First published on gov.gg.
Guernsey has hosted a high-level roundtable bringing together defence, regulatory and industry leaders to explore the role of private capital in supporting resilience, security, and long-term stability.
The discussion was attended by Lord (Stuart) Peach, former UK Chief of the Defence Staff and former Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
Lord Peach currently chairs the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank) Development Group. His leadership at the highest levels of UK and NATO defence policy, including responsibility for strategic military operations and alliance coordination, provided important context for discussions on the scale of global security challenges and the increasing role of private capital alongside public funding.
The roundtable brought together representatives from industry, investment, legal and fiduciary services, alongside the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, Guernsey International Business Association and Guernsey Finance. This reflects a coordinated approach across Guernsey's financial services ecosystem.
Participants discussed future alignment and opportunities for capital raising concerning the proposed multilateral DSR Bank, as well as the role that international finance centres such as Guernsey can play in supporting governance, structuring, and trusted financial intermediation.
The discussion builds on the regulatory approval of defence-related investment structures in Guernsey and the broader initiatives underway as part of the Finance Sector Growth Strategy 2035, developed in partnership with Oliver Wyman. The Strategy aims to enhance Guernsey's competitiveness, support innovation, and ensure the island remains a leading international finance centre. This includes by integrating defence, infrastructure, and sustainability into its core funds offering.
Deputy Andrew Niles, Vice-President of the Committee for Economic Development, who chaired the roundtable, said:
"This was an excellent and timely discussion, bringing together defence expertise, investors, regulators and industry to consider how private capital can support resilience and long-term security.
"There is a growing recognition that public funding alone will not meet the scale of the challenge, and that private capital will increasingly form part of the solution. We thank Lord Peach for his engagement and look forward to progressing discussions, including in relation to the DSR Bank."
William Mason, Director General of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission added:
"Guernsey's regulatory framework is designed to be robust, proportionate and internationally credible. Over the past year the Commission has authorised three defence funds which plan to contribute to rebuilding NATO capabilities through their investment in defence tech. In an uncertain world Guernsey is pleased to welcome proposals for high quality and responsible defence investment platforms which help Europe and the NATO alliance enhance defences against emerging threats."
