Welcome to the Q2 2025 funds newsletter.
This edition covers the topics below. We hope you will find this newsletter of interest.
- Cayman's SIBA: A Game Changer for Investment Managers
- Tokenised Funds in the Cayman Islands
- 2025 Regulatory Filing Deadlines
- FATCA and CRS Deadlines 2025
- Latest Investments and Securities Figures
- Stay Compliant with our AML & Compliance Training
- Stuarts Ranked Leading Firm in Chambers Global Guide 2025
- Funds Publications
- Our Podcasts & Videos
- Events
Cayman's SIBA: A Game Changer for Investment Managers
The Cayman Islands' revised Securities Investment Business Act (SIBA) introduces a clearer, more efficient regulatory framework for investment managers. With a streamlined registration process, defined scope of covered activities - including virtual assets - and alignment with Economic Substance requirements, SIBA enhances regulatory certainty and global credibility.
Tokenised Funds in the Cayman Islands
The tokenisation of investment funds holds the potential to modernise financial infrastructure, enhance market efficiency, and significantly broaden investor access. By combining the legal and regulatory rigour of Cayman Islands fund structures with the speed and transparency of blockchain technology, tokenised funds are poised to play an increasingly important role in the evolution of asset management.
2025 Regulatory Filing Deadlines
Please be aware of the 2025 regulatory filing deadlines for all Cayman-domiciled entities - including funds, registered companies, and financial institutions - under the CRS, FATCA, and Economic Substance regimes with the Cayman Islands' Department for International Tax Cooperation (DITC). The new beneficial ownership regime is now in effect, requiring immediate compliance to avoid penalties. Director registration renewals or cancellations must be completed via CIMA's online portal using existing credentials. Additionally, the CRS list of Reportable Jurisdictions has been updated—regularly reviewing the DITC Updates Bulletin is advised. For support, contact your usual Stuarts attorney or Jon McLean, Head of Banking & Regulatory.
FATCA and CRS Deadlines
Cayman Islands financial institutions have until 31 July 2025 to complete their FATCA reporting, CRS reporting and CRS filing declaration. Key FATCA and CRS Deadlines for 2025 are:
- 31 July 2025: CRS Reporting
- 31 July 2025: CRS Filing Declaration
- 31 July 2025: FATCA Reporting
- 15 September 2025: CRS Compliance Form
If you require assistance, please contact our Head of Banking & Regulatory, Jon McLean.
Latest Investments and Securities Figures
Most regulated sectors in the Cayman Islands have continued on a steady path over the last 12 months with Private Funds up 3.5%. Funds may have previously been discouraged to set up the investment manager in the Cayman Islands due to the new economic substance rules. However, there are sensible solutions to meet the economic substance requirements and we encourage funds to discuss the options with us.
Stay Compliant with our AML & Compliance Training
Stuarts offers CIMA-compliant AML and compliance training for financial services professionals in the Cayman Islands. This annual training covers Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF), Proliferation Financing (PF), and Sanctions, as required by CIMA for Directors, AML Officers, Senior Management, and relevant staff. Sessions are led by Reuben Foster, former CIMA Chief Analyst and now Head of Group Compliance at Stuarts. To book your training, contact Jon McLean or Reuben Foster today.
Stuarts Ranked Leading Firm in Chambers Global Guide 2025
Stuarts Humphries has been ranked as a leading law firm for Investment Funds in the Chambers Global Guide 2025, with Managing Director and Head of Funds, Chris Humphries, recognised as a Leading Individual. The firm was praised for its expertise in fund formation, restructuring, and regulatory compliance, with clients highlighting the team's responsiveness, commercial insight, and practical advice. Chris was commended for his leadership, market knowledge, and hands-on approach. The rankings reflect Stuarts' growing reputation as a trusted advisor in the Cayman Islands' investment funds space.
Funds Publications
- Chambers Global Guide 2025: In Depth Overview of Investment Funds in the Cayman Island
- Chambers FinTech Guide 2025: Introduction to FinTech in the Cayman Islands
- Mondaq Comparative Guide 2025: Capital Markets in the Cayman Islands
- Legal500 Interview with Chris Humphries: 2024 Market Overview and Adapting to Clients' Needs
- Legal500 Fintech Country Comparative Guide 2024: Alternative Investments: Crypto Funds and Digital Assets Thrive Under Innovative Legislation
- Business Reporter 2024: Empowering Web3 through Innovative Legislation in the Cayman Islands
- Lexology Panoramic 2024 Chapters: Private Equity: Fund Formation in the Cayman Islands
- Lexology Panoramic 2024 Chapters: Private Equity: Transactions in the Cayman Islands
- Chambers Practice Guide 2023: Doing Business in the Cayman Islands: Digital Assets, Trends and Developments
- Mondaq Comparative Guide 2023: Securitisation in the Cayman Islands
- Hedge Week Cayman Report 2023: Powers of the Founder of Foundation Companies
- Legal500 Alternative Investments Guide 2022: Rise in Fintech Funds in the Cayman Islands
- ICLG Corporate Governance 2021: Corporate Governance in the Cayman Islands
- Cayman Structures for Crypto, Web3 and Blockchain Entities
Our Podcasts on Mutual Funds & Private Funds
Stuarts released podcasts on the Registration of Private Funds and Mutual Funds in the Cayman Islands. The podcasts include a brief summary on; the types of private funds (including non-fund arrangements) and mutual funds in the Cayman Islands and their registration requirements.
Podcast - Mutual Fund Registration in the Cayman Islands
Podcast - Private Fund Registration in the Cayman Islands (Part 1)
Podcast - Private Fund Registration in the Cayman Islands (Part 2)
Our Videos on Investment Funds
View our recently released videos on the registration of private funds, mutual funds and crypto funds in the Cayman Islands. The videos include a brief summary on the types of funds (including non-fund arrangements) and their registration requirements.
Video - Private Funds in the Cayman Islands
Video - Mutual Funds in the Cayman Islands
Video - Crypto Funds in the Cayman Islands
Events
Upcoming
- 19-28 September 2025: Southampton Boat Show. Reach out to Chris Humphries if you would like to connect.
- 6-9 October 2025: Chris Humphries and Megan Wright will be in New York. Reach out if you would like to connect.
Recent
- 7-8 May 2025: Going Global Conference, Miami. In addition to co-hosting a booth with Cayman Enterprise City ("CEC") at the event, Megan Wright, Partner & Head of Corporate, participated in a discussion with Chris Morgan, CEC's Head of Global Mobility, on "Expanding Globally: Why the Cayman Islands is Your Ideal Offshore Hub."
Originally Published 30 June 2025
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
