Illes Caiman: Invertir
Attracting foreign direct investment is the cornerstone of the planning policy of the country, and the Cayman Islands are renowned for their financial industry and tourism. However, since 2011, FDI flows have been very volatile. The country is not classified in the World Investment Report 2025 published by UNCTAD. Nevertheless, according to the same source, the total FDI inflow stood at USD 28.1 billion in 2023 (latest data available). As per the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority’s latest Investments Statistical Digest, at the close of 2023, the number of registered funds reached 29,353, marking a rise of 504 funds, or 1.75%, from 28,849 in 2022. However, this growth was more modest than the increase of 1,451 funds (5.30%) recorded between 2021 and 2022. The ending net asset value (NAV) of Cayman Islands-domiciled funds stood at USD 8.267 trillion, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year’s NAV of USD 7.949 trillion. This represented a turnaround from the 7.05% decline recorded between 2021 and 2022. Portfolio investments are held mainly by U.S. funds (3.85 trillion), followed by Cayman Islands’ and China’s funds (USD 2.1 trillion and USD 306.5 billion, respectively).
The primary sector attracting FDI to the Cayman Islands is the financial services industry, including banking, investment management, and insurance. The country is home to more than 100 banks and over 15,000 investment funds, making it one of the world's leading offshore financial centres. To attract even more FDI, the Cayman Islands are trying to diversify their economy beyond tourism and offshore financial services. This project was partly implemented via the creation of the “Cayman Enterprise City”, which offers new business services in a special economic zone. The Government has introduced incentives to encourage the setting up of local industries: there are no corporate or income taxes for companies on money earned outside the Caymans’ territory, including interest or dividends earned on investments. A solid legal framework, a lucrative banking and financial service industry, access to professional service providers, a stable political and economic climate, the absence of trade controls, modern infrastrcture and advanced communications systems are many of the assets that stimulate and attract foreign investors to the Cayman Islands, which is not ranked in the main indexes concerning the business climate. However, the country has faced criticism from some international organisations, particularly regarding its tax policies and lack of transparency. Nevertheless, In October 2023, the Cayman Islands was taken off the Financial Action Task Force's "increased monitoring" list, and in January 2024, it was additionally removed from the European Commission’s Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024163, commonly referred to as the "EU AML List," effective from February 7, 2024.
| No income tax is imposed on individuals in the Cayman Islands. |
Any Comment About This Content? Report It to Us.
© eexpand, All Rights Reserved.
Latest Update: October 2025
