My Lords, Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen,

In this historic chamber—where the City’s legacy of global finance meets the future of innovation—we are not just celebrating Gibraltar Day.

We are extending you a valuable strategic invitation.

Because Gibraltar is no longer just an alternative jurisdiction in the sun.
It is a value-added proposition.
A proposition built on renewed legal certainty.
An offer of regulatory clarity.
And a commitment from a government to listen, respond and deliver.
Not to be deaf to the needs of business.

To the insurers among us: I say that Gibraltar understands risk.
We regulate with precision, supervise with partnership, and innovate with purpose.
Our prudential standards mirror the UK’s, and our track record—from captives to cross-border distribution—is not just strong, it’s trusted.

To the fintech visionaries: I say that Gibraltar is not chasing trends.
We are shaping them.
Our ecosystem is agile.
Our regulators are accessible.
And our legal framework is built to scale with you—not against you.

And for those navigating UK market access, I say the Gibraltar Authorisation Regime is your London bridge.
It is not theoretical.
It is operational.
It is the embodiment of our alignment with UK standards and our enduring partnership with the City.
Our single market in services.

And Gibraltar delivers.
Look at our growth.
In 2011/12, when I became Chief Minister, our GDP had just broken the £1 billion barrier.
Today, it is estimated to exceed £3.1 billion—driven by growth of 8.3% two years ago, 5% last year, and a projected 6.5% this year.
And that was despite the 2020 pandemic temporarily shrinking our economy.
Our GDP per capita now surpasses £80,000, placing Gibraltar among the highest in the world.

That is no coincidence.
It is the outcome of the work of a jurisdiction that understands the value of financial services and the importance of strategic partnership.
The value of a jurisdiction also demonstrated to be amongst the safest in the world.

Safe.
Secure.
Prosperous.

In Gibraltar, you will find more than a domicile for your companies’ world-wide business.
You will find a strategic ally.
An ally that speaks the language of business.
An ally that embraces the urgency of innovation.
And an ally that defends the integrity of financial services with principle and pragmatism.

So, as you raise your glass today, consider this:
Gibraltar is not here to ask for your attention.
It is here to earn your trust and confidence.

With a track record of decades of growth you can rely on.
With a track record of applying the highest standards that have been consistently maintained for over thirty years.
And now, with a treaty about to be finalised with the EU on physical human and goods access to the whole geography of the Bloc.

A treaty that will give you certainty of immigration fluidity for decades to come.
A treaty that turns Brexit into a ploughshare by delivering the certainty that businesses in all sectors have clamoured for.
The certainty that you want in order to invest in a jurisdiction you can rely on.
A jurisdiction that will never let you down.

That is Gibraltar.
And in a world of shifting sands, our Rock can be a valuable asset to your business.

Come and see what we have to offer.

Thank you.

ENDS