Governance Guernsey: evolving through innovation

Welcome & introduction

Teresa Le Couteur MSc FCG, Chair, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, Guernsey Branch

Opening keynote: Sustainability and Technological Innovation

The evidence that climate change is affecting the way humans live and the effect on our natural world systems is profound. In 2020, The States of Guernsey voted on the Guernsey Energy Policy, which provided a blueprint for a sustainable journey towards net zero by 2050 for our precious island home. This keynote speech will give an insight into what is happening across the island, highlighting the leading-edge, innovative renewable energy technology systems that are being deployed locally. And as the local clean energy industry develops as part of the energy transition, this will enable Guernsey to become a more sustainable and energy-independent jurisdiction.

Speaker:
Bob Beebe, Chief Executive Officer, The Little Green Energy Company

Innovation, Regulation & Governance: How boards, management and governance professionals can support innovation

Innovation and governance are hot topics in the finance sector. Regulation is attempting to keep up but in the fast-paced environment, the ability of boards, management and governance professionals to build control mechanisms in line with purpose, direction, decision-making and focus for innovation is more important than ever. This panel session will address the innovation, regulation and governance changes on the horizon and the role of the governance professional.

Moderator:
Rebecca Booth, Client Director - Corporate and Fund Services, Carey Group

Panelists:
Paul Smith, Group CEO, House of Green
Christopher Jehan, Managing Director, Midshore Consulting
Stephanie Glover, Head of Sustainable Finance, Guernsey Finance
Marc Lainé, Managing Director, ESI Monitor

Innovation Legislation

GPEG provides independent research and advocacy relating to Bailiwick of Guernsey’s strategy, social policy and economy. It works with the community, politicians and the public sector to create opportunities through a more sustainable, efficient economy, fair taxation, infrastructure, local business, competitive policies and proportionate responses to demographic change.

Susie Crowder will talk through some of GPEG’s work on innovative legislation, positioning Guernsey as a sustainable jurisdiction.

Speaker:
Susie Crowder, Founder & Director, GPEG (Guernsey Policy & Economic Group LBG)

Networking tea and coffee break

Global Financial Innovation Network

The standard quote ‘Innovation is the lifeblood of business’ leads to the slightly scarier ‘Innovate or die’. Either way, the view that individuals, businesses, countries and societies need to innovate to survive is well established. It has only been reinforced during the last three years of the pandemic, with numerous examples of new thinking and technology being required.

Regulation, done properly, can enhance innovation and enable it to flourish, whilst also protecting individuals and financial stability.  But in a world that is evermore connected, how should you do this?

Speaker:
Katherine Jane, Director of Risk and Operations, GFSC

Climate Change – Challenges and Innovation

Dr Andy Sloan will provide an overview of the latest regulatory demands and governance issues in the Bailiwick relating to climate risk. Andy will also present how, utilising technology solutions, company secretaries can ensure their firms and boards meet these developing requirements in a pragmatic, cost-effective and innovative manner.

Speaker:
Dr Andy Sloan, Managing Director, Netherite & Grunweldt Advisory

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – creating an inclusive culture

Moderator:
Francesca Fossey, Client Company Secretary, TMF Group Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited

Panelists:
Karen Blanchford, Partnership Director, Guernsey Disability Alliance
Danielle McIver, Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Northern Trust
Tabreez Ahmed, Senior Legal Counsel, Northern Trust
Ellie Jones, CEO, Liberate

Credit Innovation

Matt Sanders and Adam Cole from Walkers (Guernsey) LLP will discuss recent innovations in the Guernsey and wider legal markets. Their talk will cover developments relevant to Guernsey's new credit and finance legislation, digital assets, changes to the Island's insolvency regime and the regulatory landscape in advance of the Bailiwick's upcoming MONEYVAL assessment.

Speakers:

Adam Cole, Insolvency and Dispute Resolution Partner, Walkers

Matt Sanders, Managing Partner & Funds & Corporate Partner, Walkers

Investing for a Better World

Ravenscroft believes investing in funds which are exposed to long-term structural trends can lead to faster growth.

Global Solutions

Long-term global trends continue to evolve, increasing demand for energy, water, healthcare, food and materials. To address this rising demand we need to alter the way we build cities, generate energy, travel, grow food and clothe ourselves.

Ravenscroft Global Solutions Fund, provides an opportunity to invest in companies that are working towards solving some of these challenges.

Speakers:
Samantha Dovey ACA CFA, Investment Management, Ravenscroft

Shannon Lancaster, Fund Analyst, Ravenscroft

Closing remarks

Speaker:
Teresa Le Couteur MSc FCG, Chair, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, Guernsey Branch

Conference close