Global Shell Games author to launch new research at Jersey Finance private wealth conference

Monday 18 April 2016

The joint author of the renowned research ‘Global Shell Games’ will be a keynote speaker at this year’s Jersey Finance Annual Private Wealth Conference, where he will also launch his latest research report.

At the half-day conference, entitled ‘Guiding Lights’ and held at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London on Wednesday 27 April, Professor Jason Sharman will discuss the findings of his new research, which focuses on the roles of central registries and licenced intermediaries in combatting serious financial crimes.

The new report builds on his previous Global Shell Games work published in 2014, which tested beneficial ownership standards at 3,700 providers in 180 countries by impersonating a range of would-be money launderers, corrupt officials and terrorist financiers soliciting offers for prohibited anonymous shell companies.

A professor with the Centre for Governance and Public Policy at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, Professor Sharman focusses on the regulation of global finance, particularly in relation to money laundering, corruption, tax and international financial centres. From January 2017, he will take up the Sir Patrick Sheehy Chair in International Relations at Cambridge

The conference will also feature a talk from former BBC economics editor and current chief UK and Europe asset management market strategist at JP Morgan Stephanie Flanders, who will also moderate two discussion panel sessions exploring key trends and developments across the global private wealth landscape.

During the first panel session, experts will address the role of social responsibility in wealth management and debate what advisers must do to ensure clients understand their obligations and what action should be taken when errors occur. The second panel will look at trust legislation and ask whether it is still fit for purpose since its inception 30 years ago.

Geoff Cook, CEO, Jersey Finance, who will provide an introduction at the event, said: “Whilst stability and predictability continue to be key for private wealth advisors and their clients, changes in global regulation and shifts in wealth patterns across the world have meant that adopting innovative approaches to new challenges is absolutely vital. For jurisdictions in the private wealth space, balancing consistency with change is critical, which is why Jersey Finance has commissioned a range of thought leadership reports in recent years.

“To that end I am delighted that Professor Sharman will be unveiling the findings of his new cutting edge research at our conference this year. I am also pleased to welcome back Stephanie Flanders to our impressive line-up of expert speakers. Combined they will provide a fascinating analysis of an increasingly complex international wealth management landscape, where Jersey continues to assert its strength and leadership.”

Jersey Finance’s Annual Private Client Conference takes place on Wednesday 27 April 2016 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, starting at 12.30pm and finishing at 5pm, with a drinks reception afterwards. Media partners for the conference include Accountancy, E-Private Client, IFC Review, Spears and Trusts and Trustees. For further information and to book places please visit www.jerseyfinance.je.