The Regulatory 15/15 May 2026 (Podcast)

The Cayman Islands has emerged as the world's premier offshore jurisdiction for venture capital fund formation and cross-border investment structuring, with over 30,900 alternative investment funds managing USD8.2 trillion in assets.

The failure of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in the US Senate leaves cryptocurrency market participants navigating regulatory uncertainty, while major blockchain networks accelerate infrastructure development to integrate traditional banks onto stablecoin payment rails. Cross-border payments emerge as a dominant use case, with stablecoins offering faster, cheaper international settlements than correspondent banking, though compliance frameworks must evolve to match real-time transaction speeds.

An overview of the Cayman Islands fund finance market, highlighting H1 2026 trends, data and outlook, including transaction activity, subscription line and NAV facility developments, financing terms, pricing trends and market expectations for the second half of 2026.

The Cayman Islands investment funds sector continues to evolve with significant regulatory updates affecting reporting requirements and the introduction of a new framework for tokenised funds. Key changes include modifications to Common Reporting Standards and Economic Substance filing procedures, alongside the implementation of legislation enabling digital token representation of fund interests.

The Cayman Islands has introduced significant regulatory developments for digital assets, including a dedicated framework for tokenised funds, enhanced AML and sanctions rules, and strengthened market conduct requirements for virtual asset service providers. These changes provide greater regulatory certainty while reinforcing the jurisdiction's position as a leading hub for digital assets and fintech innovation.

The Cayman Islands has now implemented the OECD's "CRS 2.0" updates through the Tax Information Authority (International Tax Compliance) (Common Reporting Standard) (Amendment) Regulations...

Clients are reminded of the following important filing dates for Financial Institutions (FIs) under the CRS and FATCA Regime and Economic Substance regime filings with the Tax Information Authority in the Cayman Islands.

New CIMA Rules effective September 2026 will transform anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance for Cayman Islands investment funds, elevating previous guidance to directly enforceable requirements. Fund governing bodies face enhanced responsibilities including mandatory annual AML training, independent audit requirements, and stricter AMLCO independence standards. Understanding these practical implications and preparing appropriate compliance frameworks will be essential for funds and their service p

An overview of the European fund finance market, highlighting H1 2026 trends, data and outlook, including transaction volumes, jurisdictional preferences and emerging financing trends. This forms part of the August 2026 Edition of FUNDed

The Cayman Islands is among the world's most attractive locations for the establishment of private equity funds. The Private Funds Act (2021 Revision) and associated regulations...

On 24 July 2026, China's Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration jointly issued the Announcement on Individual Income Tax Matters Relating to Offshore Trusts (《财政部 税务总局关于离岸信托个人所 得税有关事项的公告》) (Announcement No. 21 of 2026) (the "Notice"), together with a companion Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on Collection and Administration Matters Relating to Individual Income Tax on Offshore Trusts...

CIMA’s new AML / CFT / CPF Compliance Rule and Sanctions Rule, effective 18 September 2026, introduce binding compliance, governance, risk management and sanctions screening requirements for all regulated financial service providers in the Cayman Islands.

An overview of the Cayman Islands fund finance market, highlighting H1 2026 trends, data and outlook, including transaction activity, subscription line and NAV facility developments, financing terms, pricing trends and market expectations for the second half of 2026.

The Cyber Resilience Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/2847)1 (“CRA”) establishes horizontal cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements (“PDEs”) placed on the European Union (“EU”) market. Reporting obligations took effect on 11 September 2026, with full application of the CRA from 11 December 2027.

Most often, businesses gravitate towards the LTD model due to its familiarity and simplicity. However, DACs and Irish Collective Asset Management Vehicles...

Two years on from the entry into force of Directive (EU) 2024/927, commonly referred to as AIFMD II, the 16 April 2026 transposition deadline has passed, and the state of play across the EU is best described as uneven, with compliance posture increasingly dependent on where an AIFM is authorised. However, Luxembourg, which hosts the largest shares of EU AIFs within the Union, transposed the Directive without material gold-plating.

An overview of the European fund finance market, highlighting H1 2026 trends, data and outlook, including transaction volumes, jurisdictional preferences and emerging financing trends. This forms part of the August 2026 Edition of FUNDed

The BVI’s April 2026 update to its CRS Guidance Notes advances the implementation of CRS 2.0, expanding the scope of reportable accounts and introducing new compliance and reporting obligations ahead of the first reporting deadline on 31 May 2027.

The Republic of Marshall Islands (often referred to as the "Marshall Islands") is a self-governed independent state with its own constitution, located just north of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean.

The Irish Budget for 2027 (“Budget 2027”) was announced by Minister Simon Harris on 6 October 2026. Budget 2027 contains a number of measures intended to support Ireland’s status as a leading financial and investment jurisdiction in Europe. International investors will welcome the introduction of reforms for the taxation of Irish corporates, the introduction of new rules to accommodate the Pillar Two side-by-side agreement with the US and the extensions to Irish tax provisions for tax credits.