Behind every successful business is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to keep things running smoothly—and when it comes to life at Jersey Finance, Peggy Gielen is one of them. When she’s not on her bike or setting herself challenges, the Legal and Technical Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, navigating complex regulations, and ensuring Jersey remains a leader in global finance. But her work isn’t just about meetings and legal frameworks—it’s about building connections, problem-solving, and making a real impact. We asked her about her day-to-day role, career milestones, and how she balances a high-powered finance career with life outside the office.
“At Jersey Finance, we operate in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment, ensuring that Jersey remains at the forefront of global finance. Every day, our team works with a wide range of stakeholders—industry professionals, government officials, regulators—and plays a key role in shaping policies that support the continued success of Jersey’s financial services sector.
One of my main responsibilities is fostering communication between industry, regulators and government. This involves attending trade association meetings, government functions, and training events, ensuring that Jersey Finance is always in tune with developments that impact our finance sector. Our team also engages with the industry to gather feedback to consultation papers, ensuring that our approach is well-informed and reflective of the latest trends and challenges.
A significant part of my role is coordinating and chairing working groups focused on legislative amendments. These sessions provide a platform for industry professionals to directly influence key policy decisions and I am actively involved in representing the fund sector’s interests in discussions with law drafters, the regulator and ministers.
On top of that, I conduct research on complex legislative and regulatory issues, preparing detailed reports that are shared both internally and externally. Monitoring international developments in finance and regulation ensures that we stay ahead of the curve, providing valuable insight to our global representatives and helping them stay connected with the latest industry shifts.
Ultimately, my role is about ensuring that Jersey continues to lead as an International Financial Centre, building strong relationships with key players, and advocating for the best interests of our industry in a world that is constantly evolving. It is a challenging, but incredibly rewarding role where I get to make a real impact on the future of finance”.
What do you enjoy most about your job and life with Jersey Finance?
The best part of my job is undoubtedly the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Jersey’s financial services sector. Whether it is collaborating with industry leaders, influencing policy decisions, or supporting the ongoing development of a resilient financial centre, it is incredibly rewarding to see how our work helps shape the future of finance. Being at the centre of a global hub with such a strong network of professionals and knowing that our efforts contribute to Jersey’s continued success, is both motivating and fulfilling.
What is the hardest bit of your job?
As for the hardest part, it can be managing the complexity of balancing multiple stakeholders with sometimes differing views and priorities. With so many moving parts—industry professionals, government, the regulator—it is crucial to ensure clear communication, alignment and timely action. Keeping everyone on the same page while navigating regulatory and legislative challenges can be demanding, but it is also what makes the work exciting and impactful.
What are your most significant career milestones, so far?
There have definitely been a few significant career milestones for me recently. One of the standout moments was being promoted to Team Leader of the Legal Team at Jersey Finance, where I now report directly to our Deputy CEO, Amy Bryant. It has been an incredible opportunity to take on more responsibility and help guide our legal priorities, ensuring that Jersey’s financial services industry continues to thrive within a strong regulatory framework.
Another proud moment for me was being appointed as Honorary Consul for Belgium in Jersey. It is a unique and rewarding role that allows me to bridge connections between Jersey and Belgium, fostering greater collaboration and understanding between the two.
I am also honoured to have been elected to the board of the Association of Jersey Charities. The charitable sector plays such a vital role in our community and being part of an organisation that supports and champions these efforts is something I am truly passionate about. It is a privilege to contribute to initiatives that make a positive impact on the lives of so many in Jersey.
As someone involved in both the finance and charitable sectors, I always encourage people to consider how they can give back. Payroll giving and volunteering are great ways to get involved and I have seen firsthand how both can make a real difference. It is about fostering a culture of giving, both in the workplace and within our community, to help create a more vibrant and supportive society.
What do you get up to outside of work?
Outside of work, I am a fervent cyclist and love getting out on my bike every Saturday and Sunday with the Rouleurs. It is a great way to stay fit and enjoy some fresh air, plus I am part of a fantastic group who make it even more enjoyable. I have also recently taken up swimming and am still working on mastering the front crawl—it is a challenge, but I am enjoying the process of improving.
On top of that, I have three teenage boys who certainly keep me on my toes and out of mischief! They keep me busy with their activities and never let me forget that life is always full of energy and surprises. It is a perfect balance to my professional life—active, fun, and packed with family moments.
