The growing appeal of Guernsey’s updated Private Investment Funds legislation for wealthy families
Since recent changes to Guernsey’s Private Investment Fund legislation came into effect, there has been a marked shift in the conversations I am having with high-net-worth families and professional intermediaries.
What started as discussions regarding technical updates to various informational materials has quickly translated into something much more visible: a noticeable rise in enquiries from private clients who are re-evaluating where and how they structure their wealth and investments.
Changes
Changes to Guernsey’s Private Investment Fund (“PIF”) Rules in May 2025, saw significant updates to enhance flexibility relating to PIFs.
Following this, in October 2025, the Guernsey Financial Services Commission introduced a new type of limited Protection of Investors licence under the Protection of Investors (“POI”) (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2021, allowing trust and corporate service providers to administer family PIFs, rather than only full POI investment licence holders.
In practice, this means families can now establish a regulated investment vehicle through their existing trust or corporate services provider, making the process quicker, more efficient, and more closely aligned with how many trust and corporate service providers already support families in managing their affairs in a fiduciary context. It also reflects a conscious move to make Guernsey’s PIF framework more practical and competitive, without compromising regulatory standards.
Rising momentum
At recent events with intermediaries, the impact of this change has been evident. Discussions have turned to how clients and their service providers are viewing Guernsey as a more attractive option for PIFs, particularly for families seeking a regulated, well-governed structure without the scale and rigidity of a traditional institutional fund.
These conversations mirror what we are experiencing at Saffery Trust, with a noticeable increase in enquiries and several ongoing discussions with families which are exploring whether a PIF could be both suitable and beneficial to their needs and objectives.
We are also currently onboarding an ultra-high-net-worth family from the Middle East, that have chosen this new Guernsey PIF as the preferred vehicle for their long-term investment strategy, reflecting the growing appeal to international families.
The benefits for families
Against the backdrop of growing interest, this new PIF regime has arrived at exactly the right moment. Many families are looking for structures that offer both flexibility and proportionate oversight, while still providing the reassurance of a regulated framework and clear governance. Many no longer want arrangements that feel overly rigid or administratively burdensome but equally do not want to sacrifice structure or long-term discipline.
From my own experience working with high- and ultra-high-net-worth families globally, a PIF can often provide an ideal middle ground between a private trust arrangement and a full institutional fund. Its lighter regulatory touch, efficient setup process and the ability to tailor governance to a family’s needs mean it can offer clarity and structure without unnecessary complexity. For families with evolving investment goals, shifting dynamics or plans to involve multiple generations, this balance can be particularly valuable.
A PIF also provides a practical way to pool generational capital, test new asset classes and refine existing arrangements to ensure they remain effective over time. With the updated framework supporting streamlined cross-border investment and specialist strategies, families can establish a robust and future-proofed vehicle capable of adapting to long-term stewardship.
Guernsey’s updated PIF regime delivers exactly this blend of structure, flexibility and regulatory confidence, positioning it as a compelling option for families seeking a modern, efficient and well-governed investment platform.
Looking ahead
Based on the momentum we are already seeing, and the conversations occurring across the market, I expect interest in Guernsey PIFs to continue building. The legislative enhancements have strengthened Guernsey’s position at a time when families are actively searching for regulated yet flexible structures capable of supporting multi-generational wealth.
For those considering launching a regulated vehicle, restructuring existing arrangements or reviewing their jurisdictional options, now is an opportune moment to revisit Guernsey as a potential home for long-term private capital.
