Who's who in the world of finance?

John Harris, Director General, Jersey Financial Services Commission

John Harris is the Director-General of the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

The Commission is responsible for the supervision of all financial services activity in Jersey. It has considerable powers for licensing, supervisory and, where necessary, enforcement action in respect of the Island’s financial services firms.

John is a modern languages graduate from Exeter University and came to the Commission after a 25-year Banking career in eight different countries with the NatWest Group. His last role was as CEO of the NatWest Offshore Group and he had a four-year spell with the Island’s Government as a key adviser on financial services before taking up his role at the Commission.

Terry Le Sueur, Chief Minister

Senator Terry Le Sueur has been in charge of the Island’s finances for the last six years. Prior to that he spent many years as political champion of Employment and Social Security.

As well as his 20+ years of States experience, he brings to the table 30 years of experience as a chartered accountant, the last 25 as founder and partner of a medium sized local accountancy practice.

Senator Le Sueur has been instrumental in far-sighted Social Security reform, updating of employment practices and more recently in some of the most radical tax reforms ever.

Richard Thomas, Chairman, Jersey Funds Association

Educated at Oundle School and St John’s College, Oxford, Richard began practising law with a firm in London. After moving back to Jersey in 1984, he worked as a regulator of banks and funds before joining Ogier, where he is a Partner. His principal focus now is on funds and corporate work.

The JFA was formed to enable businesses in the Funds industry in Jersey to work together to consult with the Government and the regulatory authorities on issues which could have a significant bearing on funds business in Jersey

Martin Fricker, President, Jersey Bankers Association

Martin Fricker is the current President of the Jersey Bankers Association (JBA).

He has worked in the banking industry for over 20 years in the UK and New Zealand, and is currently the Managing Director of Lloyds TSB Offshore Ltd. Originally a treasury specialist, his responsibilities now cover the personal and corporate customers, and treasury operations, in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

The JBA represents the interests of the banking community within Jersey. Nearly all the 51 licensed banks in Jersey are members. As well as discussing current issues and challenges facing the industry, the JBA is in regular dialogue with Jersey finance, the States and the Regulators on proposed new laws and regulations.

Julie Coward, President of Jersey Association of Trust Companies

Julie is the Chief Executive of the Basel Trust Group and responsible for its offices in Jersey, Geneva, Zurich, London and Mauritius. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Financial Services and was the first lady President of the Jersey Branch in 1988.

She made the transition from banking to trust 12 years ago, and is currently President of the Jersey Association of Trust Companies. Julie has recently been appointed as a non-executive director of Jersey Finance Limited

Julie has always taken a particular interest in education and has been involved in training throughout her career. She regularly gives talks to students about career options and participates in the Institute of Directors ‘work-shadowing’ scheme.

Geoff Cook, Chief Executive of Jersey Finance Limited

Before joining Jersey Finance as Chief Executive in January 2007, Geoff Cook was Head of Wealth Management for HSBC Bank Plc, based in London.

He has also been Head of Personal Financial Services and Deputy to the Chief Executive at HSBC Bank International Limited in Jersey.

An Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Member of the Personal Finance Society, Geoff originally moved to Jersey with HSBC in 2002 in order to take responsibility for International Personal Banking and Wealth Management Services for HSBC Bank International.

Jersey Finance is a non-profit making organisation and is jointly funded by the Finance Industry and the States of Jersey. Formed in 2001, Jersey Finance represents the Island’s Finance Industry and promotes the Island as an International Finance Centre.

Claire Corson, President, Insurance Institute of Jersey

Claire Corson is currently a Senior Commercial Broker at Heritage Insurance Ltd. She started her career in the Insurance Industry 14 years ago working for a local insurance company, undertaking a variety of roles including personal and commercial underwriting and claims handling.

Having served on the local committee of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for eight years, she is now President for 2008-2009. Her key responsibilities are to assist in organising the Institute’s technical and CPD training events and involvement with fundraising for insurance and local charities.

The CII is the professional and educational body for the insurance and financial services industry and has almost 90,000 members nationwide. The local CII offers its 250 members a useful point of contact for educational advice and organises CPD seminars, technical training courses and social events, such as the annual dinner.

Charles Thacker, President, Jersey Law Society

Born and raised in Jersey, Charles studied law at Oxford prior to being called to the Bar in the UK in 1970. He was sworn in as an Advocate of the Royal Court of Jersey in 1974 and appointed Notary Public in the same year.

A specialist in probate, property law and litigation, Charles was elected President of the Law Society of Jersey in June 2008. He is currently Chairman of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal and Chairman of the Health & Safety at Work Appeal Tribunal.

The Jersey Law Society is the governing body of lawyers practising as Advocates and Solicitors of the Royal Court of Jersey.

Martin de Forest-Brown, Director, International Finance, Chief Minister’s Department, States of Jersey

Martin de Forest-Brown took up his post as Director International Finance in the Chief Minister’s Office in January 2007, joining from his role as Director of Strategy at Prudential UK.

Prior to this he had spent almost four years as Managing Director, Abbey National Offshore, and Director, Abbey National International Division, based in Jersey. An FCA qualified accountant from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Martin has been working in financial services for more than 20 years.

In his role, Martin advises ministers on policy regarding Jersey’s finance industry and related fiscal matters. He spends a lot of time talking with representatives of the UK, EU and other countries with the aim of enhancing Jersey’s international profile.

Philip Ozouf, Minister of Treasury and Resources, States of Jersey

Senator Ozouf is the Minister for Treasury and Resources, holding responsibility for ensuring the good use of the Island’s funds.

He started his political careers with his election as Deputy of St Helier 3 & 4 districts in November 1999, before progressing to Senator in 2002. Along with a range of other responsibilities, he has served on the Environment & Public Services Committee and the Finance & Economics Committee. Prior to his posting as the Minister for Treasury and Resources he was Minister for Economic Development

Senator Ozouf is an able linguist and sits on the Assemblee Parlementaire de la Francophonie and is also a Vice-Chairman of the Alliance Française.

Heather MacCallum, President, Jersey Society of Chartered and Certified Accountants

Heather MacCallum is an audit partner of KPMG Channel Islands and is based in the Jersey office. Heather has over 17 years experience in finance and accounting, specialising in financial services upon her move to Jersey over 12 years ago. Heather works with a number of alternative investment fund clients based in Jersey and Guernsey. She is a member of KPMG’s Alternative Investment Group and Private Equity groups.