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Guernsey could become home to the world’s first Natural
Capital Fund regime after lawmakers and regulators propose its
introduction in new consultation papers.
Investment funds specialist Tim Clipstone, a partner from
Ogier’s funds team in Guernsey, is a member of Guernsey
Finance’s green finance committee, which has helped develop
concepts behind the consultation papers.
The first paper, published by the Guernsey Financial Services
Commission (GFSC), proposes the creation of a Natural Capital Fund
designation that is committed to making nature positive
investments. It will complement the jurisdiction’s existing
regulated Guernsey Green Fund regime, which was introduced in 2018
and now channels more than £4.4 billion into green
investments.
The second consultation paper seeks to enhance levels of
confidence in Guernsey’s sustainability framework by
introducing further guidance to guard against greenwashing.
“Creating a fund regime that will help channel investment
into biodiversity and natural capital projects is a significant
step forward. This fund will provide investors with confidence that
their investments are transparent and aligned to international
reporting standards on nature based targets, and will further
enhance Guernsey’s reputation as a leading centre for
sustainable finance,” said Tim, who is also part of
Ogier’s global Sustainable Investment and Impact Funds practice
and chairperson of the firm’s global Environmental Steering
Committee.
To be designated a Natural Capital Fund, funds will be required
to set and monitor targets aligned with the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Convention on
Biological Diversity’s Post-2020 Global Biodiversity
Framework’s 2030 Action Targets.
Ogier’s dedicated Sustainable Investing and Impact Funds
practice assists clients with the structuring, operating and
investing in investment funds which contribute to an environmental
and/or social objective, as well as advising on other sustainable
investment transactions.
Many of our practitioners take part in shaping the responses of
our jurisdictions to assist in sustainable investment and ESG
initiatives in the finance industry through involvement in
governmental, regulatory and industry groups.
Ogier is also in a unique position to be able to offer
cross-jurisdictional advice covering each of BVI, Cayman, Guernsey,
Ireland, Jersey, and Luxembourg laws. Find out more here.
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guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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