Cayman Islands Monetary Authority
(CIMA)Regulatory Snapshot
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority is the regulatory body responsible for the supervision of financial services businesses in the Cayman Islands. Established in 1997, CIMA regulates banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, money service businesses, and securities investment firms within one of the world's most prominent international financial centres.
About CIMA
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) is the regulatory body overseeing financial services in the Cayman Islands, one of the world's leading offshore financial centres. Established in 1997, CIMA is responsible for the regulation, supervision, and inspection of banking, insurance, securities, mutual funds, and money services businesses operating in the jurisdiction.
Regulatory Framework
CIMA employs a risk-based supervisory approach and has developed comprehensive regulatory standards aligned with international best practices established by organisations including FATF, the Basel Committee, and IOSCO. While the Cayman Islands is classified as an offshore jurisdiction, CIMA's regulatory standards significantly exceed those of most offshore regulators, reflecting the territory's importance as a global financial hub.
- Securities Investment Business licensing requirements
- Capital adequacy and financial resource requirements
- Anti-money laundering and compliance framework
- Ongoing supervision and reporting obligations
Restricted Countries
CIMA operates stricter standards than most offshore regulators, reflecting the Cayman Islands' importance as a global financial centre.
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