m p eernf tormance management enhancements in Q1. The vision of being a high performing
cohf adneglieves reyn fsourr ien do uu sr tprey oisp l iem a pr re o vt ear dg ae nte dd r ea it n t fh oe rc r eig sh tt h d ate l div ee mra ob nl se ts ra, t th ine g c ea nd ae bn lc ine g regulator building for the long-term hobauubtilcditoisnmigse fi-moforpctouhrsets aleondnt ,ga f-nutdert rwhmeil rsl iubncegc moeusersa vsoiusf riJoeendr s.oeOfyub. re ginogaal i sh ifgohr- opuerr fpoerompinleg t roe bgeu lator success of Jersey.
Industry survey
We are committed to listening to stakeholders, using feedback to improve our effectiveness as a regulator.
We continue to measure our performance using research insights to ensure we are responding effectively to industry feedback. The results of our industry surveys will be used to measure our progress, acting as a strategic key performance indicator.
In 2022, we launched our inaugural annual industry survey which completed in 2023. This was followed by a second survey launched in 2023, which completed in 2024.
Approach
Our survey was carried out by an independent market research agency. We used a two-stage approach, starting with a quantitative online survey supplemented by
18 qualitative in-depth interviews. The qualitative stage enabled our independent research agency to explore
the questionnaire result themes, validate the findings, and understand key drivers in more detail.
Overview of results
Areas of strength included our responsiveness on international matters, with most respondents agreeing that we act in the best interests of Jersey. We continue
to have a reputation for operating fairly. Respondents also praised the professionalism of our team, found value in our in-person events, presentations and meetings, and acknowledged that recent portal improvements are going in the right direction. We saw an increase in the number
of times people reported engaging with us, with the quality of engagement remaining broadly the same year-on-year.
It was clear however that the scale and pace of essential regulatory change in 2023 had an impact on our stakeholders. While our team showed real commitment under challenging circumstances and important progress was made in relation to our myJFSC portal, employee retention and stakeholder engagement, there is clearly still work to be done. Our website, portals, in-person support and phone experiences remained key areas for improvement.
We must target better results, mindful of the context of the MONEYVAL evaluation and the significant efforts our colleagues put towards this in 2023.
Quantitative study
The online quantitative survey closed in November 2023. It included closed and open-ended questions, enabling respondents to provide more detailed responses in
open comment boxes. The survey was completed by
416 respondents, representing trust company businesses, fund services businesses, investment businesses, accountancy services, banking, and insurance.
We saw a dip of around 5% in respondents' rankings of our portals, website, videos/podcasts, industry updates and email updates compared with our previous industry survey results.
The figures on the right show average respondent scoring of each area out of 10, where 10 is excellent.
myRegistry
2023 5.7 2024 5.5
myJFSC
2023 5.9 2024 5.6
JFSC website
2023 7.0 2024 6.4
Videos/podcasts
2023 6.9 2024 6.4
Industry updates
2023 7.1 2024 6.7
Email update
2023 7.1 2024 6.7
The majority of respondents continued to believe we act well or very well in the best interest of Jersey. Qualitative study
How do you think the JFSC as a regulator acts 18 individuals took part in in-depth interviews, which were completed in early 2024. These interviews provided an
opportunity to test the findings from phase one, adding context and detail to the initial results. Respondents were chosen in the best interest of Jersey? by the independent third-party facilitator of the survey and represented a cross-section of companies.
49%
42%
24% 26% 27% 23%
7% 2%
Very well Well Somewhat Not at all
We saw a slight reduction in how well we are perceived compared with other international regulators, but the majority of respondents continued to believe we are better' or much better'.
How do you think the JFSC compares with other international regulators?
48%
42%
28%
21% 23%
16%
7% 8% 6%
1%
2023
Engagement 2024
• respondents reported using a mix of channels, most commonly email
• as in last year's survey, phone support was identified as an issue
• multiple participants had been to in-person events and working groups, which were positively perceived
Positives
• team seen as professional, polite and knowledgeable – particularly at senior levels
2023 • clear perceived improvements in
interactions from last year, with
2024 acknowledgement of the difficulties of Schedule 2 implementation and MONEYVAL
• industry updates, videos and events valued
Research respondents called for:
Perceptions
• strong international reputation, slightly lower perceived on-island reputation
• regarded as world-leading on compliance but there were concerns about associated costs/commerciality
• recognition of the substantial impact of MONEYVAL evaluation
Negatives
• i ssues with timeliness, consistency and perception that JFSC is evasive/unapproachable
• i ssues with website search functionality and myRegistry, although portal improvements seen as heading in the right direction
• c ontinued perception of high turnover and lack of experienced employees
Much better Better Exactly Worse Much worse
Support the same
Of the respondents who said their experience of engaging with us had changed, 45% reported it
Including improvements in consistency of information, clarity of guidance and FAQs, timeliness of responses,
had improved, compared with 35% in 2023. We also saw a reduction in respondents who reported
engagement had become worse. We acknowledge however that a majority of respondents rated our phone support/switchboard efficiency, employee training and experience, and stabilisation of employee turnover. engagement as worse' and this is a key area of focus for us.
Digital improvements
If your engagement experience changed,
did it get better or worse? Ismeaprrcohv ifnugn tcht eio snpa elietyd., user-friendliness and notification system of the myRegistry and myJFSC portals and website
65% 55% 22002243 Engagement
45% More in-person engagement to increase approachability.
35%
Commerciality/competitiveness
Ensuring we are seen as a competitive place to do business internationally.
Better Worse
Human rights, anti-bribery and corruption statement
We are compliant with the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000, as well as the Corruption (Jersey) Law 2006.
Under the Financial Services Commissions (Jersey) Law 1998 (Commission Law) we are required to "secure a proper balance between the interests of persons carrying on the business of financial services, the users of such services and the interests of the public at large."
We have a clear conflicts of interest policy for all employees, which sets out procedures for:
• conflicts of interest
• share dealing
• gifts
• hospitality
The JFSC requires those undertaking financial services business to have in place systems and controls to prevent, detect and report financial crime, including measures to mitigate risk associated with money laundering, terrorist financing, financial sanctions, bribery and corruption, proliferation financing and carrying on sensitive business activities.
Once baseline data is established, we will finalise our targets and begin to report progress. These targets will relate to our 10 focus areas:
Environmental
- reducing printer paper usage
- monitoring and benchmarking energy use on a per capita basis
- monitoring waste and recycling
Social
Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
To add structure and rigour to our ESG goals, we have taken inspiration from the 16 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and selected topics most relevant to us as an organisation.
With ESG reporting protocols subject to stringent audit standards, in 2023 we focussed on establishing baseline data (required for a minimum of 12-24 months) and aligning our efforts behind these.
- measuring the sentiment around inclusion through our employee survey
- publishing our gender balance at all levels of the organisation, including Commissioners
- assessing and publishing gender pay gap data
- maintaining our position as a Living Wage employer and gaining associated accreditation
Governance
- publishing our targets in our 2024 annual report, with baseline data
- creating and deploying a procurement framework with ESG criteria for suppliers
- conducting ongoing Board of Commissioners and Executive governance and effectiveness reviews
In service of these areas of focus, we have a mixture of centrally driven activity led
by Executive Directors and initiatives driven by our employee-led groups, such as our Green team and Inclusion group. We support island-wide ESG initiatives and are a member of the Network for Greening Financial Services and Jersey for Good.
Finances Iann 2 in0c2r3e awsee rienc toortdael dinacodmefie coift o£f2 £.40m.4wma(s2o0f2f2s:e st u bryp launs i£n1c.r3emas).e T i hn i so wpe ar sa ati n £g 1. 7c mos cts h ao nf g£ e4 . f1 rm om. T 2h 0es 2e 2 ,i n wc hre ea res es and resources isITnneoortavpcilecienroasctoicmnmogsetcsefoo(sr£t t1shm pe)r .iynecaipr arellaycrheeladt e£ 2to9 .i7nmcr e(2a0s2e 2s :i n£ 2s 7ta.3f mfin) gfo cllo os wts in ( g£ 2 a. n8 imnc) ra en ad s i en ic nr erea gseus la i tn o pryr o ff ee es is niocnoaml e
and a reduction in Registry fee income.
Regulatory fee income rose by £2.8m as a result of fee increases to resource an enhanced regulatory remit, fund our capital investment programme, and further develop our capability to combat the threat of financial crime. Registry fee income decreased by £0.5m relative to the prior year, which was an expected reduction due to one-off income from additional historical confirmations received in 2022.
Operating costs
Total operating costs increased by £4.1m (16%) to £30.1m.
Staff costs are the most significant item of expenditure, representing over 60% of our cost base. Cost increased by £2.8m (17%) compared to 2022, driven by an 11% increase in the number of permanent employees. However, the average cost-per-head rose by 5% - below inflation - as we effectively managed our growing structure. Professional fees also saw an increase of £1m, driven by the need to respond to, and appropriately support, the MONEYVAL evaluation.
Depreciation remains stable year-on-year at £1.5m, with investment in systems being predominantly operational in nature rather than capital.
Capital expenditure
Our focus for 2023 on MONEYVAL, in combination with project governance, has ensured investment in strategically important projects.
Capital investment was £0.2m for 2023 compared to capital investment of £1.6m in 2022. Of this £0.2m, £0.1m was invested in our office furniture, fittings and equipment, and £0.1m in computer equipment.
Expenditure of £0.7m incurred in relation to the development of new modules for the Registry, Risk
and Supervision systems in 2022, recognised as computer systems under development', was reclassified as computer systems' in 2023, as these modules came into use that year.
The net book value of fixed assets has reduced from £7.7m at the end of 2022 to £6.4m at the close of 2023, with depreciation being the main movement.
Financial position and look forward
Our retained liquid asset position increased to £13.2m during 2023 (2022: £11.7m) driven by transactional volumes exceeding expectations and limited capital investment during the period. Our financial reserves have reduced to £10.4m (2022: £10.8m) due to the planned deficit in the period.
Our focus for 2023 on MONEYVAL, The level of retained liquid assets will support the continued investment in our change programme and
planned initiatives driving improvements in our core system, websites and planned premises move over the coming years.
in combination with project
governance, has ensured investment Ttohicso anltsinoueenwsuitrhe sbtuhsaint,eisfsacsriigtinciafilc parnotj eacdtvse, rinseaedvdeitniot no ctoc uorusr, nwoer mwoalu rlde greutlaatino rtyh ea nfidn Ranecgiiaslt rayb oiliptey rations, in strategically important projects. while appropriate action is taken.
Accountability report
Governance arrangements
The Board of Commissioners (Board) maintains overall responsibility for the governance of the JFSC, setting its strategic aims and supporting the Executive Leadership Team to put them into effect; and holding the Executive accountable, within the scope of the FSC(J)L and the powers that the JFSC has been granted under that law. The Board also oversees the running of the Board Committees.
Led by the Interim Chair, Monique O'Keefe, the Board believes in high quality and effective governance arrangements and, in the absence of specific codes or standards for the governance of a financial services regulator, the Board follows the UK Corporate Governance Code as an appropriate benchmark.
In line with the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code, the JFSC's Board establishes the strategy, and seeks to satisfy itself that this and its culture are aligned. In 2023 the JFSC continued to progress its people strategy to further support the effective delivery of the JFSC's strategic objectives.
The Board is mindful of the level of resource required to negotiate an ever
more complex regulatory environment, as well as supporting the need to meet
international standards. It seeks to ensure that the necessary resources are in
place for the JFSC to meet its objectives and looks to measure performance Governance
against those objectives by way of regular reporting on KPIs at Board meetings. statement TeoJutoFnfnhSadee2Cbxe0Belr'2seoci3taRrus,ir itstdsrihkvke heemt faoulJiseFtnbv,SeceeisnCtlatico'tasslonubsRdeCl wiissishnhhs kigieee cC fddlh eoR aawgmin saf amkdrl s,a iOmdtrmteafa eefiotn eawrca g oepog avrrre .neokTd irt sohes. efLaec dwpet Bird io nous nb iad2gyare0nd nnC2idficto3 coaimntann ofmntdoitbn ries drmuf is enefaieovgst ecni taolteoolin vr lph e rmGmaecavaleeo ernnrvnaratat egdr nogeo tff umloas tlhra, re eewrmn athos. is cth
With this change, the Director of Risk's role was also expanded and elevated
reporting on its top enterprise risks and risk appetite statements continue to be developed for the sectors that the JFSC supervises.
Mindful of its responsibilities to stakeholders, the Board ensures effective Constitution engagement with, and encourages participation from, these parties. This
was further supported by the rollout of an external engagement strategy in
2023, with the JFSC seeking to strengthen its relationships both locally and The Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) is a statutory body established under Article 2 of internationally with active participation from Commissioners as well as the
the Financial Services Commission (Jersey) Law 1998 (FSC(J)L) which provides that the JFSC shall senior management teams. This will bolster Jersey's reputation internationally be governed by a Board of Commissioners comprising persons with financial services experience, and improve communication and engagement with industry. The Board plays regular users of such services and persons representing the public interest. a key role in listening to industry to understand current trends, as well as
international developments, and is actively seeking to improve the JFSC's Accountability arrangements interaction with industry. The Board fully supports strategic engagement with
industry bodies.
The JFSC is an independent body, accountable to the public through the island's elected
representatives, namely the Chief Minister and the States of Jersey. The relationship with Ministers In terms of the JFSC's employees, through the Remuneration Committee the
is set out in a memorandum of understanding to ensure the independence of the JFSC, while Board ensures that workforce policies and practices are consistent with the facilitating effective dialogue and working practices. Article 12 of the FSC(J)L provides that the company's values and support its long-term sustainable success. The JFSC's Minister may give the JFSC general directions in respect of the policies to be followed by the JFSC workforce is able to raise any matters of concern via the formal route of an
in relation to the supervision and development of financial services in Jersey and the manner in internal whistleblowing line or through attendance at the Staff Forum meetings. which any function of the JFSC is to be carried out. The JFSC's Staff Forum has been through a process of formalisation, with
a dedicated Chair and the formulation of a terms of reference. A number of
The JFSC produces an annual business plan and, separately, this annual report, to inform members initiatives were supported by the Staff Forum in 2023, such as the JFSC's ESG of the States Assembly and other stakeholders. The JFSC consults extensively on all proposals to policy development. Representatives from the Staff Forum were invited to create or amend laws and regulations and provides feedback statements to explain how responses attend the Board's Remuneration Committee in 2023, bringing the voice of the were taken into account. employee into the boardroom.
There is a clear division of responsibility between the Chair and the Director General, no individual has unfettered power of decision-making.
Delegation of powers
The Board delegates its powers to the Director General, where possible, The Board delegates its tDoi reencstourr eGtehnaet r tahle is J FreSsCp ocna sni balcet faonrd t hrees spuocncde swsiftuhlo luetaudnedrsuhei pd eolfa tyh. eT hJFeSC, powers to the Director
erCenogsmuulmraintisogsr ityohnsatetarJnse dtraoser ddyes'sl ei spg omastaietiinoistnar ieansse tadrin.cHtineotdwebrenyva elteri,oginnisalslao fit mi no ena n.aFcroeiaral sec,xetanhmter peploeww,ittehhre hoBifgothhaerd to ensure that the JFSC
General, where possible, aCopcfootwans sel iiensrsqtaeucdseainnomtrbliylpea,rrtfi vhomaeuta neBndoncaooernmrdttp oihsaeanmJtyFro.iSrAbeCufin'unsalvlwloeielnxvbeprsedlialtainent awisotoiwnom nwtoer.j eceagorrseaneartdyesifs nostgfec d.dtoh erEtegna.dfiloetrlhceaegnma taeionbnto coaafrd s es. can act and respond
Director General s responsibilities without undue delay.
The Director General is accountable to the JFSC board, which is chaired, on an interim basis, by Monique O'Keefe, and is made up of on and off-island Commissioners. The Director General is an ex officio member of the Board.
The Director General:
• provides effective leadership of the JFSC in its day-to-day operations as both a regulator and a registry, ensuring the organisation delivers its strategic priorities
• works collaboratively with the Board and the Executive Leadership Team towards common objectives, fostering effective teamwork
• drives the transformation of capabilities through the implementation of strategy and the development of the JFSC's annual business plan and budget
• plays a leading role in Jersey's financial services ecosystem working closely with Government and industry to deliver high standards of regulation and a sustainable future for the sector
• maintains and enhances effective supervision of Jersey's financial services sector with a particular focus on financial crime
• develops and strengthens good relationships with regulated firms, other regulators and relevant international bodies
• is responsible for the effective operation of risk management framework and systems of internal control
Composition of the Board and appointment of Commissioners
The Board currently consists of the Chair, Deputy Chair and six other Commissioners, including the Director General. Over half of the Commission Board are women. All of the Commissioners are considered to be independent, with the exception of the Director General. A chart of the current Commissioners is set out on pages 127-128 of this annual report and further information on their skills, knowledge, experience, and significant interests is set out on the JFSC's website at www.jerseyfsc.org/about-us/board-of-commissioners.
Following a recruitment process, a new Chair, Jane Platt CBE, and Commissioner, Helene Narcy, were appointed in April 2024 following the retirement of Commissioners Pichler and Morris after nine years on the Board in January 2024, and the retirement of Mark Hoban and Tracy Garrad.
Recruitment of Commissioners follows a rigorous and transparent process in line with the Jersey Appointments Commission's guidance and the recruitment of the JFSC's Chair is directly overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission.
Annual report 2023 89 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual repor t 2 0220323 90 www.jerseyfsc.org
Board meetings MONEYVAL and attendance mutual evaluation
The Board met eight times during 2023 to consider The Commissioners were active participants in the strategy, risk, preparedness for the 2023 MONEYVAL development and education process that the JFSC's team evaluation and regular business. undertook ahead of the onsite evaluation. The Board
maintained detailed oversight of progress throughout
In July, the Commissioners and the Executive met for a 2023 in the build-up to the onsite, and, through frequent strategy day to look at the shape of the 2024 business plan updates and participation in key events, oversaw the
and to review progress with strategic objectives. Other JFSC'S preparation work.
topics included a presentation on the future of registries
from the Luxembourg Registry as well as discussions Nomination Committee around Jersey as an IFC, horizon scanning including digital
assets, organisational capacity and capability development
and opportunities for SupTech. The Board's Nomination Committee was chaired by Mark
Hoban in H1 2023 and subsequently by Commissioner
The main strategic focus of 2023 Board agendas, O'Keefe. It is responsible for reviewing the structure,
aside from MONEYVAL, included the people strategy, size and composition (including the skills, knowledge, progress with response to the industry survey, external experience and diversity) required of the Board and makes engagement, digital transformation and the development recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes.
of an internal ESG policy.
It met four times in 2023, and its principal focus was the Throughout the year, the Executive and Commissioners recruitment of two new Commissioners in H1, in light of participated in events with fellow regulators, industry pending departures/retirements. In H2 the Nomination representatives and Government ministers. Frequent Committee oversaw the recruitment of a third new
Commissioner and formed part of an interview panel for dteisrmcussosifosnigs ntoifiockapnltaficnea onvceira lt hsee ryveicaer swmitha tGteorvse arnn md reengt uinla r the recruitment of a new JFSC Chair, which was chaired
planning meetings were held in preparation by the Jersey Appointments Commission.
for the MONEYVAL evaluation.
The Nomination Committee also instigated and oversaw Board members record their conflict of interests on the external Board Effectiveness Evaluation, supported the JFSC's Register of Interest and are asked to make by the Commission Secretary.
annual attestations as to those entries. Furthermore,
Commissioners consider the potential for conflicts of Audit Committee
interest to arise in meetings and excuse themselves should
any perceived or actual conflict be identified. Interests are The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring internal included in Commissioners' bios on the JFSC website. financial control systems and to work with the Executive
and the external auditors to ensure the quality of the Board Apprentice management financial reports and the annual accounts.
programme TChoemCmoismsmiointteerePmalemt efirv. eC otimmmesis dsuiorninegr s2 B0 u2 t3le. Irt aisn dchLaairuerde nbsy As a result of Board Apprentice's I WILL' initiative, Silvia joined the committee in October 2023.
Roberts from Government's Law Officers' Department
joined the Commissioners for Board meetings for a year Remuneration Committee from Q2 2023 as a Board Apprentice. This Board very
much enjoyed having Silvia attend the Board and other As well as monitoring the level and structure of
meetings, and found the Board Apprentice scheme to be remuneration for senior management (directors at grade very valuable. nine and above) including individual performance against
objectives, the Remuneration Committee provides advice Board effectiveness remuneration policies and practices to support strategy
and counsel to the JFSC's executive in the production of
In the interests of good governance, the Board underwent and promote long-term sustainable success.
an external board effectiveness evaluation in 2023,
conducted by independent expert, Fidelio. The evaluation Commissioner Bowes is chair of the Remuneration included an element of Commissioner assessment. The Committee.
outcome of the evaluation led to a number of actions being
recommended, which the Board will commence to address The Committee met on five occasions during the year,
in 2024. joined by the Director General and the Executive Director
of People and Culture.
Metrics
We report on a number of people metrics. The following data is presented as at 31 December 2023.
Gender
• 59% of our total employee population are female
• our Executive team has a 57% to 43% female-to-male ratio
• our Commissioners have a 56% to 44% female-to-male ratio
Contract type Remuneration and
employee report •••21000e8emmeppmlolopyyleoeeyeses oeonsnozfienrxpoee-dhr moteuarrnmceocnnottncrtoarcnattcsrtascts
• 9 commissioners (including one whose last day was 31 December 2023)
Tenure (includes only The JFSC s remuneration principles permanent employees)
are designed to support our strategic • average employee tenure is 4.5 years anchor of developing our people, Location
systems and capabilities to be • 218 on-island employees
a high performing organisation. ••04 oofnf--iissllaanndd Ceommpmloiyseseios ners
• 5 off-island Commissioners
Wbaec ksegerokutnodast tarnadc te, xdpeevreileonpcaens da nredt atoinr ehwigahr cda tlhiberme ifnodr iavidddui an lgs vwa il tuhe d t ihvr eoruseg h Learning and development focus on delivering outcomes and role modelling enabling behaviours.
• £218,596 spent in 2023
Wowuheri ccrehommhaupsnle eatr ehaditgioahnnlype cxaotcemkrapngeaetl i ptrieavmye balaienbneocduhrcmmoamarkrpkienetgtit. eivxeeirnc itshee tjou reisnds iucrteio t nh ,a t Remuneration
Employees are split between nine grades.
Grades 7-9
• 72 employees
• average salary: £103,861
Grades 4-6
• 118 employees
• average salary: £55,276
Grades 1-3
• 28 employees
• average salary: £32,757
Annual report 2023 95 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual report 2023 96 www.jerseyfsc.org
Director General remuneration
Jill Britton's remuneration for the year was £339,450 (2022: £299,450) which comprised fixed remuneration of £278,250 (2022: £265,000), and variable remuneration of £61,200 (2022: £34,450). Jill Britton was appointed as Director General on 7 April 2022.
Commissioner remuneration
Commissioners receive a fixed annual amount. No additional amounts are paid for participating in or chairing sub-committees, dealing with enforcement cases or attending to other matters.
Before 2023, the Commissioners' fees had remained unchanged since 2015 and were increased by 5% in 2023.
Commissioner 2023 remuneration 2022 remuneration Mark Hoban (retired as Chair 30 October 2023) £130,644 £150,000 Jill Britton £0 £0
Monique O'Keefe ( Deputy Chair until 31 October
£35,018 £33,350 2023, Interim Chair from 31 October 2023)
Simon Morris (retired 20 January 2024) £38,325 £36,500 Tracy Garrad (retired 31 December 2023) £38,325 £36,500 Annamaria Koerling £38,325 £36,500 Peter Pichler (retired 20 January 2024) £27,300 £26,000 Matthew Palmer £27,300 £26,000 Claire Bowes £35,569 £38,357 Megan Butler (appointed 31 May 2023) £22,356 £0 John Laurens (appointed 31 May 2023) £15,925 £0
£409,087 £383,207
Governance structure
Board of Commissioners
Audit Committee |
| Remuneration Committee |
| Nomination Committee |
| Board Risk Committee |
Executive Directors
Committee ERxisekc Cutoivmem ittee
• operational performance oversight
• budgeting • assists the Board Risk Committee
in overseeing the management
• business planning of risk across the JFSC, ensuring
Information High Risk
• legal risk management that policies, organisational
• board preparation Security structures, budget and resources Business Forum
are appropriate to manage
• government engagement Committee the JFSC's principal risks
• project governance • ensures consistency in decisions regarding incorporation, registration
• provides oversight and prioritisation and authorisation of high risk entities, of information security issues emerging business models and
products and services
Regulatory
Staff Forum Portfolio review/ Senior Leadership Effectiveness
• platform for staff voice Project and team Committee Programme Board • business plan input • provides strategic advice and
guidance to both Supervision and • oversight of key strategic projects • stakeholder engagement Enforcement on matters relating to • people strategy role ML/FT, conduct and prudential risk
• management of key strategic
projects
• status and reports
Supervision Data Collection Forum
• considers the suitability and use of data requested from industry through targeted, sector specific, industry data collection exercises
Financial statements
Annual report 2023 101 www.jerseyfsc.org Annual report 2023 102 www.jerseyfsc.org
Independent auditor s report
To the Chief Minister of the States of Jersey
Opinion Conclusions relating to going concern
We have audited the financial statements of the Jersey We are responsible for concluding on the appropriateness Financial Services Commission (the Commission') for the of the Commissioners' use of the going concern basis of year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the income accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained,
and expenditure account, statement of financial position, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events statement of changes in accumulated reserves, statement or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the
of cash flows, and notes to the financial statements, Commission's ability to continue as a going concern. If we including a summary of significant accounting policies. conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required The financial reporting framework that has been applied to draw attention in our report to the related disclosures
in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting inadequate, to modify the auditor's opinion. Our conclusions Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom our report. However, future events or conditions may cause Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). the Commission to cease to continue as a going concern.
Our approach to audit
Materiality Key audit Overview of our audit approach
matters Overall materiality: £499,000 (2022: £466,000), which represents 1.75% (2022: 1.75%)
of the Commission's revenue.
Scoping The key audit matter identified is the risk of fraud in revenue recognition
and this is the same as in the previous year.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most Description Audit significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the response
most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that
we identified. These matters included those that had the greatest effect on: the overall KAM
audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the No material engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial Disclosures exceptions statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate were noted
opinion on these matters.
We have presented the key audit matters below, together with significant risks and other risks relevant to the audit.
Key audit matters
Risk of fraud in revenue recognition
We identified the risk that revenue may be misstated as one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud.
In our opinion, the financial statements:
• give a true and fair view of the state of the Commission's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of its deficit for the year then ended
• are in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Services Commission (Jersey) Law 1998
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit
of the financial statements' section of our report. We
are independent of the Commission in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Jersey, including the FRC's Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Our evaluation of the Commissioners' assessment of
the Commission's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included review of budget forecast that included a five year financial resilience assessment. We challenged management on the appropriateness of assumptions made and reviewed previous budgets against actual results to assess reliability of management forecasting.
In our evaluation of the Commissioners' conclusions, we considered the inherent risks associated with the Commission's business model including effects arising from macro-economic uncertainties such as inflation,
we assessed and challenged the reasonableness of estimates made by the Commissioners and the related disclosures and analysed how those risks might affect the Commission's financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events
or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Commission's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Commissioners' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
The responsibilities of the Commissioners with respect to going concern are described in the Responsibilities of Commissioners for the financial statements' section of this report.
Due to the ad-hoc nature of some revenue lines, there is a risk that not all revenue transactions occurring during the period have been billed to the customer and recorded in the accounting records.
The main revenue streams of the Commission are regulatory and registry fees, of which annual fees are charged on different dates throughout the year depending on the specific fee. There is a risk that revenue may not be recorded in the correct period.
Relevant disclosures in the annual report and financial statements 2023
• Financial statements: Note 4 regulatory fee income and Note 5 Registry fee income
• Accounting policy is included in Note 1 of the financial statements.
How our scope addressed the above
In responding to the key audit matter, we performed the Regulatory fee income
following audit procedures: Our approach to the audit of regulatory fee income was as follows:
Our audit approach included but was not limited to: • identify an entity which from our own experience received its
• we performed a walkthrough of annual confirmation fee regulatory license during the financial year. Walkthrough the posting on the Regsys system to understand the workflow data for this entity from the public registry to the list of regulated from creation through to acceptance and posting into the entities on the JFSC website, and then follow the license through NAV accounting system to the underlying ERM system to ensure that the data captured is in line with our expectations and the entity was included within
• we utilised data analytics to interrogate data extracts from the the 2023 fee runs appropriate for the licenses held
myRegistry (Regsys) system to obtain all annual confirmations
which were created and registered during 2023 • review the XML query utilised to generate the fee run for each
material regulatory class
• transactional line items in relation to annual confirmations were
then analysed to ensure that total fees for each submission • using data analytics to determine whether all expected entities were in line with the published fees on the JFSC website and are included within the relevant fee run and that the fee charged that the net fee (after deduction of the government levy) is what is consistent with the published fee notice on the JFSC website
was recorded as Revenue in totality in the general ledger • perform a proof in total to determine whether all invoice lines
• other transaction related fees, originating from orders placed within the ERM system have been posted to the revenue totals on the portal, have been reconciled in total through to the in the general ledger and within the correct accounting period
general ledger and tested substantively • we substantively tested using sampling other regulatory income • all material revenue postings in relation to registry fees have of a transactional nature
then been analysed using data analytics to ensure that they • perform a proof in total to validate the deferred income balance have been credited to revenue and debited either to debtor
control accounts or to the bank and covered by our balance As a result of our work, no material exceptions were noted.
sheet testing accordingly
• any remaining postings are considered as part of our approach to the testing of manual journal entries
Statement of changes in accumulated reserves
Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2023
Accumulated
reserves 2023 2022 £'000 Notes £'000 £'000
Balance at 1 January 2022 9,421 Cash flows from operating activities
Surplus for the year 1,339 (Deficit)/surplus for the year (384) 1,339 Balance at 31 December 2022 10,760 Interest receivable (574) (146)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges 9, 10 1,550 1,533 Balance at 1 January 2023 10,760
Utilisation of provision (14) - Deficit for the year (384)
Movements in creditor provisions 91 103 Balance at 31 December 2023 10,376
Movement in doubtful debts provision 57 (57)
Deferred rental incentive – (10) The notes on pages 109 to 123 form an integral part of the financial statements.
(Increase)/decrease in debtors and prepayments (1,579) 1,333 Increase in income received in advance 877 914 (Decrease)/increase in creditors (1,818) 1,816 Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities (1,794) 6,825
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 574 146 Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets – 7 Purchases of tangible and intangible fixed assets 9, 10 (238) (1,571) Net cash generated/(used) in investing activities 336 (1,418)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,458) 5,407 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 16,531 11,124 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 12 15,073 16,531
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand 2,989 3,708 Short-term deposits 12,084 12,823 Cash and cash equivalents 12 15,073 16,531
The notes on pages 109 to 123 form an integral part of the financial statements.
financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2023
- Significant accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to both accounting years presented.
The JFSC is a statutory body established under Article 2 of the Financial Services Commission (Jersey) Law 1998.
Our registered address is Jersey Financial Services Commission, PO Box 267, 14-18 Castle Street, JE4 8TP.
We have taken advantage of the exemption available under FRS 102 section 9.3(g) and have not prepared consolidated financial statements.
Income
Income is accounted for on an accruals basis.
Regulatory annual fees received are recognised as income on a straight-line basis over the relevant period. Annual registry fees and revenue from the operation of the Island's registers include only the share of that income attributable to us.
Amounts received from the Government of Jersey
in the form of grants and other financial assistance
are recognised when the JFSC has satisfied all of the conditions necessary for the funds to be released. Amounts received are recognised as income in the period in which the related costs are incurred or in the periods in which any related asset is depreciated or impaired.
Civil penalties are recognised when the penalty has been agreed with the regulated entity and where it has the ability to settle the amount involved. Income from civil penalties is deferred and is released to income in the year in which the amount of fees to be paid by Industry
is reduced due to the penalty having been received.
Recoveries of enforcement costs are accounted for only when they have been agreed with the regulated entity or awarded by the Royal Court and it has become virtually certain that they will be received.
Interest received on bank deposits is accrued on a time basis by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective interest rate applicable. Sundry income is recognised on receipt.
Expenses
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis.
Foreign currency
Foreign currency balances are translated to Sterling at the rate of exchange ruling on the last business day in the financial period. Foreign currency transactions are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange ruling on the date of the transaction. Profits and losses on foreign exchange are included in the income and expenditure account.
Investigation and litigation costs
Investigation and litigation costs are recognised as incurred. No provision is made for the cost of completing current work unless a present obligation exists at the balance sheet date.
Cash and bank balances
Cash and bank balances comprise cash in hand, deposits and other short-term liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash, are subject to
an insignificant risk of changes in value, controlled by the organisation and to which the organisation attaches equitable ownership.
Financial assets
Basic financial assets, including trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially recognised at transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried
at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
At the end of each reporting period financial assets measured at amortised cost are assessed for objective evidence of impairment. If an asset is impaired the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other creditors, are initially recognised at transaction price plus attributable transaction costs.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the liability is extinguished, that is when the contractual obligation is discharged, cancelled or expires.
Trade and sundry creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business and are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade and sundry creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using
the effective interest method.
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Historical
cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable
to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the
manner intended by management.
Repairs and maintenance are charged to the income and expenditure account during the period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation of fixed assets is calculated so as to write off their cost less estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives. The estimated useful lives used for this purpose are:
Motor vehicles | 3 years |
Office furniture, fittings and equipment | 3 to 5 years |
Computer equipment | 3 to 5 years |
Leasehold improvements | Over the remaining lease period |
Gains and losses on disposals of fixed assets are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the income and expenditure account.
financial statements cont.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the development of the intangible asset. Subsequent maintenance and support costs are charged to the income and expenditure account during the period in which they are incurred.
Amortisation of intangible assets is calculated so as to write off their cost on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives. The estimated useful lives used for this purpose are:
Computer software Up to 7 years
The cost of computer software in respect of major systems is capitalised within intangible assets. All other computer software costs are expensed as incurred. Computer systems under development are not amortised until
the system has been completed and is ready for use.
Gains and losses on disposal of intangible assets
are determined by comparing any proceeds with their carrying amount and are recognised in the income and expenditure account.
In the requirements gathering phase of an internal systems development project, it is not possible to demonstrate that the project will generate future economic benefits and hence all expenditure is recognised as an expense when incurred. Systems under development are recognised
as fixed assets from the development phase of a project
if, and only if, certain specific criteria are met in order to demonstrate the system will generate probable future economic benefits and that its cost can be reliably measured. If it is not possible to distinguish between the requirements gathering phase and the development phase, the expenditure is treated as if it were all incurred in the requirements gathering phase only.
Impairment
Assets that are subject to depreciation and amortisation are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication that the assets are impaired. Where there is an indication that an asset may be impaired, it is tested for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there
are separately identifiable cash flows. Cash flows from registry and supervisory income are separately identifiable and assets are allocated between these cash flows based on their operational application.
Non-financial assets that have been previously impaired are reviewed at each reporting date to assess whether there is any indication that the impairment losses recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased.
Leases
Rent payable under operating leases is charged to the income and expenditure account on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
For leases entered into after the date of adoption of FRS 102, lease incentives received to enter into operating lease agreements are released to the income and expenditure account over the full term of the lease.
Pension costs
The costs of defined contribution pension schemes
are accounted for on an accruals basis. The costs of annual contributions payable to defined benefit schemes operated by the Government of Jersey are accounted for on an accruals basis because we are unable to obtain the information necessary to apply defined benefit scheme accounting.
Annual leave pay accrual
A liability is recognised to the extent of any untaken annual leave entitlement which has accrued at the balance sheet date and can be carried forward to future periods. The liability is measured at the undiscounted cost of untaken annual leave that has accrued up to the balance sheet date.
Provision for long leave entitlements
Provision is made for the accrued entitlements to long leave as at the balance sheet date, even when such entitlements may not yet have vested. The provision is increased each year as additional entitlements are earned. The provision is decreased when long leave entitlements are taken and when such entitlements expire.
The provision represents management's best estimate of the amounts expected to be paid out, taking into account long leave entitlements that may be lost when an employee leaves our employment. The provision is discounted if the effect would be material.
Provision for premises reinstatement
Provision is made for the expected costs of reinstating office premises to their original condition upon the termination of existing lease agreements. The balance represents management's best estimate of amounts
to be paid for reinstatement. The provision is assessed each year based on changes in the expected costs of reinstatement and discount rates where applicable. The provision will be reduced when related costs are incurred in future periods. Provisions for premises reinstatement costs are discounted if the effect would be material.
- (a) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated
and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Key accounting estimates and assumptions Management is required to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates may not equal the actual outcomes. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within this and the next financial year are outlined below.
Provision for long leave entitlements
The balance of the provision for long leave has been determined based on a range of estimates regarding the probability that the related leave entitlement will vest and be taken. This represents management's best estimate regarding the expected future cash flows related to long leave entitlements.
Provision for premises reinstatement
The balance of the provision for premises reinstatement has been determined based on the applicable square footage of leased premises and the rate per square foot for such reinstatement works published by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The provision is adjusted annually based on movements in the published rate per square foot. This represents management's best estimate regarding the expected future cash flows related to these costs.
Provision for doubtful debts
Provision is made for doubtful debts when the recoverability of a trade receivable is considered uncertain at the reporting date. In the overall assessment of irrecoverability, management considers each amount and debtor individually as well as available information at the reporting date and any other relevant factors pertaining to the trade receivable.
Useful lives and residual values
Fixed assets and intangible assets are depreciated over their expected useful lives, taking into account residual values where appropriate. The actual lives and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending
on a number of factors. In re-assessing useful lives and residual values, a wide range of factors are taken into account. Changes in these assessments are accounted for prospectively and therefore only have a financial effect on current and future periods.
financial statements cont.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
- (b) Going concern 5. Registry fee income
The Board regularly reviews our actual and forecast retained liquid asset level to ensure that it meets Registry fees arise from the operation of the Companies Registry, the Business Names Registry, the Registry the minimum requirements in accordance with its retained liquid asset policy. This ensures that by retaining of Limited Partnerships, the Registry of Limited Liability Partnerships, the Registry of Incorporated Limited a minimum liquid asset level at all times, we are able to cover a period of operating costs, maintain a reserve Partnerships, the Registry of Limited Liability Companies, the Registry of Separate Limited Partnerships for investigation and litigation costs, and cover essential capital requirements. Forecast liquid asset levels and the Security Interests Register.
also exceed the target liquid reserves for the medium term and therefore the Board has a reasonable
expectation that we have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable Registry fees include annual confirmation fees. The amount of the annual confirmation fees payable
future and we therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing our financial statements. to the Registry includes amounts collected on behalf of and remitted to the Government of Jersey.
In 2023 the annual confirmation fees remained unchanged from 2022 at £270 for all entities except
- Taxation
unregulated companies, which also remained unchanged at £220. The government portion for 2023 for each annual confirmation was unchanged at £145.
We are exempt from the provisions of the Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961, as amended.
2023 2022
- Regulatory fee income £'000 £'000
Total annual fees collected 9,676 9,191 2023 2022
£'000 £'000
This is apportioned as follows:
Banking 2,490 2,282
Collected on behalf of the Government of Jersey 5,437 5,161 Funds 9,018 8,393
Collected by the JFSC 4,239 4,030 Insurance business 1,181 1,089
9,676 9,191
General insurance mediation 265 203
Investment business 1,837 1,675 Annual confirmation fee income collected by the JFSC 4,239 4,030 Trust companies 4,595 4,047 Other Registry income 2,927 3,590 Designated non-financial businesses and professions 1,933 868 Total Registry income 7,166 7,620 Recognised auditors 37 22
The number of annual confirmations received during the year was:
Money services business 26 30
2023 2022
21,382 18,609
Annual confirmations received 37,499 35,596
financial statements cont.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
- Other income 8. (Deficit)/surplus for the year
2023 2022
£'000 £'000 The (deficit)/surplus for the year is stated after including the below:
2023 2022 Financial contribution income* 328 328 Notes £'000 £'000
Cost recoveries** 286 559 Amortisation of intangible assets 9 (1,280) (1,246) Sundry income (3) 27 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 10 (270) (279)
611 914 Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 0 (8) Foreign exchange differences (13) (10)
*As detailed in note 13, an amount of £328,344 from previously segregated and deferred registry fees has Operating lease expenditure (627) (603) been included in financial contribution income for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: £328,344).
Contributions to employee pension schemes (1,390) (1,138) **For the year ended 31 December 2023, an amount of £288,069 (2022: £217,079) was recharged to the
Jersey Resolution Authority ("the Authority") in relation to various administrative and other support services, Movement in doubtful debts (57) (57) including premises, facilities, information technology and human resources as detailed further in note 11.
Audit fees (58) (48)
During the year ended 31 December 2023, there were no other recharged costs (2022: £342,285 costs incurred in relation to Basel III were recharged).
- Staff costs
2023 2022 £'000 £'000
Staff salaries (15,812) (13,639) Commissioners' fees (409) (383) Social security contributions (834) (694) Pension contributions (1,390) (1,138) Permanent health and medical insurance (639) (513) Other staff costs (89) (89) Long leave provision (16) (16) Annual leave pay accrual (26) 28
(19,215) (16,444)
The average number of staff employed during the year was 208 (2022: 201).
financial statements cont.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
9. Intangible assets 10. Tangible fixed assets
Computer
systems under Computer Office
development systems Total furniture,
£'000 £'000 £'000 fittings & Leasehold Computer equipment improvements equipment Total Cost £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Balance at 1 January 2023 894 12,343 13,237 Cost
Additions 69 0 69 Balance at 1 January 2023 607 350 1,108 2,065 Completed computer systems (710) 710 0 Additions 114 0 55 169 At 31 December 2023 253 13,053 13,306 At 31 December 2023 721 350 1,163 2,234
Amortisation Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2023 0 (6,368) (6,368) Balance at 1 January 2023 (443) (318) (469) (1,230) Charge for the year 0 (1,280) (1,280) Charge for the year (52) (6) (212) (270) At 31 December 2023 0 (7,648) (7,648) At 31 December 2023 (495) (324) (681) (1,500)
Net book value at 31 December 2023 253 5,405 5,658 Net book value at 31 December 2023 226 26 482 734 Net book value at 31 December 2022 894 5,975 6,869 Net book value at 31 December 2022 164 32 639 835
The principal expenditure during the current year was in relation to digital transformation and payroll integration. In 2022, £933,727 expenditure was incurred in relation to the implementation of new modules for the registry, risk and supervision systems.
An assessment of intangible assets was performed for the year under review and no impairment was considered necessary (2022: £nil).
financial statements cont.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
- Trade receivables 13. Creditors
2023 2022
£'000 £'000 2023 2022 £'000 £'000
Trade debtors 2,905 908
Trade creditors 1,152 2,581 Provision for doubtful debts (172) (115)
Accruals 2,008 1,306 Net trade receivables 2,733 793
Deferred industry fees* 140 905 Other debtors 766 548 Deferred registry fees** 1,368 1,696
Jersey Resolution Authority* 62 64 Registry funds on account 1,341 1,271 3,561 1,405 Sundry creditors 135 203
6,144 7,962
Provision is made for doubtful debts when the recoverability of a trade receivable is considered uncertain at the reporting date. In the overall assessment of irrecoverability, management considers each amount
and debtor individually as well as available information at the reporting date and any other relevant factors
pertaining to the trade receivable. At 31 December 2023, trade debtors are stated after providing for Falling due within one year 4,964 6,385 doubtful debts of £171,729 (2022: £115,041).
Falling due after more than one year 1,180 1,577 *On 31 January 2022 we entered into an agreement, the Master Services Agreement ("the MSA"), with the 6,144 7,962
Jersey Resolution Authority ("the Authority") for the provision of various administrative and other support
services, including premises, facilities, information technology and human resources. We charged the
Authority a fee of £75,000 in 2023 (2022: £50,000) for the services under the MSA. During 2023 we also
recharged to the Authority costs of £213,069 incurred by us on behalf of the Authority (2022: £167,079). This *Deferred industry fees arise from civil penalties received during the year. The Law requires the amount to be income has been included in Cost recoveries as detailed in note 6. The amount due to us by the Authority at credited to Industry by way of reductions in the Industry fees that would otherwise be charged in future years. the year end was £61,597 (2022: £63,503).
**It was agreed with the Government of Jersey that a portion of the additional registry fees charged from 2017 to 2019 be segregated and used for certain current and future enhancements to the Registry and its systems. In 2020 it was confirmed the segregated amount should be utilised for Registry projects and for start-up costs of the MONEYVAL AML inspection unit. As referred to in note 6, an amount of £328,344 has
- Cash and bank balances been recognised as financial contribution income during the current financial year (2022: £328,344) as an offset to the charges associated with running the unit, and £1,368,100 (2022: £1,696,444) is carried forward
2023 2022 to be released over the useful life of the Registry system, in line with amortisation charges. No further
£'000 £'000 unallocated segregated funds under this arrangement remain.
Current accounts 2,989 3,708 Short-term deposits 12,084 12,823 Cash and cash equivalents at bank 15,073 16,531
In order to mitigate the credit risk, these deposit accounts are maintained with five different banks.
financial statements cont.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
14. Provisions for liabilities 15. Commitments under operating leases
Provision for Reinstatement
long leave provision Total We had minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below:
£'000 £'000 £'000
2023 2022 £'000 £'000
Balance at 1 January 2022 103 455 558
Not later than 1 year 615 601 Amounts provided for during the year 20 114 134
Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 1,847 2,269 Reversal of unused provision (31) 0 (31)
2,462 2,870 Balance at 31 December 2022 92 569 661
Amounts provided for during the year 30 61 91 Rentals payable under this operating lease are subject to periodic review and are based on market rates. The
most recent rent review was agreed during 2023 and the resulting rental increase was effective from 1 May 2022. Reversal of unused provision (14) 0 (14)
Balance at 31 December 2023 108 630 738
16. Financial instruments
Falling due within one year 23 0 23
Our financial instruments are analysed as follows:
Falling due after more than one year 85 630 715
2023 2022 108 630 738 £'000 £'000
Financial assets
18,634 17,936 Financial assets measured at amortised cost
The provision for long leave relates to the expected cost of long leave entitlements that have accrued
up to the date of the Statement of financial position. Long leave entitlements may continue to accrue Not later than 1 year (1,287) (2,784) up to June 2043 if all vesting conditions are satisfied up to that period. Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Provision for premises reinstatement
The provision relates to the expected costs of reinstatement of office premises to their original condition on
termination of premises leases. The balance at year end has been determined based on a guideline rate of Financial assets measured at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand, trade debtors and other debtors. £31 per square foot (2022: £28 per square foot) as determined by a RICS qualified surveyor, which reflects
the inflationary pressures being experienced in the construction industry. The provision is adjusted annually Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise trade creditors and other creditors.
based on movements in the guideline rate.
financial statements cont.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
- Related party transactions
Transactions with the Government of Jersey
We have been established in law as an independent financial services regulator and as such the Government of Jersey is not a related party.
The JFSC and the Jersey Resolution Authority ("the Authority") have common representation at governance level with Jill Britton and Monique O'Keefe serving on the Board of the Authority. The Authority occupies an office within our premises and utilises the JFSC for certain support and administrative services. As detailed in note 11, we entered into an agreement, the Master Services Agreement ("the MSA"), with the Authority on 31 January 2022 for the provision of various administrative and other support services, including premises, facilities, information technology and human resources. We charged the Authority a fee of £75,000 in 2023 (2022: £50,000) for the services under the MSA and also recharged to the Authority other costs paid on its behalf as detailed in notes 6 and 11.
Remuneration of key management personnel
Key management personnel includes the Commissioners, the Director General and Executive Directors
who together have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling our activities. Total remuneration paid to members of key management personnel during the year was £1.9 million (2022: £1.6 million).
Remuneration of Commissioners
Remuneration of the Commissioners and the Director General is set out on page 96 of this Annual Report. There were no other transactions with key management personnel other than reimbursement of expenses incurred for JFSC purposes.
- Subsidiary undertakings
At 31 December 2023, we had an interest in one wholly owned subsidiary company. Further details are outlined below:
Name: JFSC Property Holdings No.1 Limited Country of incorporation: Jersey
% of shares held: 100%
Principal activity: Property lease holding
JFSC Property Holdings No.1 Limited entered into an agreement on our behalf to lease the JFSC's office premises. The Company had no expenditure during the year (2022: Nil) and has no assets or liabilities.
- Events after the reporting period
In the opinion of the Board, no adjustments are required to the financial statements for events after the current reporting period.
Jane Platt CBE was appointed as Chair effective from 19 April 2024.
Our team
Board of
Commissioners Executive team
Jane Platt CBE Monique O Keefe Jill Britton Chair Deputy Chair Director General
Claire Bowes Commissioner
John Laurens Commissioner
Megan Butler Annamaria Koerling Alexis Dolling Commissioner Commissioner Executive Director
of People and Culture
Helene Narcy Matt Palmer Beverley Kent Commissioner Commissioner Executive Director
of Registry
David Eacott Chris Gedrych Executive Director Chief Risk Officer
of Supervision
Kerry Petulla Liam Ronan Executive Director of Executive Director of
Enforcement, Intelligence Technology and Data and Financial Crime
[1]This comprises 241 direct Schedule 2 Supervisory Bodies Law applications and 2,918 applications made via an anti-money laundering service provider.