By Simon Scott, Managing Director, Isle of Man
2025 marks a major milestone for IQ-EQ Isle of Man: our 50th anniversary. It’s a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate the journey that has shaped who we are today. But more than that, it’s an opportunity to look forward with clarity and purpose.
From vision to legacy
Our story in the Isle of Man began in 1975 with Charles Arthur Cain, a pioneering Manxman and former Barclays banker, who founded Charles Cain & Co, one of the Isle of Man’s earliest trust and corporate service providers. Charles was a trailblazer in financial services and a dedicated public servant, whose values of integrity, honesty and creativity continue to guide our business today.
We were honoured to welcome his son, Edward Cain, to our 50th anniversary event in September – a meaningful reminder of the legacy we carry forward and the foundations on which we continue to build.
Evolving with purpose
Over the past five decades, our business has grown through strategic acquisitions, rebrands and innovation. The acquisition of Charles Cain & Co by IFG Group plc in 1989 marked a significant turning point, ushering in a more institutional era for the Isle of Man business as part of a publicly listed financial services group headquartered in Dublin. The Douglas office, operating under the name IFG International, quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-quality trust and corporate services, particularly to high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
This ultimately led to a management buyout of IFG’s International division in 2012. The newly independent business rebranded as First Names Group, and it wasn’t long before this became a well-recognised name in the fiduciary and corporate services sector. After significant international growth, in 2018, First Names Group was acquired by Luxembourg-headquartered fund administrator SGG Group (along with several other notable players in the investor servicing space) and this paved the way for a strategic rebrand. The following year, the combined global business became IQ-EQ.
Each chapter has strengthened our capabilities and expanded our global footprint. Today, IQ-EQ is a global investor services group with over 5,900 colleagues across 25 jurisdictions, more than 200 of whom are based here in the Isle of Man. We’re proud of our long-serving team members, many of whom have dedicated decades to the business. Their deep expertise and continuity have been instrumental in shaping our culture and delivering consistent value to our clients. This depth of experience is a hallmark of our Isle of Man office and reflects the strength of our global people-first approach.
Who we are today
IQ-EQ stands for a balance of intellectual and emotional intelligence; a philosophy that underpins how we work and how we connect. We combine technical excellence with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, building trusted relationships that last.
In the Isle of Man, our expertise spans trust and corporate services, high-net-worth and family office solutions, real estate, yachting and aviation, VAT and accounting, and governance. Our work is complex, cross-border and always client-centric, and we’re proud to be part of a thriving local ecosystem of professionals, partners and community organisations.
This milestone is not just about looking back; it’s about recognising the strength of our people, our partnerships, and our purpose. The Isle of Man continues to grow as a sophisticated international finance centre, and IQ-EQ is proud to be part of that journey. Our leadership team is united in its focus on sustainable growth, investing in talent and delivering services that meet the complex needs of global clients. We’re committed to building a future based on trust, innovation and a deep understanding of our clients’ ambitions – values that define IQ-EQ and underpin our role in supporting the jurisdiction’s continued success as a hub for private wealth, corporate services and investor solutions.
Looking ahead
As we celebrate 50 years, we reaffirm our commitment to the Isle of Man, our clients, colleagues and community. We will continue investing in people, partnerships and purpose to ensure our next 50 years are as impactful as the last. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our local journey. Here’s to the future and to the enduring spirit of IQ-EQ.
