Money Laundering (Jersey) Amendment Order 2026

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 17 May 2026:

Decision Reference: MD-ER-2026-448		Public
Subject: Money Laundering (Jersey) Amendment Order 2026
Report Title: Money Laundering (Jersey) Amendment Order 2026		Public
Decision(s): The Amendment Order introduces changes in respect of the reliance regime and compliance officer framework established in the Money Laundering (Jersey) Order 2008 (MLO 2008). In respect of reliance, the Amendment Order amends the MLO 2008 as follows: • removes the requirement for testing; • provides that a relying party is to obtain periodic updates to written assurance for ongoing reliance arrangements; • extends the information which can be relied upon to include the purpose and intended nature of the transaction, in line with competitor jurisdictions; • allows a limited degree of flexibility in some circumstances where issues with evidence arise for these to be explored and potentially resolved before a reliance arrangement must cease; • introduces an explicit requirement that any higher country risk is adequately mitigated by a financial group’s AML/CFT policies; and • extends the definition of ‘financial group’ to include Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions for the purposes of group reliance. In respect of the role of the compliance officer (CO), the amendment Order: • requires the appointment of the CO to be at senior management level (instead of an appropriate level of seniority) • removes references to the function of the CO and add instead adds references to responsibilities; • specifies a CO may be assisted by others in fulfilling its responsibilities; and • mandates the appointment of a CO unless, by reference to the Codes of Practice, the appointment is not appropriate. These initiatives (reliance/CO) are key components of the Government of Jersey’s Competitiveness Programme and have been developed in collaboration (including in consultation) with the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Both initiatives have been subject to wide industry engagement, including a public consultation, and have been notified to the Scrutiny Panel. The Assistant Minister for External Relations agrees for a response paper to be issued by officials reflecting both the general feedback provided in the recent consultation and providing details as to the next steps and policy direction, reflecting the changes made by the Amendment Order.
Reason for Decision(s): The Amendment Order provides additional flexibility within the MLO 2008, improving the overall competitive position of Jersey’s Financial and Professional Services sector, whilst reinforcing compliance with international standards. The Amendment Order comes into force, in respect of the CO framework and certain definitions, on the 30 June 2026 and in respect of the reliance regime, on 31 October 2026.
Resource Implications: There are no resource implications for the States of Jersey as a result of this decision.
Action Required: That the Assistant Minister for External Relations signs and seals the Money Laundering (Jersey) Amendment Order 2026 and that it be returned to the States Greffe for immediate publication, and that the Greffier of the States be requested to arrange for the making of the Order to be notified to the States.
Signature:	Signed By: Deputy E. Millar of St. John, St. Lawrence and Trinity
Date Signed:	Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):