Cayman Islands Launches 2025-26 National Risk Assessment

The Cayman Islands has launched its 2025-2026 National Risk Assessment (NRA), a significant step in strengthening the country’s framework against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

Importantly, completion of the NRA is also an integral part of preparation for the
upcoming 5th Round CFATF Mutual Evaluation, currently scheduled for December 2027.
The NRA is an internationally recognised process that helps countries better understand
and address financial crime risks. The findings are used to shape risk-based policies,
guide regulatory and supervisory priorities, and ensure Cayman continues to meet the
highest global standards.

"The NRA is an essential part of our national strategy to protect the Cayman Islands’
financial system and reputation," Premier and Minister for Financial Services and
Commerce, the Hon. André Ebanks said. "It also reflects Cayman’s continuing
commitment to combating financial crime. By taking a rigorous, transparent, and
inclusive approach, we are demonstrating our responsibility as a trusted global financial
services centre of excellence and innovation."

The 2025-2026 NRA is being coordinated by the Office for Strategic Action on Illicit
Finance (OSAIF), with participation from government agencies, regulators, and private
sector stakeholders. Initial meetings were held this week to address the assessment
methodology and the ongoing risk evaluations within certain sectors of financial
services.

"The NRA gives us the evidence base we need to develop effective, risk-based policies,"
OSAIF Director Andrea Proctor said. "It brings together government, regulators, law
enforcement partners, and industry to identify threats and vulnerabilities so that we
can respond decisively. This is about ensuring both compliance and resilience, while
showing international partners that Cayman takes its responsibilities seriously."