Guernsey is protected by the British Crown, but has been independent since the 13th century. The island offers political stability and constitutional independence from the UK, having its own legislature, judicial system and tax laws.

Guernsey is one of the world's premier financial services centres because it offers:

• Strict regulation of financial service providers - see www.gfsc.gg
• Political stability
• Fiscal independence
• A favourable tax regime

Guernsey's financial regulation and law enforcement standards were commended in a report published in November 2003 by the International Monetary Fund. The island was found by the IMF to have a high level of compliance for each of the international standards against which the Bailiwick was judged. Guernsey appeared in the G20 "White List".

Following consultations between the States of Guernsey Income Tax Office and HMRC in 2008, the Guernsey Income Tax Office modified the island’s pension rules and are now recognised as the preferred QROPS jurisdiction.