Jersey in focus – an interview with Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham

In this exclusive Q&A for The Jersey Report 2025, Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham tells The European’s John E. Kaye why Jersey remains one of Europe’s most agile and attractive jurisdictions for international business and investment

What unique qualities does Jersey offer?

Jersey offers a world-class business environment coupled with an island lifestyle. We are internationally recognised for our well-regulated, well-connected, and high-quality business environment, and we are home to some of the world’s leading banks, financial institutions, and law firms, supported by world-class professional services and island-wide 1GBPS fibre broadband.

Our strength lies in a combination of world-leading compliance standards and a competitive, transparent tax regime. The island’s 0%-10% corporate tax structure is internationally attractive, and our political and legislative stability provides long-term certainty for investors and businesses alike.

At the same time, we can offer an attractive work-life balance. As a small and well-connected island, we offer a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful environment, and a safe, secure and family-friendly community. There are no long commutes, either: it is possible to leave the office and be on the beach or with family in as little as 15 minutes. But international business centres are close by, and London is just a half-hour flight away.

Historically, we have had an entrepreneurial spirit. A culture of enterprise combined with a global outlook has driven our economy for centuries, including through a thriving shipbuilding industry, the knitting of the first ‘Jerseys’ and the transatlantic cod fishing trade. We have also been a producer of apple cider for export and, more recently, our agricultural industry has focused on flowers, tomatoes and the coveted Jersey Royal new potato. The move to tourism and financial and professional services illustrates how our economy and workforce have responded and adapted to changing dynamics. We are a small and agile jurisdiction.

How is the administration helping in-bound companies and business?

The Government of Jersey is committed to fostering a high-performing, environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced economy by 2040, and we welcome the relocation of high-value, low-footprint businesses that align with our strategic goals. Inbound businesses benefit from dedicated government support through Locate Jersey, which offers tailored guidance throughout the application process and helps new arrivals integrate into island life, including assistance with regulatory requirements, business licensing, and access to local networks.

We continue to invest in world-class infrastructure and maintain competitive tax levels. Our regulatory framework is internationally respected, with oversight and endorsement from global institutions such as the IMF, OECD, and EU. In 2024, MONEYVAL ranked Jersey as the world’s top international finance centre for combatting financial crime. This was an endorsement of our commitment to the highest standards of governance and transparency.

How does Jersey’s geographical location benefit business?

We are just 14 miles from the French coast and have direct air and sea links to the UK and Europe, with up to 11 flights a day to London and direct flights to Paris, Düsseldorf and Dublin. Our time zone aligns well with Asia and America, too, making Jersey an ideal base to manage global business activities.

What local workforce resource is available?

We attract a highly skilled and internationally experienced workforce, particularly in financial services, and its supporting industries such as law, accountancy, fiduciary services, and technology. Decades of growth in these sectors have enabled significant specialist expertise to grow in areas including private wealth management, funds and corporate finance.

English is our primary language, but our diverse and multicultural population brings additional language capabilities that are invaluable for international client engagement. The close-knit nature of Jersey means it’s easy to make industry contacts and find service providers.

What is your message to those considering Jersey as a base?

Choosing Jersey means positioning your business in a jurisdiction that combines stability, transparency, and global connectivity with a favourable tax environment, a world-class regulatory framework, and a strategic location near major markets. Jersey is a place where business opportunities are complemented by a good quality of life in a secure, scenic environment with excellent travel connections.

Further Information

This article was produced with support from the government of Jersey. To learn more about Jersey’s economy, investment opportunities, and relocation support for businesses and individuals, visit www.gov.je