A Year of Progress in Sustainable Finance

Rupert Pleasant, Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance

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July proved to be another busy month, which saw the agency scoop four awards, yet more innovation in the sustainable finance space and a look back on our visit from His Majesty King Charles III one year ago. 

Reflections from the royal visit 

It is hard to believe that a year has already passed since the visit to Guernsey by His Majesty King Charles III, where we were honoured to meet with him, along with representatives from his Sustainable Markets Initiative. At that meeting, Guernsey Finance was honoured to showcase Guernsey’s role as a leading proponent and innovator in the field of sustainable finance and how the island has implemented environmental initiatives within its own infrastructure 

Sustainability has long been a topic of great interest to His Majesty, who founded the Sustainable Markets Initiative - a private sector organisation dedicated to bringing world leaders and CEOs together to synthesise action towards transition finance.  

One year on, the agency is delighted to continue our work with the Sustainable Markets Initiative. Stephanie Glover, our Director of Strategy and Sustainable Finance and Rebecca Booth, Chair of the Sustainable Finance Guernsey Council, both attended the five-year anniversary celebration of the SMI in March. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our engagement with the SMI and their vital work.  

Driving change 

Guernsey has long been recognised as a jurisdiction of innovation in financial services, which has once again been exemplified by a new structure launched under the Guernsey Green Fund kitemark, marking another world-first for Guernsey.    

This latest development utilises a cutting-edge investment fund structure that aims to draw both on Guernsey’s first-class regulatory framework as well as tapping into Guernsey’s expertise as a global leader in sustainable finance.  

With the constant flux in international sustainable finance regulations, the Guernsey Green Fund provides certainty and pragmatism and remains a tried and tested route to make a positive impact. The launch demonstrates the value of the Guernsey Green Fund as a kitemark, and of Guernsey’s expertise as a leading international finance centre for sustainable finance. 

Guernsey Sustainable Finance Seminar 2025 keynote speaker 

We are absolutely thrilled to have confirmed The Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma KCMG as keynote speaker for our second Guernsey Sustainable Finance Seminar to be held in London. 

Lord Sharma served as COP26 President, and as a leading figure in sustainable and transition finance, his experience places him at the forefront of global climate policy. 

This year’s seminar will explore topical themes through two panels, titled Adapting to climate change and Supporting UK Green Growth and Climate mitigation. We are looking forward to hearing speakers discuss how the private sector can spearhead developments in sustainable finance and the ways in which Guernsey’s position as a global leader in this field can enable the transition for global clients. 

Places are limited, so I strongly recommend that you register your attendance for this highly anticipated event: Guernsey Sustainable Finance Seminar - Guernsey Finance 

Award-winning work 

In more good news, Guernsey Finance scooped four industry accolades, recognising the island’s forerunning financial innovation and advancements in sustainable finance. 

At the WealthBriefing Wealth for Good Awards, the agency secured the award for best Sustainability Programme (UK) category. 

We landed two more wins at the 2025 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation Awards, receiving Silver for Best Sustainability Communication Campaign and Bronze for Best Marketing Strategy. 

We would also like to congratulate our Director of Communications, Rosie Allsopp, on being awarded as the ‘Inspirational Individual of the Year’, acknowledging her outstanding leadership, creativity and dedication to promoting Guernsey on the international stage. 

Finally, I am pleased to share that I have been named in International Adviser’s IA 100 Industry’s Most Influential 2025. The list includes individuals who are deemed to have had a significant impact on the international financial services industry, and I am very appreciative to have been selected. 

With best wishes, Rupert