UK barrister applauds Guernsey's approach to new tax demands

GUERNSEY'S early adoption of UK Fatca and agreement of a disclosure facility with the UK should be of benefit to the island and its financial services sector.

Barrister Simon Airey, pictured, head of investigations and compliance at London law firm DLA Piper, was in Guernsey at the invitation of the Ned Forum for a number of meetings and presentations.

He drew on his own and the firm's expertise in dealing with disclosure facilities on behalf of major corporate clients and individuals.

He said the Guernsey disclosure facility could be seen in a positive light.

'I don't think there is any adverse reputational taint,' he said. 'Everybody should understand where we are and where we are headed with changing attitudes about the collection of appropriate amounts of tax and chasing down evaders.'