In a positive development for the jurisdiction, EU ministers have removed the Cayman Islands from their blacklist of 'non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes'.

This outcome follows the implementation of a series of further regulatory measures in response to Cayman's controversial inclusion on the list for the first time in February this year. The Cayman Islands Government has introduced a number of new laws and regulations since February, with the purpose of strengthening Cayman's already rigorous regulatory framework and expanding the powers of its financial regulatory body, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). Of particular note is the Private Funds Law 2020, which now requires the majority of closed ended private funds to register with CIMA.

Jude Scott, CEO of Cayman Finance, described the EU's decision as 'an important validation of Cayman's commitment to a responsible policy of tax neutrality which poses no harm to other countries'. The high calibre of Cayman's regulatory standards continues to make Cayman the preferred domicile for global investment vehicles.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.