Isle of Man Finance

Hon. Allan Bell MHK, Minister for Economic Development, Isle of Man Government

Hon Allan Bell, Member of the House of Keys (MHK) is the Minister for Economic Development, one of the newly created Departments of Isle of Man Government. Minister Bell was the Treasury Minister from December 2001, until April 2010, when he was appointed to lead the new Department. Previously, he has held several Ministerial positions with responsibility for Tourism and Leisure, Industry, and Home Affairs. An experienced and long-serving politician, Mr. Bell was elected to the House of Keys in 1984, and joined Government in 1986.

During his tenure as Treasury Minister, Mr. Bell instigated and oversaw initiatives to promote the strong growth of the Island’s economy and its further diversification. In addition to the continued growth of the Island’s banking, financial services, and insurance industries, the Minister was instrumental in the successful initiation of film and on-line gaming industries on the Island. The Minister has also been at the forefront in developing the Island’s Space Industry. His prudent approach to Government finances and stable government led to the Island’s economy being continually ‘AAA’ rated by both Standard and Poors and Moody’s.

During his time at the Treasury, Minister Bell and his team worked tirelessly in raising the profile and reputation of the Isle of Man as a well regulated, co-operative and transparent international financial centre. He is a strong advocate of the need for positive engagement with the international community, and has played a key role in the Island’s relations with the EU, IMF/World Bank and OECD, as well as numerous partners in various countries around the world with which the Isle of Man has entered into Tax Information Exchange Agreements.

Minister Bell first joined Government in 1986. Since then he has held the Ministerial positions of Tourism and Leisure, Industry, and Home Affairs. Mr. Bell first won election to the House of Keys in 1984, representing the constituency of Ramsey in the North of the Island. Prior to his election, the Minister served as a Ramsey Town Commissioner for seven years. Minister Bell was born on the Isle of Man on July 20th 1947, and was educated at Ramsey Grammar School.