26 May 2026 Flexibility, innovation and supporting the next generation of Fund Managers

The event focused on the themes shaping the next phase of growth across the funds industry, including flexible fund structures, operational resilience, investor expectations and the increasing importance of agility in today’s global market. 

A consistent theme throughout the forum was the growing demand for jurisdictions and service providers that can support managers efficiently, pragmatically and at pace. As strategies become more specialised and investor requirements continue to evolve, fund managers are increasingly seeking structures that combine regulatory credibility with commercial flexibility and high-quality operational support. 

Discussions also explored the continued growth of defence and resilience-related investment opportunities, with several speakers highlighting the importance of having frameworks that allow capital to be deployed responsibly and support long-term strategic objectives. 

While many managers continue to utilise multiple jurisdictions to meet investor preferences, there was significant discussions around the support services which facilitates parallel structures. Due to service quality and cost efficiencies, there is an increasing use of Guernsey as the primary administration hub for delegated services.  

The forum naturally showcased Guernsey’s strengths as an international finance centre, particularly its experienced professional network, responsive approach and flexible regulatory and legal frameworks. However, one of the broader industry takeaways was that successful fund structuring is rarely about a single jurisdiction. Instead, the focus should remain on identifying the right combination of structure, service model and operational expertise for each manager’s specific strategy and investor base. 

At Oak, we work closely with managers to design and implement solutions that align with their commercial objectives, investor requirements and long-term growth plans. 

The discussions around emerging and first-time fund managers were particularly relevant. As specialist and entrepreneurial managers continue to enter the market, there is increasing demand for experienced partners who can provide practical guidance throughout the fund launch and operational lifecycle. Oak Funds supports managers across a broad range of structures and asset classes, providing tailored fund administration, governance and operational support designed to help managers establish scalable and efficient platforms from launch through to maturity. 

Alongside the panel discussions, keynote speaker Dr Jo Salter MBE delivered an inspiring session on leadership, resilience and navigating change. Drawing on her experience as the UK’s first female fast jet pilot, she spoke about the importance of adaptability, perspective and backing your own judgement in challenging environments. Her comments strongly reflected the wider themes discussed throughout the day, particularly the value of remaining solutions-focused and confident when navigating periods of change and growth. 

Events such as the Guernsey Funds Forum continue to provide valuable opportunities for industry participants to exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking and explore how fund structures and operating models can evolve to support the future of private capital. 

Whether launching a first-time fund or scaling an established platform, Oak Funds works with managers to deliver flexible, practical and commercially focused solutions across jurisdictions and asset classes. To find out more about our offering and how we can support your fund journey, please contact our team.