Channel Islands Regulatory Update: April 2025

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.

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

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.

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

The Cayman Islands has emerged as a leading jurisdiction for establishing funds, investment management operations, and digital asset ventures, offering regulatory clarity and a sophisticated financial services ecosystem. This guide examines the regulatory framework for traditional and tokenised funds, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act regime, and opportunities within the Cayman Islands Special Economic Zone. Legal experts outline the practical steps and strategic advantages for fund managers, fintech

As noted in our recent update, the deadline for funds registered under the Private Funds Act to submit their first fund annual return form is 30 September 2021.

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

China has introduced a comprehensive Individual Income Tax regime for offshore trusts, imposing a 20% flat tax on settlors and beneficiaries with Chinese connections. With a 90-day transition window now in effect, affected individuals must urgently assess their disclosure obligations and consider whether existing trust structures remain viable under the new rules.

Islamic finance is experiencing rapid global expansion, with assets approaching US$6tn and record sukuk issuance attracting non-traditional investors. The convergence of Shariah-compliant and sustainable investing is creating new opportunities, while AAOIFI Standard No. 62 and tokenisation developments are reshaping how Islamic finance structures are designed and implemented across international markets.

Important changes have been made to the BVI Business Companies Act, Revised Edition 2020 (the "Companies Act").

The Cayman Islands Department for International Tax Cooperation has made the following announcements regarding the AEOI regimes.

The decision as to where to establish an offshore trust can only be made based on the specific requirements of the client.

Singaporean asset managers are increasingly making use of Jersey structures for the establishment of funds dealing with crypto-currency assets, to take advantage of a Double Taxation Agreement ("DTA")...

Further to our recent update, the DITC has issued an updated CRS Entity Self-Certification Form and Individual Self-Certification Form to reflect the recent amendments to the CRS as implemented in the Cayman Islands.

A recent change to the Immigration Law has resulted in a significant increase in the qualifying sums for persons seeking to make an application to the Cayman Islands Government for permanent residence by independent means.

Bermuda's House of Assembly has introduced the Corporate Income Tax Amendment Act 2026, bringing significant updates to the island's corporate income tax regime. The amendments provide enhanced flexibility for filing entities, refine penalty structures, and clarify administrative mechanisms for the Corporate Income Tax Agency. These changes aim to streamline tax return filing processes and improve operational oversight for Bermuda Constituent Entities and multinational enterprise groups operating under the

What are the main authorities responsible for enforcing taxes on finance transactions in your jurisdiction?