Time flies and here we are at another Christmas.

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Also, we are approaching the end of a tumultuous year. I remember thinking a year ago that 2024 will be a bumper twelve months for psephologists – those that are fascinated by elections. According to International IDEA (The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) around 1.6bn people voted in more than seventy national elections worldwide with an overall turnover of 61%. Put another way close to 3bn were eligible to vote which is a staggering percentage of those of voting age worldwide. And, dare I say it, in certain places, we have seen interesting outcomes. 

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Acquarius is of course apolitical so I cannot comment on any particular result. Suffice to say that 2025 is likely to be just as interesting as new administrations come into office and get the chance to enact their policies – or not. 

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Here in Gibraltar, we enter the festive season with no sign of the much discussed yet still elusive post-Brexit treaty between Gibraltar, the UK and Spain. We will just have to remain patient and see what 2025 brings. In the meantime, we are working hard to develop further Gibraltar’s offering to our clients, friends and contacts. In the UK in particular, new rules covering non-domicile status have also gone on to affect trusts. Thus, we are busy both reviewing existing structures and assisting potential clients and their advisers as they consider the optimum way to organise their affairs. 

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We are also re-doubling our efforts to spread the message about Gibraltar to the UK professional community. Although focused, naturally enough, on London, we are also planning to include other business centres throughout England. Please let me know if you would like to meet us in person during one of our very regular visits.

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This is not to say that the UK is our only target market by any means; it is just that the links between Gibraltar and the UK – especially the City – are so deep rooted and long standing that it would be foolish not to exploit them to the full.

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Looking further afield though, we are excited at the developing relationship between Gibraltar and India. One of the highlights of the past year for me was visiting the Indian High Commission in London. HE the High Commissioner invited government ministers and representatives from local financial services firms and their guests to highlight the growing links between India and Gibraltar. At Acquarius we are embracing this opportunity with much vigour, and you will read more about our efforts in this regard over the coming months.

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Of course, none of this would be possible without the staff back at base. While my fellow executive director, Gareth Cross, and I may lead the business in conjunction with our local board, we all know that the real work is done in Gibraltar by our tireless and loyal team. I am indebted to the diligent group of more than twenty professionals who maintain and develop the day-to-day business of the company enthusiastically and with such dedication. I hope that they can also see the result of their hard work and are as delighted with Acquarius’ progress this year as I am. 

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We enjoyed a fantastic Christmas party at the excellent 54 Dining, and I am particularly proud of my colleagues’ efforts this year raising funds and helping others. An example was GBC’s Open Day Appeal where the team made up Sweet Treat Boxes that we distributed around Gibraltar. The box contents were all baked at home by our staff and their family members. It was a wonderful team effort and raised a considerable amount for the Open Day. This was yet another example of our active Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work, which is a crucial part of what we do at Acquarius. You may expect to see even more focus on this aspect of our working lives as we enter the New Year,

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I realise that not everyone celebrates Christmas, there is loneliness, and some are not able to enjoy the festivities fully. If you are reading this though, you should know that we consider you part of the growing Acquarius family; we truly value our growing base of staff, clients, their advisers, and followers of our social media channels.

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To everyone in Gibraltar and further afield may I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the festive season – however you are celebrating – and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.