As Moneyal draws closer, more attention is being paid to the outer edges of Manx financial services legislation — areas that, until recently, have received relatively little scrutiny. One of those areas is the provision of Registered Office and Accommodation Address services.
Over the past few years, the way we work has changed dramatically. The pandemic accelerated a shift that was already happening — away from fixed offices and toward remote, hybrid, and flexible working. Today, it’s common for professionals to split their week between home, co-working hubs, and even different jurisdictions.
In response, a growing number of shared workspaces and business hubs have emerged around the Isle of Man. These spaces provide desks, meeting rooms, and administrative support on flexible terms — often by the hour or day. Some also offer an additional convenience: a Registered Office or Accommodation Address service.
For small businesses, start-ups, or consultants who operate remotely, it’s an attractive solution. It offers stability and professionalism without the overhead of a permanent office. And for those renting accommodation or relocating frequently, it removes the hassle of updating company filings every time you move.
But as the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (IOM FSA) recently reminded the industry, there’s more to this than convenience.
When Convenience Meets Regulation
The IOM FSA’s newly published Perimeter Guidance seeks to clarify when providing a registered office might cross into the territory of regulated financial services activity. The message is clear: what may appear to be a simple administrative service can, in certain cases, bring regulatory obligations.
This matters because offering a registered address to third parties may trigger requirements around:
The FSA’s aim isn’t to stifle innovation — it’s to ensure that businesses offering these services understand their responsibilities and operate within the law. The growth of shared spaces and incubators is a positive development for the Island’s economy, but with it comes the need for consistent compliance and oversight.
What Providers Should Be Doing
If you currently offer, or are considering offering, Registered Office or Accommodation Address services in the Isle of Man, now is the time to act.
Here’s what we recommend:
At Atla Advisory Limited (AAL), we’re already working with several firms to benchmark their services against the new guidance. Our role is to help you understand the perimeter, identify any potential regulatory exposure, and, if necessary, implement the right controls to stay compliant.
If your business doesn’t have a dedicated compliance or regulatory resource, we can help you fill that gap — efficiently, objectively, and in line with the FSA’s expectations.
The Atla Advisory Approach
At AAL, we see our role as more than just regulatory consultants. We’re partners in helping businesses navigate a changing landscape.
Whether you operate a co-working hub, a serviced office, or a corporate services business, our approach is simple: clarity, practicality, and compliance without unnecessary complexity. We’ll help you understand not just what the regulations say — but what they mean for your specific business model.
Our goal is to keep you compliant while allowing you to focus on what you do best — supporting clients, growing your business, and contributing to the Island’s dynamic economy.
To arrange a review or discuss your situation, contact Claire Watterson or Jon Whiting at atla.im.
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