The organisation's board has ordered an independent investigation into unspecified recent events surrounding the resignation.

Rupert Pleasant (pictured), chief executive of Guernsey Finance, has resigned, effective immediately, with an investigation underway into what the organisation reportedly said were "recent events" that it was taking "extremely seriously."

Pleasant has been in the position since March 2020, where he has highlighted the role Guernsey plays in supporting the UK’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth. He has been replaced by acting CEO Barnaby Molloy.

"The board of Guernsey Finance is taking recent events extremely seriously. The matter was being investigated last week, and we can now confirm the resignation of chief executive, Rupert Pleasant," Guernsey Finance said in a statement seen by WealthBriefing. "The board can also confirm that it is working closely with relevant stakeholders whilst ensuring the wellbeing of its staff and operational continuity under acting CEO Barnaby Molloy. As an independent investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide further details."

Pleasant has since been removed from the agency's website and his LinkedIn page is no longer publicly available where his experience in private banking, trust and corporate services was listed. 

Guernsey Finance is a joint government and industry initiative whose remit is promoting and connecting Guernsey as an international financial centre. See more about the organisation here.