The Crown retains its rights over foreign affairs and defence. Guernsey is otherwise self-governing, with its own government and legislature, making its own laws including laws relating to taxation.

When the United Kingdom decided to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, the Island’s parliament resolved to remain outside. Guernsey remains outside the EU but has a right to free movement of goods and trade.

Guernsey is acknowledged by the International Monetary Fund to be in the top league of international financial centres. The Island’s government is committed to ensuring that it remains in that favoured position.
 

Independence in legislative and fiscal matters, together with a first class legal infrastructure ensure a comprehensive and sound framework of up to date workable legislation.

The dynamic innovative and service-oriented finance sector, works with an independent Regulator to internationally accepted standards. Banking, Investment Management, Insurance and Fiduciary professionals provide a global service to corporate and personal clients worldwide.

Guernsey legal practitioners have qualified as English barristers or solicitors, most are additionally qualified as Advocates of the Royal Court in Guernsey. There are local partnership practices of the leading international accountancy groups as well as independent UK qualified accountants and financial advisors.

Guernsey has a skilled workforce, and its finance sector professionals are qualified to UK institutional standards both outside Guernsey and at the island’s own financial Training Agency. The island is home to the Channel Islands Stock Exchange.

English speaking, with a centuries-old tradition of political stability and good governance, Guernsey is in the same time zone as London and has frequent air links both to London and to other U K airports.

Guernsey has no death duties, inheritance taxes, capital gains, transfer or wealth tax.

Guernsey law contains comprehensive all-crimes legislation including measures against drug trafficking and tax evasion. It imposes detailed regulation on financial services businesses and is more extensive in scope than similar financial areas regulated in most countries.

In Guernsey, the law of trusts and the duty of trustees form part of the legislation for the Fiduciary sector. Additionally the Regulation of Fiduciaries Law requires that trust and administration companies are licenced and regulated.

Links
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Promotional Agency
The Guernsey Tourist Board
The States of Guernsey (Government website)