A monthly ’morning chatter’ gathering is being introduced by an organisation representing finance businesses.

The group’s committee currently meets every month to discuss and address the latest issues affecting the financial services industry, but they now feel they need to do more to directly interact with other businesses from the financial services industry.

Now Isle of Man Wealth and Fund Services Association [IOMWFSA] is bringing together leaders of business and local government to develop a series of monthly discussion topics, entitled ’morning chatter’, that affect the industry across its width and breadth.

The ’morning chatter’ started last week with representatives of Equiom and Ernst & Young talking about EU Substance, and the legislation designed to meet the high level commitment made by the government in November 2017, to address the EU Code of Conduct Group’s concerns that some companies that are tax resident in the island do not have sufficient substance to access the Isle of Man’s corporate tax regime.

The talks are to be held in Douglas at the Eagle Lab on Victoria Street, Douglas, and are open to members and non-members, not only to showcase what the industry has to offer but also the facilities and networking opportunities the association has and that of the venue.

Carly Stratton, chairman said: ’As a committee we are delighted to have a variety of talks arranged for the coming year, available for everyone to attend. We have approached guest speakers from government and Isle of Man businesses to talk about business relevant topics, from immigration through to the importance of taking minutes, so touching on operational through to governance matters.

’We have a full agenda throughout 2019 so keep an eye out for the next event in February courtesy of Iain McDonald, the Isle of Man’s information commissioner.

’We look forward to seeing people there and everyone is welcome.’

lThe association has also announced its new committee following its recent annual meeting.

There are three new members on the committee: Chris Kelly (Ernst & Young), Jennifer Hardingham (FIM Capital) and Clare Rundle (Nedgroup Investments). These new appointments are not the only changes within the association, and with Carly Stratton (MannBenham) continuing her role as chairman there are a few role changes on the committee to further strengthen and develop the association.

Cath Griffiths (Apex Fund Services) will take on the role as vice chairman with Stuart Watson (RBSI), as the new treasurer, Katherine Johnson (Appleby) will take on the responsibility of co-ordinating legal and regulatory matters while Andrew Dawson (Estera) will be dealing with membership and Carolyn Gelling (The International Stock Exchange) taking on the role of co-ordinating the association’s marketing activity, with support from Jennifer Hardingham, Kristan King (KPMG) and Anne Couper Woods (IQE).

A spokesman said the committee now reflects the membership, which spans the spectrum of the island’s wealth and fund services community, including fund managers, corporate service providers, trustees, custodians, wealth, asset and investment managers, banking and legal professionals.

The spokesman said: ’Together the committee represents a powerful industry-wide voice which will continue to be used to consult with government and regulators for the benefit of the industry.

’This allows the association to form a positive working relationship with government for the promotion of the industry while working closely with the Department for Enterprise and the Finance Agency to promote the island and its services. The association looks forward to driving the industry further forward.’