Island Firms Report Digital Banking Access Gaps
Innovate Guernsey has launched a survey asking businesses in three Crown Dependencies to document barriers to digital financial services.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Financial Services
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Innovate Guernsey has launched the Crown Dependencies Digital Banking Survey, targeting businesses in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Respondents have reported difficulties accessing bank accounts, payment platforms and other digital financial services.
Why it matters
Some online banking and payments providers available to UK companies are unavailable to island businesses, including Revolut and Stripe on the same terms as elsewhere. The survey aims to gather quantified evidence that could persuade providers to extend services to the Crown Dependencies.
The survey is designed to produce quantified evidence from all three islands, but no figures have yet been published. Respondents are asked to identify the barriers they have encountered and explain their operational impact.
The players
Innovate Guernsey
Innovate Guernsey is an innovation-focused organization based in Guernsey that is running the digital banking survey across the Crown Dependencies.
The details
The survey asks businesses and advisers to identify barriers in accessing banking, payment and financial services and describe how those barriers affect their operations. Innovate Guernsey plans to present the aggregated findings to providers as evidence of demand.
Timeline
• Survey launched on November 9, 2026
Market Landscape
Revolut and Stripe are not available to island businesses on the same terms as businesses elsewhere, leaving Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man outside services that UK companies use routinely. The survey positions island firms as an underserved market that providers have so far not prioritized.
Businesses in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man may face limited choice of banking and payment providers. Companies that rely on these services may need to plan around restricted access until providers extend coverage.
The takeaway
Businesses operating in small island economies should document access barriers to financial services, since collective evidence can influence provider decisions. Local firms that report these gaps may help shape which services reach their market.
Further reading
Explore more on Financial Services developments affecting businesses across markets.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BBC.
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