Cayman Islands Corporate Solutions,
Formation Through Compliance,
Handled for You
The Cayman Islands is a premier jurisdiction for investment funds and holding companies. Our specialists manage your incorporation, regulatory filings, and corporate governance with precision.
International Recognition & Compliance
The Cayman Islands ranks as the world's fifth largest financial center, removed from the FATF grey list in October 2023 after demonstrating exceptional compliance achievements.
OECD Standards & Best Practices
The Cayman Islands maintains 'Compliant' status—the highest rating—from the OECD Global Forum, reflecting its leadership in tax transparency.
Why Choose a Cayman Islands Company
The Cayman Islands ranks as the world's fifth largest financial center, hosting over 100,000 companies and $5+ trillion in assets under administration.
Tax Neutral Status
The Cayman Islands imposes no corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax. Companies can obtain 20-year tax exemption certificates.
World-Class Financial Center
Home to global hedge funds, private equity, and multinational structures. Cayman offers unmatched depth in financial services expertise.
Streamlined Incorporation
Form an Exempt Company within 24 hours. The Registrar of Companies provides highly efficient processing for standard formations.
Top-Tier Banking Access
Cayman companies enjoy excellent acceptance at international banks. Over 40 banks operate locally with correspondent relationships worldwide.
Robust Legal System
British Overseas Territory with English common law. The Cayman courts are highly regarded for commercial dispute resolution.
Investment Fund Hub
The jurisdiction of choice for hedge funds and private equity, with specialized legislation including the Mutual Funds Act and Private Funds Act.
Privacy Score
Balanced transparency with strong compliance
Cayman maintains a beneficial ownership regime with information held by the Registrar and accessible to competent authorities. The system is centralized and efficient, meeting FATF and OECD standards. Director information is filed but not publicly searchable by general users. Compared to UK or EU jurisdictions with fully public registers, Cayman offers better privacy while exceeding global compliance requirements.
Director Anonymity
Filed with registrar, limited public access
Director details must be filed with the Registrar of Companies and are maintained in the system. While certain information may be accessible through formal channels, directors are not searchable in a public database like UK Companies House. Nominee director services are available through licensed trust companies. The approach balances transparency with reasonable privacy.
Beneficial Ownership
Centralized register, authority access
Cayman implemented a centralized beneficial ownership register accessible to competent authorities for law enforcement and tax purposes. The system is considered robust and efficient. Information is not available to the general public. The 25% ownership threshold is standard. Cayman's BO regime is well-regarded by international bodies.
Information Exchange
Full CRS/FATCA compliance, automatic exchange
Cayman is fully compliant with CRS and has a Model 1 FATCA IGA with the United States. As the world's leading investment fund domicile, Cayman's information exchange infrastructure is highly developed. Financial institutions report efficiently through established channels. Cayman is not subject to enhanced monitoring, reflecting effective implementation.
Banking Acceptance
Premium acceptance worldwide
Cayman entities enjoy excellent acceptance at banks globally. Major institutions in Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, US, and throughout the world readily service Cayman structures. The jurisdiction's clean regulatory standing (not on FATF or EU lists) eliminates enhanced due diligence triggers. The Cayman Islands' reputation as the leading fund domicile provides strong credibility.
Financial Reputation
#1 global investment fund domicile
The Cayman Islands is the world's leading jurisdiction for investment funds with over $5 trillion in assets under management. This dominant position creates unparalleled credibility in global finance. Removed from the FATF grey list in October 2023 and not on EU lists since 2020, Cayman has fully cleared regulatory concerns. Reputation among institutional investors is exceptional.
Currency Freedom
KYD pegged to USD, no exchange controls
The Cayman Islands Dollar is pegged to USD at 1.20:1 (or 0.833 KYD per USD). There are no exchange controls, capital restrictions, or currency regulations. Exempt companies and funds can operate in any currency freely. Multi-currency accounts are standard. The USD peg and absence of controls provide excellent flexibility for international business.
Banking Partnerships
Strong domestic sector, global correspondent network
Cayman has a substantial banking sector with 130+ licensed banks and $1.7 trillion in assets. Major global banks maintain significant operations. Correspondent banking relationships are extensive. Unlike smaller territories, Cayman offers meaningful domestic banking alongside international access. Fund administrators and custodians are well-established.
Regulatory Framework
World-class regulatory infrastructure
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) provides sophisticated regulation across banking, funds, insurance, and financial services. The Companies Act and fund legislation are modern and regularly updated. The legal framework is based on English common law with the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. Cayman's regulatory infrastructure rivals any major financial center.
OECD Compliance
Largely Compliant rating
The Cayman Islands maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with the OECD Global Forum, the highest rating achievable in practice. The jurisdiction actively participates in BEPS implementation and peer review processes. Tax transparency and information exchange are effective. This rating matches or exceeds most onshore financial centers.
EU Recognition
Fully cleared, not on any EU list
The Cayman Islands is not on EU Annex I (blacklist) or Annex II (greylist), having been removed from monitoring in 2020. This clean status eliminates enhanced due diligence requirements when dealing with European counterparties. Cayman successfully addressed all EU concerns regarding economic substance and tax governance. This is a significant competitive advantage.
FATCA/CRS Compliance
Premium compliance infrastructure
Cayman has a Model 1 FATCA IGA and was an early adopter of CRS. The jurisdiction was removed from the FATF grey list in October 2023 after demonstrating effective AML/CFT implementation. Fund and financial services compliance infrastructure is among the most developed globally. CIMA oversight is rigorous and well-resourced.
Incorporation Speed
1-2 days standard, same-day available
Cayman company incorporation typically completes in 1-2 business days. Same-day express service is available. The process is efficient with electronic filing systems. For registered funds, CIMA registration can be completed quickly through experienced administrators. The streamlined process reflects Cayman's mature corporate services sector.
Tax Efficiency
0% corporate tax, constitutional guarantee
The Cayman Islands has no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, and no estate tax. A 'Tax Assurance' can be obtained providing a 20-year guarantee against future taxation. There is no VAT or stamp duty on most transactions. Economic substance requirements apply to relevant activities. This represents optimal tax efficiency.
Political Stability
Stable British Overseas Territory
As a British Overseas Territory, Cayman benefits from constitutional links to the UK, providing fundamental stability and rule of law guarantees. The territory has a stable democratic government with high per capita income. Cayman maintains strong governance standards without facing regulatory concerns or intervention threats. Political stability is excellent.
Legal System
Premier offshore legal center
Cayman's legal system is based on English common law with the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. The jurisdiction has developed sophisticated offshore case law over decades. Major international law firms maintain offices. The Grand Court and Cayman Islands Court of Appeal handle complex commercial and fund disputes efficiently. Legal infrastructure is world-class.
Global Reputation
World's premier offshore financial center
The Cayman Islands is arguably the world's leading offshore financial center, particularly for investment funds. With $5+ trillion in fund assets and 130+ banks, Cayman has unparalleled institutional recognition. Fortune 500 companies, sovereign wealth funds, and major asset managers use Cayman structures. Brand recognition and credibility are exceptional.
Treaty Network
TIEAs only, very limited DTAs
Cayman has extensive Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) but almost no Double Taxation Agreements. Only a handful of DTAs provide limited withholding tax benefits. For businesses requiring treaty access to reduce source taxation, Cayman is not suitable as a treaty platform. This is the primary limitation of an otherwise exceptional jurisdiction.
Trade Relations
British territory benefits, limited independent access
Cayman benefits from certain UK trade arrangements but has no independent trade agreements or economic bloc membership. For active trading companies requiring preferential market access, Cayman is limited. The jurisdiction is optimized for holding, investment, and financial services rather than operational trading activities.
Diplomatic Status
British Overseas Territory advantages
As a British Overseas Territory, Cayman benefits from UK diplomatic protection and constitutional stability. This provides strong rule of law guarantees and political risk mitigation. However, Cayman cannot independently negotiate treaties or join international organizations. The UK connection is valuable for stability but limits flexibility.
Cayman Islands Corporate Services
Premium Cayman Islands corporate services from company formation to ongoing administration. We manage every aspect of your Cayman Islands entity.
Company Formation
Establish your Cayman Islands company through the Registrar of Companies. As a premier international financial center, Cayman offers sophisticated corporate structures for global business.
Complete Cayman Islands company incorporation through the Registrar of Companies. We prepare all documentation, handle government filings, and provide your corporate kit.
Mandatory Cayman registered office with professional George Town address. All government correspondence and statutory communications managed on your behalf.
Access Cayman Islands' extensive banking sector with major global institutions. We prepare applications, compile KYC documentation, and facilitate account opening.
Compliance & Filing
Maintain full compliance with Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) and Registrar requirements. We manage annual filings, economic substance obligations, and regulatory reporting.
Comprehensive annual compliance management including deadline tracking, government fee payments, and good standing maintenance with Cayman authorities.
Preparation and submission of annual returns to the Registrar of Companies. We handle fee payments and ensure timely filing to maintain company status.
Navigate Cayman Islands economic substance requirements. We assess relevant activities, prepare documentation, and file annual ES notifications and returns as required.
Professional bookkeeping services including transaction recording, bank reconciliation, and financial statement preparation meeting international reporting standards.
Document Retrieval
Obtain official corporate documents from Cayman Islands authorities. Fast processing with authentication and apostille services through the British system.
Official document confirming current directors, shareholders, and registered office. Essential for banking and commercial verification. Apostille available.
Confirms your Cayman company is active with no outstanding obligations. Essential for banking, fund subscriptions, and transactions. Apostille available.
Certified copy of your original incorporation certificate from the Cayman Registrar. Apostille available for international recognition.
Certified copies of your company's constitutional documents from the Registrar of Companies. Apostille available.
Corporate Administration
Professional Cayman Islands company administration and nominee services. Maintain proper governance with qualified professionals handling your entity requirements.
Professional nominee director services meeting Cayman Islands standards. Includes appropriate documentation, indemnity arrangements, and professional liability coverage.
Nominee shareholder services with declaration of trust arrangements. Handles all shareholder responsibilities while protecting beneficial owner information.
Complete corporate secretarial support including board minutes, shareholder resolutions, statutory register maintenance, and document management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential information about the Cayman Islands as a premier international financial center
The Cayman Islands operates under English common law as a British Overseas Territory. The Grand Court handles commercial matters with experienced judges, many from UK legal backgrounds. The Privy Council in London serves as the final court of appeal. This judicial infrastructure supports complex commercial and financial transactions with predictable outcomes.
The Cayman Islands has no direct taxation—no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax, or inheritance tax. This tax neutrality is constitutionally protected for at least 50 years through government undertakings. The jurisdiction relies on import duties, work permit fees, and financial services fees rather than direct taxation.
No, the Cayman Islands is not on the FATF grey list or EU blacklist/greylist. The jurisdiction maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with the OECD Global Forum and has comprehensive economic substance legislation meeting international standards. This clean regulatory standing is a significant competitive advantage for banking and international transactions.
The Cayman Islands offers Exempted Companies (the most common for international business), Exempted Limited Partnerships (popular for funds), Limited Liability Companies, and Segregated Portfolio Companies. The jurisdiction is particularly renowned for investment fund structures, with specific legislation for hedge funds, private equity, and mutual funds.
Companies conducting 'relevant activities' (such as holding company business, financing, or intellectual property) must demonstrate adequate economic substance in the Cayman Islands. This includes having qualified employees, adequate expenditure, and decision-making occurring locally. Companies must file annual ES declarations, which are assessed by the Tax Information Authority.
The Cayman Islands is the world's leading domicile for hedge funds and private equity, offering purpose-built fund legislation, experienced service providers, and regulatory frameworks recognized globally. CIMA provides efficient fund registration while major fund administrators, law firms, and auditors maintain significant local operations. Institutional investors universally accept Cayman fund structures.
As a British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands benefits from UK security guarantees and constitutional stability. The territory has a sophisticated economy with high GDP per capita, low crime, and excellent infrastructure. The financial services industry has operated for over 50 years with consistent legal and regulatory frameworks, providing long-term reliability for business planning.
Consult Our Cayman Team
Fund domiciliation, exempted companies, or Economic Substance planning—our specialists navigate CIMA requirements and Cayman best practices.
