Posted: 04/06/2013
The Collas Crill STEP Guernsey branch lecture series for June will feature three topics relevant to the legal and fiduciary sectors and an additional evening lecture has been added to coincide with the STEP AGM held on 20 June.
On 6 June, Philip Nicol-Gent, director of Fiduciary Services at Guernsey Financial Services Commission, will deliver the evening lecture on the potential impact of the fiduciary sector on the reputation of the Bailiwick. Senior partner at AFR Advocates, Mark Ferbrache, will deliver the lunchtime lecture on 7 June on lessons in litigation and legal updates.
‘Reputation – That Illusive Concept', will reflect upon the potential impact of the fiduciary sector on the reputation of the Bailiwick as an international finance centre.
Mr Nicol-Gent was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1991 and practiced on the South Eastern Circuit until he moved to Guernsey in 2000 and joined the Law Officers of the Crown where he spent 11 years. He was called to the Bar in 2003 and appointed a crown advocate in 2004 and during his time, he undertook civil litigation on behalf of both the States and the Commission. Prior to joining the commission in 2011 Mr Nicol-Gent was the director of civil litigation at the Law Offices.
Angela Calnan, senior associate at Collas Crill said: “There have been misconceived allegations of "avoidance" and "evasion" in recent months and it is more important than ever to continue to protect Guernsey's reputation in the face of UK and wider European pressures. Guernsey remains an excellent and innovative jurisdiction for genuine wealth structuring and dynastic planning with the new foundations and image rights legislation being welcome new tools".
Advocate Ferbrache's lecture will advise on how to avoid problems arising in litigation, how to deal with problems cost effectively if they do arise, together with a review of recent legal developments.
As a committee member and regular lecturer for STEP, Advocate Ferbrache has spoken widely on trusts and commercial law. With over 22 years in private practice, he has particular expertise in commercial litigation and insolvency, trust and banking disputes and regularly advises in a number of areas including corporate and commercial litigation, banking, insurance and regulatory law. Advocate Ferbrache was one of four lawyers appointed by the Bailiff to the Royal Court Civil Procedure Review Committee.
Laila Arstall, senior associate at Carey Olsen, will deliver the additional evening lecture on the Guernsey Disclosure Facility on 20 June prior to the STEP Guernsey branch AGM and will focus on the anatomy of the disclosure facility, how it works and its impact on Guernsey financial intermediaries.
Mrs Arstall will provide insight into the legal, economic and political issues surrounding the launch of the disclosure facility and its implications for service providers and their clients.
Mrs Arstall has extensive experience in the formation and administration of trusts, companies and partnerships, and dealing with issues of data protection and confidentiality. Since moving to Guernsey from Singapore she has developed considerable experience in taxation matters and has advised on a variety of structures and also contributed to the Guernsey's tax law and practice in response to developments in the UK's treatment of QROPs.
Mrs Arstall is the author of Guide to Taxation in Guernsey and Living in Guernsey – A Legal Guide for Prospective Residents.
STEP Chairman, Paul Hodgson said: “Philip's lecture will be invaluable to anyone involved in the fiduciary and legal sectors and we expect all three lectures to be very popular. The speakers that we have managed to secure are all highly experienced and I'm sure that they will offer real insight into the issues that Guernsey faces now and in the future”.
The evening lectures begin at 5.30pm at the OGH Hotel and the lunchtime lecture at 12 noon. The seminars, which last around 45 minutes, each cost £20 for members, £30 for non-members and £10 for students.
For more information and to reserve seats contact: fionaroberts@newtelsurf.com.