Association in Jersey appoints chairman and vice chairman
In a positive turn of events for Jersey's funds industry, the Jersey Funds Association (JFA) has appointed Joel Hernandez as its new Chair and Dilmun Leach as Vice Chair.
Joel Hernandez, the head of investment funds at Mourant, takes over the reins from Michael Johnson who stepped down after a successful three-year term. In his new role, Hernandez expressed optimism about the industry's resilience despite geopolitical uncertainty, global fundraising headwinds, and liquidity constraints. He emphasized the importance of increased focus on product innovation and progress for Jersey to maintain its position as a leading funds jurisdiction.
The JFA's main committee, which includes Robin Wilson as treasurer, Michael Johnson, Richard Anthony, Mike Byrne, John Riva, Steve Cartwright, Ben Dixon, Stephanie Webb, Robert Milner, Tim Morgan, Simon Page, Tom Powell, Sophie Reguengo, Martin Rowley, Martin Paul, Jon Stevens, Elliot Refson, Chris Patton, Gary Ayres, Alison Gurd, John Everett, and Jeffrey Parongan, will support Hernandez in his new role.
Meanwhile, Dilmun Leach, a partner at law firm Walkers (CI) LP, has been named vice chair of the JFA. Leach expressed his optimism about the industry and the JFA's role in driving progress in product innovation, technology, and regulatory changes. The JFA is committed to continuing to serve the needs of the industry and ensure Jersey's continued growth.
The JFA held its annual dinner and AGM, where there was a sense of positivity across Jersey's funds industry. The association is aware of the challenges facing the industry but is focused on maintaining its position as a leading funds jurisdiction through innovation and progress. Private equity was a significant driver of Jersey's fund growth in 2024, as indicated by data.
As the new leadership takes charge, the JFA's strategic plans and initiatives for the coming years remain to be seen. However, given their senior roles in prominent fund service firms, it is likely their focus will include continuing to support Jersey's fund industry growth, regulatory engagement, and promoting Jersey as a leading funds jurisdiction, consistent with JFA's typical objectives.
Investment funds are expected to play a crucial role in the new leadership's focused initiatives, given Joel Hernandez's position as the head of investment funds at Mourant. The JFA, under Hernandez and Dilmun Leach, aims to maintain Jersey's position as a leading funds jurisdiction by driving progress in product innovation, technology, and regulatory changes in the finance and business industry.
