Affinity Group Wins Trust Company of the Year – Isle of Man in the Citywealth IFC Awards 2022.

We are delighted to announce that Affinity has been awarded Trust Company of the Year – Isle of Man in the Citywealth International Financial Centre (IFC) Awards 2022. The awards have been running for eleven years and showcase the excellence of leading industry experts and advisors within the private wealth sector in all the major financial centres. Judged by a panel of experts, winners are assessed by demonstrating excellence in achievement, innovation, expertise and service.

Having achieved Silver at the IFC in 2021, and now achieving the Gold this year truly reflects our leading position as a Trust and Corporate Service Provider in the Isle of Man and beyond. Trust business, along with traditional Corporate Services has always been at the core of what we do. This award is a real acknowledgement of the unparalleled level of service our team delivers every day.

The exceptional depth of knowledge our team possess in providing bespoke, tailored services across multiple jurisdictions and sectors is the driving force behind our success. As a result, we are achieving incredible milestones such as this prestigious accolade. It is from these solid foundations that started with the administration of trusts and companies Affinity continues to showcase its abilities to an ever-growing, diverse client portfolio.

As we accept this award, we reflect on our journey and are unbelievably humbled by how far we have come.

A boutique business with a global presence, we have a determined vision to grow our business organically while continuing to provide the same personal, discreet service to our clients who rely on us for expert skills that span a range of sectors and jurisdictions.

During the early years, we forged our roots in the luxury asset sector and developed a superior level of service assisting high net worth clients meeting their expectations with exceptional attention to detail. With our personal approach instilled in our service provision, we build relationships based on trust earning Affinity a prestigious reputation.

Our solid roots in traditional TCSP expertise have enabled us to grow, expanding into new sectors to provide our clients with a diverse offering. As a result, many clients taken on as early as 2004 remain with us today and have continued to trust us with their ventures.

With business growing so too did our reach, recognising our client’s needs Affinity went on to establish a presence in Malta. A globally leading maritime hub, and a new environment for our clients in the luxury asset sector, Malta provides many opportunities; an alternative VAT and fiscal regime, a world renowned flag to sail under and a strategic location within Europe.

In recent years our consistent approach has seen Affinity flourish. With the introduction of a young, dynamic and ambitious leadership team who share the same vision for success the opportunity to surge innovation into the Group means we have harnessed a new strategy to push diversification and exploration into niche, emerging sectors such as eGaming and FinTech.

During 2020 and with a focus on innovation it was the right time to undergo a complete rebrand to demonstrate our transition from the traditional. The aim – a contemporary brand reflecting our diverse offering; one that stands out in the luxury asset sector, yet fits in with our emerging sectors.

These emerging sectors now make up our fastest growing client base which is indicative of our drive to become industry leaders, demonstrating our agility in responding to industry trends. Affinity boasts a well-equipped and knowledgeable team who handle all aspects of eGaming business and have assisted clients with substantial cryptocurrency acquisitions and Blockchain applications to regulators.

Never content to rest on our laurels and recognising the importance of continuing to provide solutions for our original sector base, Affinity Cayman was added to the group in 2021. This new presence in the Cayman Islands offers our clients many attractive characteristics, such as the opportunity to sail under the Red Ensign flag, one of the most prestigious in the world. Providing a location outside of the EU means access to many more options for structures and regimes for our clients. Whilst we have a clear strategy to establish our position in the yachting sector in the Cayman Islands, the jurisdiction’s landscape holds a variety of exciting possibilities.

Affinity’s unique culture is borne out of our strong team spirit and we strive for our clients to truly experience this with us. We pride ourselves on being approachable and it is important to us that our friendly ethos shines through our team and brand in everything we do. A key value in our brand image is placing our team at the forefront of all we do. We have invested significantly into our team, developing our employee benefits package and introducing many more perks along the way. An important part of our culture is a positive, inclusive atmosphere in order to promote a healthy work-life balance, driven by our talented social committee planning fun events throughout the year, and complimented by the newly introduced wellness committee to prioritise the team’s well-being.

Over the last twelve months we have enjoyed a continuous flow of new business across the group; resulting in a 33% increase to our team in the Isle of Man as well as a steady rate of appointments in Malta and Cayman.

Affinity has an ambitious vision for the future, and we are not one to stand still. Our innovation in our brand and service offering has only just begun, and whilst we have been driving growth in our core and niche sectors, we are making moves in emerging sectors such as esports and cannabis.

As we flourish we continue to provide more exciting opportunities for our clients, whilst remaining true to who we are, a boutique company with a personal feel.

Affinity is proud to be recognised as Trust Company of the Year – Isle of Man by IFC and this recognition serves as a nostalgic reminder of where it all began. Trust and Corporate Services are the core of what we do and being at the top of our game in the TCSP industry means we have the right skills and experience regardless of the asset.

Affinity is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.