Over the years, Gibraltar has transformed from a small colonial outpost into an international finance and business centre. CWEIC has been present in Gibraltar since 2020 to take advantage of its unique access to both UK and international markets, and its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, and work to provide value for our Strategic Partners.
CWEIC is pleased to hear directly from our Strategic Partner, Triay, on the continuous changes they have witnessed in Gibraltar since 1905. Rupert Moffatt, Associate at Triay, gives his take on how Gibraltar is navigating the post-Brexit landscape and positioning itself as a key jurisdiction for innovation, investment, and Commonwealth collaboration in this Insights piece.
Gibraltar’s Evolving Role in Global Business
Organisations with global reach have leveraged Gibraltar’s political, legal, and business stability to drive their own growth. In recent years, particularly since Brexit, Gibraltar has faced new challenges and is forging new paths. The decoupling of the EU and the UK has required out-of-the-box thinking, leading to the pursuit of new opportunities.
We see businesses of all types exploring and establishing themselves in Gibraltar to take advantage of its regulatory landscape and geopolitical position—namely, its proximity to the UK, the EU, and global markets.
We have outlined some key areas where we have seen increasing client activity:
Distributed Ledger Technology (“DLT”), DLT-Adjacent Businesses, and Crypto Funds
Although crypto is not new to Gibraltar, the establishment and maintenance of a clear regulatory framework demonstrates Gibraltar’s ongoing commitment to fostering a secure, well-regulated environment for DLT firms. The trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Increasingly, technology companies seek to take advantage of Gibraltar’s crypto regulations so as to provide a solid foundation for their projects. Traditionally, a high bar has been set for applications, ensuring that only businesses with serious plans and strong commitments to regulatory compliance and client protection are permitted to establish themselves in Gibraltar.
Additionally, the growth of crypto funds has been encouraged, with investment managers and investors viewing Gibraltar’s ability to create tax-neutral structures and provide quick market entry as key advantages in the crypto sector.
Payment Services and E-Money
Alongside DLT, there has been an increase in firms providing payment services and e-money solutions, many of which have sought authorisation from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (“GFSC”). In recent months, various new entrants to the market have received their e-money license – aiming to provide services in Gibraltar, expand into the UK market and establish a strong footprint in other countries (including within the Commonwealth). This is a prime example of Gibraltar’s interconnectedness within the Commonwealth.
Firms are pursuing authorisations, attracted by Gibraltar’s speed to market, accessibility, and the GFSC’s responsiveness. Additionally, Gibraltar’s financial services passporting rights into the UK present a significant opportunity for growth.
Insurance and Reinsurance
Gibraltar has become a popular destination for insurance and reinsurance firms due to its regulatory equivalence with the UK under Solvency II rules. This allows firms to passport services into the UK while benefiting from Gibraltar’s streamlined licensing process. More than 1 in every 3 cars in the UK are insured from Gibraltar. The jurisdiction offers a competitive tax regime and a responsive regulatory authority, the GFSC, which provides flexibility and efficiency for companies seeking to establish a presence in the market. Many firms, including captives and intermediaries, see Gibraltar as an attractive jurisdiction for underwriting insurance business while ensuring compliance with both EU and UK regulatory standards.
Private Wealth Management and Family Offices
Gibraltar’s tax-efficient environment, combined with its robust regulatory framework, makes it an attractive location for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices. There has been massive growth in this area in the last few years.
Gibraltar has strong asset protection laws, confidentiality, and access to a wide network of experienced service providers including banks, administrators, accountancy and legal service providers.
Located at the southern tip of Spain and just a few hours’ flight from the UK and other major European capitals, Gibraltar is well placed for investors from the Commonwealth, the UK, Europe and beyond who are seeking stable and reputable wealth management solutions.
In relation to the Commonwealth, each industry has its key players in Gibraltar, demonstrating the Commonwealth’s growing importance to Gibraltar, the UK, and other Commonwealth nations.
Final Thoughts
Gibraltar’s position as a thriving business and financial hub continues to evolve, strengthened by its close ties to the UK and its presence within the Commonwealth – as well as a concerted effort to diversify and broaden its commercial scope, supported by both the government and private sector.
Gibraltar’s ability to adapt to post-Brexit challenges while capitalising on new opportunities reflects its resilience and forward-thinking approach.
From distributed ledger technology and financial services to insurance and wealth management, Gibraltar offers a well-regulated, business-friendly environment that attracts global players seeking stability and growth. Its regulatory alignment with the UK, combined with its advantageous tax regime and access to key markets, makes it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations.
As Gibraltar deepens its engagement within the Commonwealth, it strengthens its role as a bridge between the UK, Europe, and international markets. The jurisdiction’s ongoing commitment to innovation, regulation, and economic growth ensures that it remains a premier location for businesses and investors seeking long-term success.