JURISDICTIONS
Cayman Islands
General Information
| Location | Situated approximately 1,150 kilometers south of Florida. The Cayman Islands consist of a group of three islands in the Caribbean |
| Population | Approximately 54,000 |
| Language |
English (official) |
| Legal System | English Common Law |
| Currency | Cayman Islands dollar (approx. USD 1 : KYD 0.82) |
| Exchange Control | None |
| Economy | The Cayman Islands is the leading financial centre in the world. Most of the revenue being derived from the financial services sector and tourism. Cayman Islands are a favoured jurisdiction for mutual funds and financial services |
| Time Zone | GMT -5 |
| International Banks | Barclays Bank, Bank of NovaScotia, Royal Bank of Canada |
| Principal Corporate Legislation | Cayman Islands Companies Law |
Introduction
The financial services sector is one of the main industries in the Cayman Islands; the offshore financial services industry is continually being developed. The popularity and reputation of the Cayman Islands has increased significantly in Asia. The Cayman Islands established its own Stock Exchange in 1997.
The Cayman Islands is a British colony. The Companies Law of the Cayman Islands is based on the English Companies Act of 1948 and can be found in the Cayman Islands Companies Law in 1960, as amended.
All the major international accounting firms are present, and there are several high-quality law firms. Miami is one hour away by air and there are direct air links with New York, Atlanta, Tampa, Houston and Jamaica. The islands are a popular cruise-ship stop.
Current Features & Benefits
- A premier international financial centre. Over 40 of the world’s top 50 banks have established branches or subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands
- Strong reputation, professionalism, confidentiality, political stability, asset protection and geographical location
- Approved by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong for public listings in Hong Kong
- Favoured jurisdiction for mutual funds and trusts
- Company names with English and Chinese are allowed
- No taxes relating to individuals, corporations or trusts and no exchange control regulations in the Cayman Islands
- Director and shareholder information cannot be searched publicly
# Statistics of Cayman Islands Government General Registry Companies
| General Information | |
|
Stability of Jurisdiction |
Good |
|
Legal System |
Common Law |
|
Type of Company |
Exempted |
| Company Information | |
| Bearer Share | Custodian |
|
Standard Authorised Capital / Shares |
US$50,000 |
|
Chinese Name Permitted |
Yes (b) |
| Official Bilingual M&A | No |
| Local Requirements | |
|
Minimum Number of Shareholders |
1 |
|
Minimum Number of Directors |
1 |
|
Company Secretary |
Optional (c) |
| President & Treasurer | Optional (c) |
| Beneficial Owners | No ( a) |
| Public Filings | |
|
Shareholders |
No |
|
Directors |
Yes |
|
Company Secretary |
Yes |
| Other | |
|
Registered Agent / Resident Agent |
Yes |
|
Registered Office |
Yes |
|
Annual Return / Accounts Filing |
Yes / No |
|
Corporate Tax |
Nil |
|
Change of Domicile Permitted |
Yes |
| Shelf Companies Available | No |
|
Notes: |
|
| (a) |
Disclosed to Registered Agent / Resident Agent, NOT publicly accessible record |
| (b) |
Must accompany an English name |
| (c) | It is optional to appoint these officers but if any of these officers is appointed, a register of the same has to be filed with the Companies Registry. However, it is not for public search. |