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ARTICLE · 13 AUGUST 2026

CIMA Publishes New AML Compliance Rules

Stuarts Humphries
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The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority has introduced comprehensive new Rules governing anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and financial sanctions compliance for regulated entities. These measures establish detailed requirements for compliance programmes, risk management, and sanctions screening that will fundamentally reshape regulatory obligations.

Cayman IslandsFinance and Banking
Jonathan McLean
Jonathan McLean
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The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) has published two new Rules addressing anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, counter-proliferation financing and financial sanctions compliance, together with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist regulated entities with implementation. Both Rules will come into effect on 18 September 2026.

New AML / CFT / CPF Compliance Requirements

The first measure is CIMA's Rule on Effective Compliance Programme for the Prevention and Detection of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing for Financial Services Providers (Compliance Programme Rule).

The Compliance Programme Rule should be read together with the existing Cayman Islands AML / CFT / CPF legislative and regulatory framework, including, inter alia, the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AMLRs), , the Terrorism Act, the Proliferation Financing (Prohibition) Act and CIMA’s Guidance Notes on the Prevention and Detection

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