What it takes to obtain Securities investment business (SIBA), VASP registration/licence in Cayman Islands: the regulator, minimum capital, local substance, typical timeline and how hard it is to open a corporate bank account, based on regulator publications as of October 2026.

Lower capital and costs, but banks and counterparties may scrutinise offshore licensees closely. Real management and compliance are essential.

Key facts (October 2026)

Capital and fees are taken from regulators' rules and publications (October 2026), in local currency, and are confirmed case by case before applying.

What to consider

• Broker-dealer grant and annual fees CI$10,000 each (about US$12,195).
• Crypto custody and trading platforms moved from registration to licensing in April 2025; a trading platform licence costs KYD 100,000 to grant.
• Cayman was grey-listed from February 2021 to October 2023 and is no longer listed.

FAQ

What is the minimum capital for a financial licence in Cayman Islands?

No fixed minimum (assessed case by case). Requirements can rise with the activities and size of the business.

How long does licensing take in Cayman Islands?

Only complete applications reviewed; decision notified about 7 days after. Missing documents extend the timeline, so preparation matters.

Do I need staff or an office in Cayman Islands?

2+ directors; senior officer changes need prior approval. Nominee-only structures are not accepted; real management and compliance are expected.

Can I open a corporate bank account in Cayman Islands?

Often banked with international banks in the US, Europe or Asia. We recommend preparing banking in parallel with the licence application.

Other options in Offshore centres