Cayman Islands Country Summary
Sanctions
No
FATF AML Deficient List
Yes
Terrorism
Corruption
US State ML Assessment
Criminal Markets (GI Index)
EU Tax Blacklist
Offshore Finance Center
Please note that although the below Summary will give a general outline of the AML risks associated with the jurisdiction, if you are a Regulated entity then you may need to demonstrate that your Jurisdictional AML risk assessment has included a full assessment of the risk elements that have been identified as underpinning overall Country AML risk. To satisfy these requirements, we would recommend that you use our Subscription area.
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Anti Money Laundering
FATF Status
The Cayman Islands is no longer on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies
Latest FATF Statement - 27 October 2023
The FATF welcomes the Cayman Islands’ significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime. The Cayman Islands strengthened the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime to meet the commitments in its action plan regarding the strategic deficiencies that the FATF identified in February 2021 related to (1) applying sanctions that are effective, proportionate and dissuasive, and taking administrative penalties and enforcement actions against obliged entities to ensure that breaches are remediated effectively and in a timely manner; (2) imposing adequate and effective sanctions in cases where relevant parties (including legal persons) do not file accurate, adequate and up to date beneficial ownership information; and (3) demonstrating that they are prosecuting all types of money laundering in line with the jurisdiction’s risk profile and that such prosecutions are resulting in the application of dissuasive, effective, and proportionate sanctions. The Cayman Islands is therefore no longer subject to the FATF’s increased monitoring process.
The Cayman Islands should continue to work with CFATF to sustain its improvements in its AML/CFT system.
European Commission List of Countries with Strategic Deficiencies in their AML/CFT Regimes
On 18 January 2024, the European Commission published the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024163 (the "Regulation") in the Official Journal of the EU, pursuant to which the Cayman Islands will be removed from its list of 'high-risk third countries' ("EU AML List"), being countries identified by the EU as having strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing ("AML/CFT") regimes. The Regulation will come into force on 7 February 2024, resulting in the official de-listing of the Cayman Islands from the EU AML List on such date.
Compliance with FATF Recommendations
The last follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in The Cayman Islands was undertaken in 2021. According to that Evaluation, The Cayman Islands was deemed Compliant for 22 and Largely Compliant for 18 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 0 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.
Sanctions
There are no international sanctions currently in force against this country
Bribery & Corruption
Rating | 0 (bad) - 100 (good) |
---|---|
Transparency International Corruption Index | NA |
World Bank: Control of Corruption Percentile Rank | 67 |
Economy
The economy of the Cayman Islands is primarily driven by financial services and tourism, which together contribute 50-60% of its GDP. With a GDP per capita of approximately $109,684, the territory enjoys the highest standard of living in the Caribbean, supported by a low unemployment rate and a unique tax structure that attracts international businesses.
The investment climate in the Cayman Islands is highly favorable, characterized by a tax-neutral environment and a strong legal framework that attracts foreign investors. Despite facing scrutiny over money laundering allegations, the government's implementation of stricter regulations aims to enhance the territory's reputation as a secure investment destination.
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- Risk Analysis
- Corruption
- Economy
- Sanctions
- Narcotics
- Executive Summaries
- Investment Climates
- FATF Status
- Compliance
- Key Findings