VG Group Insights

Sheena Huggett appointed Head of Family Office

Sheena Huggett — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:32:00 GMT

VG has evolved its Private Wealth portfolio to address every stage of a family’s wealth journey. Three offerings now sit side by side under the Private Wealth umbrella: VG Wealth Structuring & Administration, VG Integrated Family Office and VG Family Office Services.

VG Wealth Structuring & Administration provides the day-to-day administration and governance required to secure a family’s wealth today and pass it on to the next generation with confidence. As families begin to operate across multiple jurisdictions, asset classes and structure types, VG Integrated Family Office provides a single, connected view of the family’s affairs, with the skills and processes to run them: the benefits of a family office without having to build one. For families that have invested in their own family office, VG Family Office Services extends its capabilities, helping the organisation run efficiently, respond quickly and stay focused on strategy.

Together, the three offerings adapt to the changing needs of private clients. Families choose the one that fits their needs today and move between them, in either direction, as those needs change and evolve.

As part of the change, Sheena Huggett has been appointed Head of Family Office. Sheena joined VG in 2020 and was promoted to Director in 2024. She brings two decades of experience providing bespoke administration to international ultra-high-net-worth families, individuals and corporate clients, and leads the Integrated Family Office and Family Office Services offerings within the Private Wealth team led by Wendy Inns.

Wendy Inns, Head of Private Wealth, said: “Our portfolio has always been valued by clients with different needs, but this development helps us serve them seamlessly as those needs change.”

Sheena Huggett, Head of Family Office, said: “Over 20 specialists, working as one team. Enough depth to cover every part of a family's wealth, and enough focus that you're never just another file.”

Explore VG Private Wealth solutions

Debbie Lumsden has been named in Citywealth Leaders List: Top 100 International Powerwomen 2026

Debbie Lumsden — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:41:00 GMT

We're delighted to share that Debbie Lumsden, Director in our Private Wealth team, has been named in the Citywealth Leaders List: Top 100 International Powerwomen 2026.

The list recognises 100 leading women across private wealth, law, tax, fiduciary services and family office services worldwide - a reflection of the expertise shaping how global families navigate wealth today, from succession and governance to structuring for the next generation.

Debbie has been a driving force in VG's Private Wealth offering, advising clients on complex cross boarder structuring solutions including Private Trust Companies, Foundations, Family Investment Companies, trusts and succession planning. This recognition reflects the trust clients place in her and the depth of experience she brings to every mandate.

Congratulations, Debbie - very well deserved.

VG appoints Cormac Kissane as non-executive director in Ireland

Jenny Costford — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:13:00 GMT

VG is pleased to announce the appointment of Cormac Kissane as a non-executive director, marking an important step in the firm’s continued international expansion and its plans to establish a presence in Ireland.

Cormac was previously a partner at Arthur Cox, where he was a market-leading capital markets and structured finance partner for over 20 years.

During his career, Cormac has acted for investment banks, commercial banks, private equity sponsors and other corporates on a wide range of capital markets and structured finance transactions, including securitisation, acquisition and financing of consumer and commercial loan portfolios, asset-backed finance, and issuance of a full range of corporate, high-yield and other securities and hybrid instruments.

Cormac also brings significant insight into governance, risk oversight and regulatory expectations, with a strong track record supporting organisations operating in complex and highly regulated sectors. His commercial approach and ability to provide robust independent challenge makes him a valuable addition as VG develops its presence in Ireland.

Commenting on the appointment, William Douglas, CEO said: “Cormac brings exceptional experience advising issuers, investors, trustees and fiduciary institutions on complex financial transactions. His deep understanding of the Irish financial services landscape makes him the ideal person to support VG as we expand our presence in Ireland and across multiple jurisdictions.”

Cormac Kissane added: “I am delighted to be joining VG at such an exciting stage in its development. Ireland continues to play a key role in international financial services, and I look forward to working with the VG group as it builds its presence here and supports clients navigating increasingly complex transactions and regulatory and governance environments.”

Private Trust Companies: Bringing order to your ambitions

Debbie Lumsden — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:14:00 GMT

Download the guide

Bringing order to your ambitions

Our quick guide outlines how Private Trust Companies and Private Trust Foundations are an effective and flexible alternative for large, multi-generational families with complex assets in multiple jurisdictions.

Private Trust Companies

Read our guide

Issues and vulnerabilities

Disputes and litigation
Unclear instructions lead to disagreements which can be costly and damaging.
Intestacy laws and unintended heirs
May have unintended consequences such as asset fragmentation and unintended beneficiaries.
Probate delays and expenses
Can make assets inaccessible and cause cost and uncertainty for beneficiaries.
Death duties and liquidity
Weak succession plans risk incurring inflated taxes potentially forcing asset liquidations.
Administrative paralysis
Ineffective mechanisms for transferring authority stall decision making.
Family business succession
Unclear succession plans can affect the continuity of family businesses and impact employee livelihoods.

You’re a high net worth individual or family with multiple asset types in multi jurisdictions. But how cohesive is the oversight of these assets? And do you have an overarching succession plan? Without a well thought out and organised plan, you may be susceptible to a number of vulnerabilities and issues.

Individually structured Private Trust Companies and Private Trust Foundations offer multiple solutions to mitigate these issues and bring order to your (family’s) affairs.

Bringing order to your ambitions

They offer several advantages over a third-party trustee:

It may seem appealing to clients to incorporate all the control mechanisms, however this is not advised.

The main appeal of PTC and PTF structures is the ability for clients and their family members, family office representatives and advisors to retain legitimate control at different levels:

Retaining control

VG is highly knowledgeable and proficient in the use of PTC and PTF structures and we actively manage them for numerous international clients and their families.

VG your expert partner

We ensure a client’s PTC or PTF is legally sound and robust, giving careful thought and consideration to a range of factors including:

Family Office CEO

“Prompt and practical support that helped us untangle complex legacy matters and guide us forward with confidence”

If you’d like to explore how PTCs and PTFs could benefit you or your client, or are considering switching providers, we’d be delighted to talk to you. Please contact us.

Contact us

Debbie Lumsden

Director, Private Wealth

+44 1534 712438

dlumsden@vg.je

www.vg.je

Jersey’s Taxation (Companies – Economic Substance) (Jersey) Law 2019 requires Jersey tax resident businesses carrying out certain core income generating activities and earning income from those activities to demonstrate that they have sufficient economic substance in Jersey. If your business is required to meet these requirements of the legislation, we can discuss with you how best to achieve this.

Trust that delivers

VG announces six career promotions in new year growth plans

VG — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:23:00 GMT

VG, a leading provider of private wealth, funds, corporate and capital markets services headquartered in Jersey, has promoted six colleagues in its latest round of promotions which supports the firm’s accelerated growth plans.In our Corporate (https://www.vg.je/our-solutions/corporate) business, Jake McMichael has been promoted to Manager, Zach Ellam has been promoted to Assistant Manager and Keira Softly has successfully completed her training to become Corporate Administrator.

In Private Wealth, Eve Smith has been promoted to Senior Trust Officer and George Sheehy who joined VG as a trainee has gained promotion to Trust Administrator.

Additionally, Noelia Neito-Garcia has earned promotion to Senior Client Reporting Accountant.

VG also recently announced the appointment of William Douglas as Chief Executive Officer. He will lead VG through a period of accelerated growth following strategic investment in the business in late 2024. VG achieved strong business momentum in 2025 including launching a Capital Markets service and opening a dedicated London office. William will drive further expansion including plans to launch in Dublin and the Middle East in 2026.

William Douglas, CEO, commented: “I am delighted to recognise our talented colleagues who are at the heart of what we do for our clients. VG’s ambition to grow is underpinned by our colleagues’ success in developing their professional expertise, which is foundational to delivering personal, high quality services to our longstanding global clients.”

Emma Stewart, Head of HR, added: “Congratulations to my colleagues. Our twice-yearly promotions are just one of the ways we nurture our talent and help our people excel in their careers. During the last year, 16 members of our 110-strong team have earned promotions, reflecting VG’s people and growth culture.”

ENDS

About VG

VG is a leading provider of private wealth, funds, corporate and capital markets solutions. As a values-driven and owner-managed organisation, VG has been serving global clients and institutions for more than forty years with our award-winning expertise and people. Putting clients first, we pride ourselves on being expert, responsive and flexible.

In November 2024, VG entered into an investment partnership with Mayfair Equity Partners to embark on a new period of rapid growth, with the purpose of achieving exceptional success for our clients, employees and shareholders alike.

VG employs 110 people across its Jersey HQ and UK offices.

Contact

Claire LilleyMarketing Manager

+44 (0) 1534 500427

clilley@vg.je

VG appoints William Douglas as Chief Executive Officer

VG — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:06:00 GMT

VG, a leading provider of private wealth, funds, corporate and capital markets services headquartered in Jersey, has appointed William Douglas as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

Following a strategic investment from Mayfair Equity Partners in late 2024, VG entered a pivotal growth period. The firm has already established strong momentum in 2025 with the launch of its Capital Markets service and the opening of a dedicated London office. William’s appointment supports VG’s growth ambition including further expansion into Dublin and the Middle East planned for 2026.

William has held senior global roles with leading firms JLL, Samsung and BlackBerry and most recently was the Chief Commercial Officer at Vistra where he had overall responsibility for the performance of the firm's business units and growth.

William Douglas, CEO, commented: “I am thrilled to join VG at such a pivotal moment in its 40-year history. VG has a stellar reputation for being client-focused and values-driven, and the recent expansion into London and Capital Markets is just the beginning. With a strong board and the backing of Mayfair Equity Partners, we have a unique opportunity to scale our award-winning expertise across new jurisdictions. I look forward to working with our talented team of professionals to deliver for our clients and shareholders.

Waqqas Ahmad, Partner, Mayfair Equity Partners, added: “VG has made a great start in expanding from its strong base in Jersey through establishing a presence in London and launching Capital Markets services. William brings deep commercial experience from a range of international businesses that will undoubtedly help VG achieve its goal of supporting clients across multiple jurisdictions whilst maintaining high quality service. We will continue to invest in the business to deliver organic growth and pursue complimentary acquisitions that fit with VG’s strategy.

ENDS

About VG

VG employs 110 people across its Jersey HQ and UK offices.

Contact

Claire LilleyMarketing Manager

+44 (0) 1534 500427

clilley@vg.je

Understanding Limited Services for Jersey Companies

Sheena Huggett — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:57:00 GMT

Download the guide (PDF)

Understanding Limited Services

A “Limited Services” model is a flexible, cost-efficient, professional and compliant route that many privately owned companies, investment holding structures and international businesses are choosing for their Jersey companies.

In Limited Services a Jersey service provider fulfils the essential statutory and regulatory support while the day-to-day management is handled elsewhere.

Delve into the advantages and understand the 4 essentials of Limited Services for Jersey Companies

Advantages of Limited Services for Jersey Companies

Directors may reside and operate from outside Jersey while still benefiting from a Jersey corporate structure.
Clients only pay for the specific statutory and regulatory services they require.
The company remains fully aligned with Jersey law and regulatory expectations.
A trusted, regulated Jersey service provider ensures continuity, good governance and proper maintenance of records.
Statutory records are kept
Notices and legal documents are served
Regulatory correspondence is received
Filings and compliance requirements are monitored
Maintaining accurate beneficial ownership and control information
Liaising with the Jersey Financial Services Commission
Submitting notifications and updates when ownership or control changes
Ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation
Preparation and filing of annual confirmation statements
Maintenance of statutory registers
Drafting of resolutions and minutes
Monitoring of deadlines and regulatory and legislative changes
Coordination with directors in respect of meetings and approvals
Accurate reflection of beneficial ownership
Privacy and administrative simplicity for clients
Proper segregation of legal and beneficial interests
Seamless interaction with banks, regulators and third parties

Every Jersey company is required by law to maintain a registered office on the island. This is more than just a mailing address - it is the company’s official legal domicile, and the place where:

Acting as registered office, VG ensures your company remains properly established and compliant under Jersey law while allowing your directors to operate from anywhere in the world.

The legal home of the company

Limited Services essentials

Registered Office

Jersey companies must appoint a nominated person responsible for:

This role is critical to Jersey’s modern regulatory framework. We provide nominated person services for all the companies we support, ensuring transparency, accuracy and alignment with regulatory expectations.

Meeting Jersey’s Beneficial Ownership requirements

Limited Services essentials

Nominated Person services

Even where directors manage operations overseas, a Jersey company must still meet local governance standards. Our company secretarial team undertakes:

Our clients appreciate that we handle the compliance burden efficiently enabling directors to focus on the commercial activities regulatory expectations.

Keeping the company fully compliant

Limited Services essentials

Company Secretarial support

In some cases, clients require a nominee shareholder to hold shares on behalf of the beneficial owners. When needed, we can act as nominee ensuring:

All nominee arrangements are fully documented and transparent, with no impact on beneficial ownership rights.

Maintaining confidentiality and practicality

Limited Services essentials

Nominee Shareholder services

Confidence in your Jersey company

Whether you require a registered office, nominated person services, company secretarial support or nominee shareholders, the VG team brings experience, care and efficiency to every company we administer.

VG understands the unique nature of Limited Services structures and the importance of maintaining high governance standards, even when directors are based abroad. Find out how we can support your Jersey company. Talk to us:

Paul Roper

+44 (0)1534 712411

proper@vg.je

Sheena Huggett

+44 (0)1534 500448

shuggett@vg.je

www.vg.je

Trust that delivers

Family Investment Companies as an alternative to offshore trusts

Debbie Lumsden — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:54:00 GMT

Debbie Lumsden and Stacey Sunley, Private Wealth Directors at VG, discuss why Family Investment Companies (FICs) are becoming increasingly popular.

Talking to Claire Lilley, they reveal how FICs work, the many benefits they offer, who they appeal to and when, and explore why Jersey is such a popular jurisdiction.

Listen on Podbean

VG appoints Michael Allapitan as Head of Real Estate

VG — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:52:00 GMT

VG, a leading provider of corporate, real estate, capital markets and fund administration services, has appointed Michael Allapitan as Head of Real Estate.

In this new post, he will orchestrate substantial growth of the existing and future business portfolio and service offering, as well as oversee VG’s existing teams based in Jersey and London.

Michael brings more than 20 years of expertise in audit, corporate and fund administration, and financial reporting across various asset classes with focus on real estate and private equity investment structures. His experience includes leadership roles at multi-jurisdictional organisations including a UK FTSE 250 corporate and fund administration service provider and a private equity asset management firm. Michael obtained his qualification as certified public accountant in 2004 and spent the first 6 years of his career working for a Big 4 auditing firm.

Stephen Langan, Director of Institutional Clients for VG, commented on the appointment: “I’m delighted to welcome Michael to VG. With his market vision, technical proficiency, leadership skills and entrepreneurship, I am sure he will propel the business towards achieving its growth aspirations.”

Michael Allapitan added: “I’m thrilled and privileged to be joining VG at such a pivotal and exciting time in its evolution as a leading provider of corporate and fund administration solutions. I’m very much looking forward to making a positive contribution in the growth and enhancement of VG’s best in class Real Estate offering in Jersey and the UK, as well as the challenge of extending our excellent client service proposition to other key jurisdictions as VG embarks on its ambitious growth strategy.”

Challenges for Middle Eastern families

Debbie Lumsden — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:55:00 GMT

In this podcast episode, Debbie Lumsden, Private Wealth Director at VG talks to Claire Lilley about how geopolitical tensions and evolving tax and regulatory regimes are driving Middle Eastern families to reconsider wealth structures.

They discuss Jersey’s stable legal framework, Private Trust Companies and foundations, succession planning, governance best practices, and ways VG helps families protect assets and manage generational transitions.

Debbie suggests practical ways families successfully use family charters, professional boards and third-party advisers to reduce disputes, preserve control and support next-generation involvement while meeting international compliance standards.

Listen on Podbean