A controversial amendment to the UK's Financial Services Bill tabled by backbench MPs, which would have raised the prospect of a public register of beneficial ownership on the Crown Dependencies, has been deferred by the UK Government amidst fears it would be defeated.

The debate was due to take place yesterday (04/03/2019) afternoon to agree on amendments to legislation relating to the creation of public registers on the Crown Dependencies by 31 December 2020. The Financial Services Bill aims to prepare the UK’s financial services industry for a possible no deal Brexit and the UK government is committed to passing this Bill by...