Guernsey claims world first 'regulated green fund'

A fund domiciled in Guernsey has laid claim to becoming the world’s first regulated green fund, after becoming the first to be awarded the Guernsey Green Fund regulatory mark by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.

The Cibus fund, a private equity vehicle launched in 2017 and managed by ADM Capital Europe LLP, thus becomes the first to be awarded the mark according to the rules launched in July 2018.

The fund invests in sustainable food processing and production in Europe and Australasia, building on ADM Capital’s experience investing in the agribusiness sector.

According to the jurisdiction’s rules, any Guernsey fund where 75% of assets by value “meet specified international green criteria, including investment in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, waste, waste water and transport” is able to apply for the Green Fund mark.

Dominic Wheatley, chief executive of Guernsey Finance, said: “The registration of our first Guernsey Green Fund has been eagerly anticipated, and is another milestone for us on our way to confirming our status as the leading specialist green finance centre. We believe this is a world first, and I’m sure this will be the first of many Guernsey Green Funds.”