Championing the role of International Financial Centres in the global economy

IFC Forum brings together expertise from the legal, financial and professional services sectors across the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories (CDOTs).

We use the expertise of our members to inform policy initiatives from a non-political, evidence-based perspective. Members of the Forum include professional service firms and businesses headquartered across the CDOTs – including Guernsey, Jersey, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands.

Explore the evidence About IFC Forum

What we do

We advocate for the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, provide deep insight on their role in the global economy, and bring together informed voices with an interest in the area.

Policy & Advocacy Research & evidence Events

At a glance

The Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories support the global economy by facilitating the frictionless flow of international capital, enabling cross-border investment that supports growth, jobs and opportunities worldwide.

2^nd

largest source of FDI into UK

Total UK inward foreign direct investment (FDI)

Around £332bn of foreign direct investment into the UK is channelled through the CDOTs, providing 15.6% of all inward investment into the UK, second only to the US.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/trade-and-investment-factsheets

10

CDOTs host UK-linked IFCs

10 of the 17 Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories host international financial centres, supporting key UK industries including investment funds, insurance and international finance.

Why IFCs Matter

15^th

largest source of trade for UK

Total UK trade
(goods & services)

The CDOTs’ trade with the UK is comparable to a G7 Economy. Collectively, they account for 1.9% of total UK trade – roughly equivalent to Japan (1.8%), the UK’s 15th largest trading partner.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/trade-and-investment-factsheets

Explore the evidence

Explore polling, data and practical examples that show how these jurisdictions contribute to UK growth, legal services and international competitiveness.

See the evidence

Reports & publications

Read and download reports, briefings and other publications about the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.

Polling Summary

Commissioned by IFC Forum in 2025, Opinium polled 2,050 British adults to ask their opinions on topics relating to the British CDOTs.

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Economic Contribution Briefing

This briefing collates insights from the Department for Business and Trade (2024) on the significance of CDOTs and Overseas Territories for UK trade and inward investment.

Go to overview

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