The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has appointed Mark Rutherford as its new chief executive officer
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) named Mark Rutherford its permanent chief executive officer.
According to his new position, Rutherford will be responsible for the upkeep of the island’s regulatory framework for gambling and medicinal cannabis while guaranteeing complete integrity and transparency for these sectors and protecting consumers as well as the island’s international reputation.
The Transition Came “at a Crucial Time”
The resume of the seasoned professional with more than a decade and a half of experience at the GSC includes key roles, including director of policy and legislation for close to four and a half years and deputy CEO for almost 12 years.
With an International Compliance Association diploma in International Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing and a position in the Isle of Man’s Income Tax Division, Rutherford is fully equipped with broad expertise in public service.
Acting GSC chair David Butterworth expressed confidence in the new CEO’s leadership, explaining “his transition into this role comes at a crucial time,” ensuring the regulatory will “uphold the highest standards of transparency and protection while adapting to the sector’s evolving challenges.”
Butterworth also praised Ruthford’s “extensive experience and clear vision for improvement” and described him as “a valuable asset” committed to strengthening their regulatory approach to “meet the Island’s needs and those of the sectors it represents well into the future.”
“I Am Embarking On an Ambitious Program of Reform”
Rutherford, whose LinkedIn profile also mentions skills in fields like gambling law, online gambling and gaming, legislative affairs, and business analytics, among others, took the opportunity to explain his vision for the GSC.
Among others, he emphasized his commitment “to ensuring the effective, transparent, and secure regulation of gambling and the production of medicinal cannabis.”
Rutherford also mentioned the “important opportunity to strengthen the Isle of Man’s defenses against financial crime,” a goal he was ready to embark on via “an ambitious program of reform.”
Digital Isle of Man’s chief executive officer, Lyle Wraxall, welcomed the appointment, highlighting the crucial role of regulation.
“Mark’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment. Effective and robust regulation is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our digital economy and ensuring the Island remains competitive in the global market,” Wraxall emphasized.
Rutherford’s appointment is expected to boost the Isle of Man’s position as a trustworthy jurisdiction in the world of online gaming as well as for connected industries.
The commission ended 2024 by revoking the license of Metagrow Solutions over its director’s connections with cybercrime and slapping Betsson subsidiary BMO Manx with an $870,000 fine for failing to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing policies.
