Corporate Vision December 2017

28 CORPORATE VISION / December 2017 , The Fort Group is an independent and privately-owned organisation based in Guernsey and is licensed to provide professional trust and corporate services to clients worldwide. We profile the firm looking to find out the history and services of the company. 40 Years of Personal Service Formed in 1973, The Fort Group of companies are licensed by the GFSC and provide trust and corporate services to clients worldwide. Providing fresh solutions and answers to new global challenges, the Group does this against a background of unique personal service. At the heart of its business philosophy is a client, and whilst being able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of the industry, the Group strives to create a unique and personal for all clients. Boasting a long history, the Group is probably one of the oldest privately owned Trust Companies in Guernsey, with many of its client have been with the firm for over 25 years, with returning business highlighting just some of the firm’s success. Currently, the Board of Directors of The Fort Group offer a blend of professional qualifications and a wealth of experience within the finance industry. Analysing its strengths, the organisation is well established in its ability to provide a personal, cost-effective and flexible service, all of which contributes to the satisfaction of clients. Adopting a personal approach, the firm does not intend to become a large rigid organisation where personal service. This is mainly down to the quality of the staff, which is where the firm’s strength strongly lies. Due to the fact that it is not affiliated to any banks, lawyers or accountants, staff can operate independently, so can work with the broadest spectrum of professionals, always working hard to put the client first and exceed their requirements. The Fort Group has a strong and reliable management team along with experienced and well qualified administrators, who work alongside each other to offer every client the best possible service. The team encourages continuous professional development to ensure all training is current and relevant. Clients can be assured of ready access to staff with a direct and professional understanding of their affairs. Building and maintaining professional relationships, many of the Group’s private and corporate clients receive sophisticated financial and taxation advice from their own partners, and the Fort Group provides a focal point for clients, working with all professional advisors to develop a coordinated, planned and controlled situation, which suits the client’s needs. If a client requires advice, The Fort Group is able to consult the most appropriate individual because the team works closely with many professional International financial institutions. The range of services the firm offers is exceptionally broad, and its success is based on maintaining a flexible and personal relationship with each one of its clients. Important to the Group’s continuous success, the development of strong professional relationships within the local finance industry and internationally, alongside the expertise of the organisation’s staff means that it is able to provide a bespoke service to all of its clients. Contributing to its achievements, The Fort Group are often approached to provide access to providers of finance and to set up efficient financing mechanisms. The company liaise with commercial and merchant banks for funding and as their credit criteria is known to the group, the team are often able to speed up the decision process by understanding and conveying to the client the minimum requirements for successful funding. On this BIN17054 basis, staff have built excellent relationships with offshore and onshore banks, as they know that prior to introducing a client, The Fort Group have taken all the necessary steps to know its clients and their needs. With regard to regulations and licensing, The Fort Group conducts its business in a prudent manner. The team ensure that its client acceptance criteria and internal due diligence complies with the recommendations and standards established in a premier offshore location such as Guernsey. Strongly committed to helping and aiding others, the Group is fully supportive of the aims of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. Operating within Guernsey and Alderney can be of great benefit to the company, as the area has a thriving business environment in which companies are heavily supported. Inside Guernsey, there is a comprehensive infrastructure of professional services, including lawyers, accountants and bankers. There are strong regulatory controls for the establishment and monitoring of financial activities. Plus, there are no exchange controls, and a good relationship between the