The Prescient Group (Prescient) has acquired Obsidian Fund Services Limited in Guernsey, strengthening its global fund services offering for its South African and international fund management clients.

Effective 1 February 2026, Obsidian becomes part of Prescient’s fund services arm, Prescient Fund Services, that already has operations in South Africa and Ireland. The Obsidian team will be integrated into the Prescient business.

The acquisition expands Prescient Fund Service’s reach and enhances its ability to deliver comprehensive fund solutions to its clients across multiple jurisdictions.  Guernsey is a well-established jurisdiction for private equity and other private assets funds, and remains a preferred domicile for investors seeking robust regulatory oversight and international credibility.

Craig Mockford, CEO of Prescient Fund Services, said the move builds on Prescient’s long-standing international expansion strategy while remaining anchored to enhancing its offering to clients.

“Guernsey is a leading jurisdiction for private equity and other private assets funds. It makes strategic sense for Prescient Fund Services to establish a presence on the island through an experienced and respected team like Obsidian. This allows us to better support South African and international clients who require sophisticated offshore fund administration solutions,” he said. 

Obsidian provides a range of fund administration services from Guernsey, including fund accounting, compliance, financial reporting, governance and investor services. The team has experience working with both listed and unlisted structures, as well as closed-ended and open-ended funds. It also supports the establishment of regulated investment management entities and protected cell structures.

For local investors and managers evaluating offshore options, the acquisition offers the benefit of dealing with a South African-rooted group that understands the domestic regulatory environment while providing access to established international fund jurisdictions.

Jody Newark, CEO of Obsidian, said joining Prescient marks an important step for the Guernsey business and its clients.

“This is an exciting new chapter for our clients as we become part of a larger fund administration group that shares our values. We look forward to continuing to deliver the same high level of service under the Prescient Fund Services brand,” she said. 

Prescient Fund Services currently administers $114 billion in client assets (as at 31 December 2025). The group entered Europe in 2008 through its Irish operations and has since continued to expand its cross-border fund servicing capabilities for South African and international clients.

The acquisition of Obsidian forms part of Prescient Fund Services’ broader strategy to extend the range and regulatory scope of its offshore fund administration offering.