About The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority began operations on 1 January 1997. It was established as a body corporate under the Monetary Authority Law, which was brought into force on that date.

Our Mission

As the primary financial services regulator, the mission of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority is to enhance the economic wealth and reputation of the Cayman Islands by fostering a thriving and growing, competitive, and internationally recognised financial services industry, through appropriate, responsive, cost-effective and efficient supervision and a stable currency.

Our History

Creation

The Authority was created from the merger of the Financial Services Supervision Department of the Cayman Islands Government and the Cayman Islands Currency Board. The former responsibilities, duties and activities of  these two bodies now fall to CIMA. The Authority, however, was not established just to continue what was already in place under a different guise but rather to enhance Cayman's ability to maintain a well regulated financial services regime and monetary stability.

Operational Independence

In March 2003 the Authority became operationally independent under the Monetary Authority Law (2003 Revision). Independence significantly enhanced CIMA's ability to meet international standards of supervision, accountability and transparency, and has more clearly defined its functions, duties, powers and obligations.

The key change resulting from the granting of operational independence was that powers previously vested in the Cabinet of the Cayman Islands Government to issue and revoke licences and registration and to exercise enforcement powers now vest in CIMA, through its Board of Directors.