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Run: eb3d8a33... | Cayman Islands - Retail Trading Status
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Retail cryptocurrency trading is legally permitted and regulated in the Cayman Islands, primarily through the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (VASP Act). The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) oversees VASPs, mandating licensing, registration, and stringent AML/KYC compliance. Individuals trading for their own account are generally not subject to licensing, but must use regulated platforms, and CIMA has issued warnings regarding crypto scams. The Cayman Islands is also preparing to implement the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets.
Retail cryptocurrency trading is legally permitted and regulated in the Cayman Islands, primarily through the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (VASP Act). The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) oversees VASPs, mandating licensing, registration, and stringent AML/KYC compliance. Individuals trading for their own account are generally not subject to licensing, but must use regulated platforms, and CIMA has issued warnings regarding crypto scams. The Cayman Islands is also preparing to implement the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets.
Key Pillars
The primary regulator is the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), which supervises and regulates businesses offering services related to virtual assets. Core compliance requirements include stringent AML/KYC obligations, such as client identification and verification, ongoing monitoring, and record-keeping. Licensing or registration is mandatory for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), particularly those providing custody services or operating trading platforms.
The primary regulator is the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), which supervises and regulates businesses offering services related to virtual assets. Core compliance requirements include stringent AML/KYC obligations, such as client identification and verification, ongoing monitoring, and record-keeping. Licensing or registration is mandatory for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), particularly those providing custody services or operating trading platforms.
Landmark Laws
- Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (VASP Act) (2020, implemented in phases):
- Introduced to legitimize digital assets and cryptocurrencies, and supervise and regulate businesses offering services related to them.
- Phase One (October 2020):
- Focused on AML/CFT obligations and registration for VASPs.
- Phase Two (April 1, 2025):
- Introduced mandatory licensing for VASPs providing virtual asset custody or operating virtual asset trading platforms.
- Proceeds of Crime Act:
- Requires service providers exchanging fiat currency and cryptoassets to comply with AML and KYC requirements.
- Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (VASP Act) (2020, implemented in phases):
- Introduced to legitimize digital assets and cryptocurrencies, and supervise and regulate businesses offering services related to them.
- Phase One (October 2020):
- Focused on AML/CFT obligations and registration for VASPs.
- Phase Two (April 1, 2025):
- Introduced mandatory licensing for VASPs providing virtual asset custody or operating virtual asset trading platforms.
- Proceeds of Crime Act:
- Requires service providers exchanging fiat currency and cryptoassets to comply with AML and KYC requirements.
Considerations
The Cayman Islands classifies crypto assets as virtual assets under the VASP Act. The jurisdiction does not levy direct taxes such as income tax, capital gains tax, or corporate tax on cryptocurrency transactions for individuals or companies. CIMA has issued public warnings regarding the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, particularly concerning scams and financial fraud. The Cayman Islands is preparing to implement the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets, with the first exchanges anticipated in 2027.
The Cayman Islands classifies crypto assets as virtual assets under the VASP Act. The jurisdiction does not levy direct taxes such as income tax, capital gains tax, or corporate tax on cryptocurrency transactions for individuals or companies. CIMA has issued public warnings regarding the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, particularly concerning scams and financial fraud. The Cayman Islands is preparing to implement the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets, with the first exchanges anticipated in 2027.
Notes
In 2021, some individuals reportedly faced difficulties with local banks when transacting with major cryptocurrency exchanges, but the legal framework permits individuals to engage with cryptocurrencies through regulated VASPs. CIMA clarifies that it does not assist with the recovery of crypto scam assets. The Cayman Islands is preparing to implement the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets, with the first exchanges anticipated in 2027.
In 2021, some individuals reportedly faced difficulties with local banks when transacting with major cryptocurrency exchanges, but the legal framework permits individuals to engage with cryptocurrencies through regulated VASPs. CIMA clarifies that it does not assist with the recovery of crypto scam assets. The Cayman Islands is preparing to implement the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets, with the first exchanges anticipated in 2027.
Web Sources
Web Sources
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Full Analysis Report
Full Analysis Report
Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status: Cayman Islands
Report Date: 2025-06-26
Topic: Retail_Trading_Status
Description: An assessment of the legality and regulatory environment for individual citizens and residents in the Cayman Islands to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. This includes an examination of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements imposed on platforms, as well as any general warnings issued by authorities.
Retail_Trading_Status: Allowed-Regulated
Detailed Narrative Explanation:
Retail cryptocurrency trading, encompassing the buying, selling, and holding of digital assets by individual citizens and residents, is legally permitted in the Cayman Islands. The jurisdiction has established a comprehensive regulatory framework, primarily through the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (VASP Act), which has been implemented in phases. This framework does not prohibit individuals from participating in cryptocurrency markets but focuses on regulating the entities that provide virtual asset services.
Historically, the Cayman Islands had a crypto-neutral stance. However, to align with international standards, particularly those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the VASP Act was introduced in 2020. This legislation legitimized digital assets and cryptocurrencies and set out to supervise and regulate businesses offering services related to them.
Individuals trading for their own account are generally not subject to specific licensing requirements. However, the platforms and service providers they might use, such as exchanges and custodians, are subject to stringent regulations. The VASP Act mandates that entities providing virtual asset services, including exchanges between virtual assets and fiat currencies, or between different virtual assets, must register with or be licensed by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).
Phase one of the VASP Act, which commenced in October 2020, focused on AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism) obligations and registration for VASPs. Phase two, which came into effect on April 1, 2025, introduced a mandatory licensing regime for certain categories of VASPs, specifically those providing virtual asset custody services or operating virtual asset trading platforms. Existing VASPs falling under these categories were given a deadline (e.g., by June 29 or July 1, 2025) to apply for this license.
A significant aspect of this regulatory framework is the imposition of robust KYC/AML requirements on VASPs. These entities must implement client identification and verification procedures, conduct ongoing monitoring, maintain records, and have internal reporting and control mechanisms in place. This includes adherence to the FATF "Travel Rule," which requires VASPs to share and hold certain customer information during transactions. The AML regulations in the Cayman Islands require the identification and verification of beneficial owners of legal persons at a threshold of 10% unless simplified due diligence is applicable.
While retail trading is allowed, CIMA has issued public warnings regarding the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, particularly concerning scams and financial fraud. CIMA clarifies that it does not assist with the recovery of crypto scam assets and urges the public to be vigilant.
The Cayman Islands does not levy any direct taxes such as income tax, capital gains tax, or corporate tax on cryptocurrency transactions for individuals or companies. The jurisdiction is also preparing to implement the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets, with the first exchanges anticipated in 2027, to enhance tax transparency.
Some anecdotal reports from 2021 suggested that individuals faced difficulties with local banks when trying to transact with major cryptocurrency exchanges. However, the overarching legal framework clearly permits individuals to engage with cryptocurrencies, provided they use regulated VASPs where applicable.
In summary, retail cryptocurrency trading in the Cayman Islands is allowed and is regulated primarily through the VASP Act, which imposes licensing, registration, and stringent AML/KYC obligations on service providers. Individuals themselves are not typically required to obtain licenses for personal trading but must interact with a regulated ecosystem.
Specific, Relevant Text Excerpts:
- Loeb Smith (April 3, 2025): "There are generally no legal requirements or restrictions on where investors are allowed to trade cryptoassets in the Cayman Islands, so investors are usually free to trade cryptoassets wherever they desire."
- Loeb Smith (April 3, 2025): "Assuming the subject cryptoassets that are traded on the exchanges, alternative trading systems and secondary markets qualify as virtual assets under the VASP Act, such exchanges, alternative trading systems and secondary markets will have to apply for a licence with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) if either of them qualifies as a virtual asset trading platform under the VASP Act..."
- Loeb Smith (April 3, 2025): "Furthermore, if the exchange of fiat currency and cryptoassets falls within one of the relevant financial businesses under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the relevant service provider will be required to comply with the AML and KYC requirements under the AML Regulations, which include, among other things, implementing client identification and verification, record-keeping, and internal reporting and control procedures."
- ICLG.com (October 25, 2024): "The Cayman Islands does not impose any restrictions or licensing requirements that are specifically targeted at the ownership, holding or trading of digital assets by those doing so for their own account."
- ICLG.com (October 25, 2024): "The VASP Act clearly establishes the legitimacy of digital assets and cryptocurrencies in the Cayman Islands and regulates businesses providing services related to virtual assets. Virtual assets themselves and parties dealing with virtual assets for their own purposes are generally not subject to specific regulation in the Cayman Islands."
- Collas Crill (May 30, 2025): "Effective as of 23 May 2025, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) introduced significant updates to the Cayman Islands' regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers (VASPs)... These changes fall in step with the implementation of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act (2024 Revision) (VASP Act) Phase 2 licensing regime, which came into effect on 1 April 2025. The updated framework introduces a mandatory licensing requirement for certain categories of VASPs..."
- Finance Magnates (March 10, 2025): "From 1 April 2025, entities offering virtual asset custody and trading platform services in or from the Cayman Islands must obtain a licence."
- CaymanIslands.com.ky (undated, accessed June 2024): "The Cayman Islands does not impose restrictions or licensing requirements specifically for owning or trading digital assets for personal use."
- Mourant (April 1, 2025): "Phase two, which requires entities which provide virtual asset custody services or operate a virtual asset trading platform to apply for a licence, came into force on 1 April 2025."
- Appleby (June 16, 2025): "Under the VASP Act, VASPs are subject to a number of general regulatory obligations including: extensive anti-money laundering (AML) including know-your-customer (KYC) obligations..."
- CIMA (February 13, 2025): "Please be advised that the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”) does not provide assistance with the recovery of crypto scams, asset recovery, or any financial transactions... We urge the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent untrustworthy or unfamiliar financial institutions."
Direct, Accessible URL Links to Sources:
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- ICLG.com (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHv3Yqgw4Iptjc4k_HtHsndEazvgdRiTkEnkXaIpqT7-VfEaNQYssB7S1piVZpsOEv9sqypMLd287fHxboS80b32DUDOIU1sq9ojP3ynbS5-Vq5fYUnQily6_lD0LsEGdy2yeqMbROs35VCP0pIwCT6CG3-UHGngLjTAfvknTvTqWB-oSKej9z3ztqmYWSB0zZFCw-KBgoa1eaTepu-X2j4kZyvXCrK2qMzTtI=
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- Collas Crill (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGmYCBfw7IqDZ_wjtVV_4gz5Tjo523C4J4nSOJcvqSaZL6oFK5Gq_snXPegzPYIdt4r1iu1FbcWdYCUfiRNRXzrhLw86NH-LSObvlT174m7uy_mmkG5FIk2zCR4dZu0v6QjEC1rSBbBXm72uqv5GwpF0dUH8D_tFml0OWuI8qV86Qkq9_SNdjMakCII23hICEGcToDg8f1NW6k9ee4JuL1JjkCHiGUIuXCIWA==
- Appleby (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFLxaAxVt5KWjOim3kmXBlytnWqHHNEB4zmwL2nLhLYEgSukk-aaBendvph8lqPsJ-4XseRwhst3xB5ugBcE4_y_ycJ3kuMlHTCXpyiPlE09daZDAr02zYvnehbbG_ixR6hdiCC3qgPxK48v1zHJK8NiXxqrTowa8DCL1YixhK91v9bmbMX
- Finance Magnates (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFDk_xCIcfY7vfoZayJMb9pv2efAfjOBtkD00FScDR2sAZdjQon0wpkS-tdhzetpGP9OX2vmoK8jrpmUIuVM4nAazoL2B0hKfQVxv8XR97jjbaCZq4VuErwc7-FZRAIYr3uWcpTdgfHMobo7VCS3ilsS8jAsoc-j_qSI7711hyRSV8TxErP2BpVkvdNQ6swdIw11ZM8w9cLZ1yE3WiuAL67cMtlhfkOhxXOSG_MeV_h3MSsVpVQJ9RKLSncllg=
- CaymanIslands.com.ky (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHLSl0SOi2m75p8qoH2NNSes9Z_ACLh6d4IXEdsEMSU-22vSLZ5ggtoOuq2IrRH7ojbFm7d1Hs2qz47LBdU0ImVdcWWO3l_UiOrHmwdzIC4AYNHnnndGBW5yt-Yecchog2VKevJBir7bL2vQD4=
- Library of Congress (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHGebzJOTBcRyLEo4c2_83ilZxYc_2fgoVZ7keFLqicSqvS046o1NHiO99rtuar1gRKVtc6m95YmRyVlBBG3Mynn-GtwScCKoTbWsZOrI2P2LdxVIR2Ckmh9OB_B1gX7EbGHfbcDiDgvI6o0w12oj_l
- Harneys (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGDkArnjVdX1SuPX3_LnmN9Ops8IIaU93vFPmgEZBg85dxmrP1FD82g5omAGbB0hm2ChKZNuJBEDaN658xJ49OoRDbn_g9X82LyGXF9bbaMkLSPmqSnwBM4rnR-RJJucc0B4J8mldtb0I_tE1de_EUHsA7WwCz6z2ihqGSCFrTwjbynLbrAIefgc_CY9Yta01GH-LaU01izYzb7OcbQkYs8dIglgqioE-QUJws8GHx49CoZV16Gd3BFf9z3CEF3
- The Cryptonomist (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHkN7Q68JguzbIVWLqKh4TuEOSacFZWS6JAt_0ws1hIMNmi6vbEOZyYiBSawG5tSlxWtVullBlObaARALtOdn3gFkS88beDKRXBsIR5BHDNDtPys2HJPYCPH0lPTe5d4SYv98fi4LFRc2cnAFQta9CKB5ZPHV-RQDg9NcxPuc4gIzAY2CbMVyyoU6hzS20jq-U1udjKO9ohXmoA
- Mourant (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEExT_UdoW3_zoLjBcXzVaTg98QjlKLZOJ8OKWj7SVlcWqwfyKVYdJqzVTbfyszRwI9ETjehfxQdS2nyTgo38EwGLd9jeusAUwThLpNtrg5S0KQo7w4B3JteZruOzaW_K08iv-XFn7h41-YR-5oVMs9xyJV0GrDS0hgXh46s4mntXbI4wCIjnbu5pvmdvnED-0TQB7igMq_yK_7sfFa0ABTVn-0K4ZYHT8=
- Finance Magnates (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHn6uh2jWJgQP0NFFS4RKNYyg4mLSX_HZz8kGk7-_7y7pFyX-VWZzUFCuUY5McJofTV44yTZiSgISF8h4Cq96dJzLWVzz13c0QX4IqdobXmF6DME3U6n09QsKWsFT1ZO0adRlZZDcJyJWhPN5ApKxRNEcLG1Kl4o1b8-hpdpoKXhRmravKGf_fg9Dxg24eCykJk2mS5sKNkRuj2AvwS1Nhr2pO8urIA_2G72G_OmRcYb15VcGR8op-8JdUAixbUyunfXoeAqacUvcGeEP8DPO0=
- AInvest (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEjF6bAeh9dHmSPvLhuijsyLKRCSJhCyiWKmAu6p2NMkeDzggAFn_RfpW1GjTAUP5cIEC8sClr6DOJYKmuNR2JKncNsbVTieD7FLX1hXKVFHwpfWVQDbg1AvKsFDij52Pst77bgRl4shM6LkuDbWmXgS9s22xM0_aU9flJBlaqNvgO32c53sc519QLNpI2MvGAABUWhEHQqYJUSbVFNbkPJ7g==
- Chambers and Partners (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGHpAWSrtDAWvyqjpxwXtIV_HYZxgGlWOHL3G-iGo3Xul0CBMiFR0MJj5xxnWRRvygxvavNU5NSDPdSd7h9X2SJRXw2tCcbG6U-x9EwPIHjL-Vl3-yapOI5LWSeG1bMS-KWtffb7Wn8OMYm1FdKwtUaEFfZl4BxusoMWFWMPP0UEBXRHvZ__fXH7fmxIujcS3J-GRJNOAU42FkDvXp9TYXDOCtrG9A37NLi6GQ=
- KPMG International (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGKh00bk2zgE5iCc22ZIPhjo-Ao-g6U9oxaEi22guPZ4SaWAIdKOTOoWNQuSAby8dimtA2hoZQZEaprszUA2EMr8745cJjsHoZf-zpoGHhdk8Y00e-3EkpcgQRSAWEMddfTaJWUgvIs0VPT2WRvoJ4tEw==
- Carey Olsen (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEJebyDAb9gCbuo4yJkCDqn7F8z_5osaDDjaUFxzYPJw1-NAFhYlrzGUFgSpjUMMM2HqkSqlv3n2ku6HIXgKzNfHWx5vbbiKu_yuAxXTw7xXP6uQWXX2Tuw8c4co3dBI5XULNQUu7ycxQxsS7Y5OGE_aAFEsD1eIq5rG0-00qYRjHu_c882Z_GVKbBPSEtbF8YUykTE0P_lgkF06RpY67CH0ZuT
- McDermott Will & Emery (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGOkg_2U2Cunreg-AEKwFx09mfbyevjqui0lqrR2BQa6IaeKsXbNScYx8KCrpcn7Xnkt8wAhRGJz_SMNs2X2dyStnK-cnHwvoBhT0HzM36DrXklgYvIWZ0969nWw01QIz-Ret_qXlTXsHfDpV7f_8GbAg3wzYsk6shFpIwjEkzSDSqNqI3wtkHbEXws5MheDKzkoDA7IW4DHsgDFUbmBWa4EAmHJtVHcSL2iC5y7w==
- ICLG.com (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHv5VvK5lNE1z7qjMXC1lqF0fIuLVW6TM4Tua37IEVFGCkw2XRgP6s93EQY2WwvNQKBM3NI-s5RXl0APbFwlGMUHgYPeyoFTCX4oYrmi2gBNnJiaTGfkexSAnf1yIfdxgiB8mfyGMHSGcLcEessLvVp4CD_-jOJYd9d8rz6p-6ob1gwzc8y9r4rDIoGiMh71gwuygY=
- Lysis Group (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHQYJfuIhdkGj8OJoexPxnY7LLrIUtdpo5-64Iv4JNaP5abuAGC9oFpQNGWtWqamfvI8cRzcnmgBFM6k1D-5JC20pcIImRySGS6MDXdpV7a-wF9a-iLIL4GgfpK6245YX5Yx5tD5KHl8IjMlcXx2ErKQXsOEgx4EBn_8yhvvW2RHHDsZbJu
- CIMA (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHlJNFoQGx2FqWA5aw2GjJZDWY8m92T8QvKeoUOyFDi02pYx8j-pxbZ0lZZNHMiaQbnpgb-ucZdG2WqpTKeLXjIG7xI5rxCPyJn3g2PH5ykY37WkJQrNSjuLkzPcN0FB1BsoYAKPQkljluIPJf9Mfnqv5P8aoxJfmvN-RXPM1_Y78fylIqWFK0wr_jGMmGKzaZ8aTaPRA==
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Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status: Cayman Islands
Report Date: 2025-06-26
Topic: Retail_Trading_Status
Description: An assessment of the legality and regulatory environment for individual citizens and residents in the Cayman Islands to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. This includes an examination of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements imposed on platforms, as well as any general warnings issued by authorities.
Retail_Trading_Status: Allowed-Regulated
Detailed Narrative Explanation:
Retail cryptocurrency trading, encompassing the buying, selling, and holding of digital assets by individual citizens and residents, is legally permitted in the Cayman Islands. The jurisdiction has established a comprehensive regulatory framework, primarily through the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (VASP Act), which has been implemented in phases. This framework does not prohibit individuals from participating in cryptocurrency markets but focuses on regulating the entities that provide virtual asset services.
Historically, the Cayman Islands had a crypto-neutral stance. However, to align with international standards, particularly those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the VASP Act was introduced in 2020. This legislation legitimized digital assets and cryptocurrencies and set out to supervise and regulate businesses offering services related to them.
Individuals trading for their own account are generally not subject to specific licensing requirements. However, the platforms and service providers they might use, such as exchanges and custodians, are subject to stringent regulations. The VASP Act mandates that entities providing virtual asset services, including exchanges between virtual assets and fiat currencies, or between different virtual assets, must register with or be licensed by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).
Phase one of the VASP Act, which commenced in October 2020, focused on AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism) obligations and registration for VASPs. Phase two, which came into effect on April 1, 2025, introduced a mandatory licensing regime for certain categories of VASPs, specifically those providing virtual asset custody services or operating virtual asset trading platforms. Existing VASPs falling under these categories were given a deadline (e.g., by June 29 or July 1, 2025) to apply for this license.
A significant aspect of this regulatory framework is the imposition of robust KYC/AML requirements on VASPs. These entities must implement client identification and verification procedures, conduct ongoing monitoring, maintain records, and have internal reporting and control mechanisms in place. This includes adherence to the FATF "Travel Rule," which requires VASPs to share and hold certain customer information during transactions. The AML regulations in the Cayman Islands require the identification and verification of beneficial owners of legal persons at a threshold of 10% unless simplified due diligence is applicable.
While retail trading is allowed, CIMA has issued public warnings regarding the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, particularly concerning scams and financial fraud. CIMA clarifies that it does not assist with the recovery of crypto scam assets and urges the public to be vigilant.
The Cayman Islands does not levy any direct taxes such as income tax, capital gains tax, or corporate tax on cryptocurrency transactions for individuals or companies. The jurisdiction is also preparing to implement the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for automatic exchange of information on crypto assets, with the first exchanges anticipated in 2027, to enhance tax transparency.
Some anecdotal reports from 2021 suggested that individuals faced difficulties with local banks when trying to transact with major cryptocurrency exchanges. However, the overarching legal framework clearly permits individuals to engage with cryptocurrencies, provided they use regulated VASPs where applicable.
In summary, retail cryptocurrency trading in the Cayman Islands is allowed and is regulated primarily through the VASP Act, which imposes licensing, registration, and stringent AML/KYC obligations on service providers. Individuals themselves are not typically required to obtain licenses for personal trading but must interact with a regulated ecosystem.
Specific, Relevant Text Excerpts:
- Loeb Smith (April 3, 2025): "There are generally no legal requirements or restrictions on where investors are allowed to trade cryptoassets in the Cayman Islands, so investors are usually free to trade cryptoassets wherever they desire."
- Loeb Smith (April 3, 2025): "Assuming the subject cryptoassets that are traded on the exchanges, alternative trading systems and secondary markets qualify as virtual assets under the VASP Act, such exchanges, alternative trading systems and secondary markets will have to apply for a licence with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) if either of them qualifies as a virtual asset trading platform under the VASP Act..."
- Loeb Smith (April 3, 2025): "Furthermore, if the exchange of fiat currency and cryptoassets falls within one of the relevant financial businesses under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the relevant service provider will be required to comply with the AML and KYC requirements under the AML Regulations, which include, among other things, implementing client identification and verification, record-keeping, and internal reporting and control procedures."
- ICLG.com (October 25, 2024): "The Cayman Islands does not impose any restrictions or licensing requirements that are specifically targeted at the ownership, holding or trading of digital assets by those doing so for their own account."
- ICLG.com (October 25, 2024): "The VASP Act clearly establishes the legitimacy of digital assets and cryptocurrencies in the Cayman Islands and regulates businesses providing services related to virtual assets. Virtual assets themselves and parties dealing with virtual assets for their own purposes are generally not subject to specific regulation in the Cayman Islands."
- Collas Crill (May 30, 2025): "Effective as of 23 May 2025, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) introduced significant updates to the Cayman Islands' regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers (VASPs)... These changes fall in step with the implementation of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act (2024 Revision) (VASP Act) Phase 2 licensing regime, which came into effect on 1 April 2025. The updated framework introduces a mandatory licensing requirement for certain categories of VASPs..."
- Finance Magnates (March 10, 2025): "From 1 April 2025, entities offering virtual asset custody and trading platform services in or from the Cayman Islands must obtain a licence."
- CaymanIslands.com.ky (undated, accessed June 2024): "The Cayman Islands does not impose restrictions or licensing requirements specifically for owning or trading digital assets for personal use."
- Mourant (April 1, 2025): "Phase two, which requires entities which provide virtual asset custody services or operate a virtual asset trading platform to apply for a licence, came into force on 1 April 2025."
- Appleby (June 16, 2025): "Under the VASP Act, VASPs are subject to a number of general regulatory obligations including: extensive anti-money laundering (AML) including know-your-customer (KYC) obligations..."
- CIMA (February 13, 2025): "Please be advised that the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”) does not provide assistance with the recovery of crypto scams, asset recovery, or any financial transactions... We urge the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent untrustworthy or unfamiliar financial institutions."
Direct, Accessible URL Links to Sources:
- Loeb Smith (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGN9Iiyi6HxRI0WdCKnHuDRkfXHBO92TG7bntySIRsvwyujxvzeZcGeyxdAKQeDIVSHMzZRK06dAJJuIeOgcsdaxKokac0-uNX1ejlFWBR0ZBC9BCU3CpQDKaeeLdQA0ZW-pJZqcusUJNwwRP3AWYr4yvFfg9bmUEyirWuidCgRhsL9cpox54Wb--HoiNeih460V_8Lres=
- LegalBison (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQG_ACIwv8N9Qq2rssovyiInpYudT6pCPTahqlolOnkVHViItS4attlt48l0RM06PI0Fif95YcosLhkX0TwCLldFuOVJM2kv4KuEZxfl2JMX3vBLAW61KIn3B7s1ehE3wyeA5tjSXq5u6mm3oEKPtXQ=
- ICLG.com (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHv3Yqgw4Iptjc4k_HtHsndEazvgdRiTkEnkXaIpqT7-VfEaNQYssB7S1piVZpsOEv9sqypMLd287fHxboS80b32DUDOIU1sq9ojP3ynbS5-Vq5fYUnQily6_lD0LsEGdy2yeqMbROs35VCP0pIwCT6CG3-UHGngLjTAfvknTvTqWB-oSKej9z3ztqmYWSB0zZFCw-KBgoa1eaTepu-X2j4kZyvXCrK2qMzTtI=
- Stuarts Humphries (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGagm_CNOUkeI3QJD0iIMqGHamF3skbgE6oI6BHdi4B2Ky6sAwGW4nle-zKSMIC1-vuHpJA07-ELJSvBTFXlZbrs8d05k2Ot0P_CRD0aoBESpwGAKkp8ayv2Ietd-V5tG2fjam-_fFpRkaWnlBSvjQ7pkivkgZb6mdIxGbcQTwPi-HgYoNBME8ZCpYW-oDg8NPx6-pOBMBeDJZ0DaiPTOiwVdS712nxWmTPniDGDHmmvYrVEzc-vEecrkdiZIBfMlywUw==
- Collas Crill (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGmYCBfw7IqDZ_wjtVV_4gz5Tjo523C4J4nSOJcvqSaZL6oFK5Gq_snXPegzPYIdt4r1iu1FbcWdYCUfiRNRXzrhLw86NH-LSObvlT174m7uy_mmkG5FIk2zCR4dZu0v6QjEC1rSBbBXm72uqv5GwpF0dUH8D_tFml0OWuI8qV86Qkq9_SNdjMakCII23hICEGcToDg8f1NW6k9ee4JuL1JjkCHiGUIuXCIWA==
- Appleby (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFLxaAxVt5KWjOim3kmXBlytnWqHHNEB4zmwL2nLhLYEgSukk-aaBendvph8lqPsJ-4XseRwhst3xB5ugBcE4_y_ycJ3kuMlHTCXpyiPlE09daZDAr02zYvnehbbG_ixR6hdiCC3qgPxK48v1zHJK8NiXxqrTowa8DCL1YixhK91v9bmbMX
- Finance Magnates (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFDk_xCIcfY7vfoZayJMb9pv2efAfjOBtkD00FScDR2sAZdjQon0wpkS-tdhzetpGP9OX2vmoK8jrpmUIuVM4nAazoL2B0hKfQVxv8XR97jjbaCZq4VuErwc7-FZRAIYr3uWcpTdgfHMobo7VCS3ilsS8jAsoc-j_qSI7711hyRSV8TxErP2BpVkvdNQ6swdIw11ZM8w9cLZ1yE3WiuAL67cMtlhfkOhxXOSG_MeV_h3MSsVpVQJ9RKLSncllg=
- CaymanIslands.com.ky (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHLSl0SOi2m75p8qoH2NNSes9Z_ACLh6d4IXEdsEMSU-22vSLZ5ggtoOuq2IrRH7ojbFm7d1Hs2qz47LBdU0ImVdcWWO3l_UiOrHmwdzIC4AYNHnnndGBW5yt-Yecchog2VKevJBir7bL2vQD4=
- Library of Congress (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHGebzJOTBcRyLEo4c2_83ilZxYc_2fgoVZ7keFLqicSqvS046o1NHiO99rtuar1gRKVtc6m95YmRyVlBBG3Mynn-GtwScCKoTbWsZOrI2P2LdxVIR2Ckmh9OB_B1gX7EbGHfbcDiDgvI6o0w12oj_l
- Harneys (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGDkArnjVdX1SuPX3_LnmN9Ops8IIaU93vFPmgEZBg85dxmrP1FD82g5omAGbB0hm2ChKZNuJBEDaN658xJ49OoRDbn_g9X82LyGXF9bbaMkLSPmqSnwBM4rnR-RJJucc0B4J8mldtb0I_tE1de_EUHsA7WwCz6z2ihqGSCFrTwjbynLbrAIefgc_CY9Yta01GH-LaU01izYzb7OcbQkYs8dIglgqioE-QUJws8GHx49CoZV16Gd3BFf9z3CEF3
- The Cryptonomist (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHkN7Q68JguzbIVWLqKh4TuEOSacFZWS6JAt_0ws1hIMNmi6vbEOZyYiBSawG5tSlxWtVullBlObaARALtOdn3gFkS88beDKRXBsIR5BHDNDtPys2HJPYCPH0lPTe5d4SYv98fi4LFRc2cnAFQta9CKB5ZPHV-RQDg9NcxPuc4gIzAY2CbMVyyoU6hzS20jq-U1udjKO9ohXmoA
- Mourant (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEExT_UdoW3_zoLjBcXzVaTg98QjlKLZOJ8OKWj7SVlcWqwfyKVYdJqzVTbfyszRwI9ETjehfxQdS2nyTgo38EwGLd9jeusAUwThLpNtrg5S0KQo7w4B3JteZruOzaW_K08iv-XFn7h41-YR-5oVMs9xyJV0GrDS0hgXh46s4mntXbI4wCIjnbu5pvmdvnED-0TQB7igMq_yK_7sfFa0ABTVn-0K4ZYHT8=
- Finance Magnates (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHn6uh2jWJgQP0NFFS4RKNYyg4mLSX_HZz8kGk7-_7y7pFyX-VWZzUFCuUY5McJofTV44yTZiSgISF8h4Cq96dJzLWVzz13c0QX4IqdobXmF6DME3U6n09QsKWsFT1ZO0adRlZZDcJyJWhPN5ApKxRNEcLG1Kl4o1b8-hpdpoKXhRmravKGf_fg9Dxg24eCykJk2mS5sKNkRuj2AvwS1Nhr2pO8urIA_2G72G_OmRcYb15VcGR8op-8JdUAixbUyunfXoeAqacUvcGeEP8DPO0=
- AInvest (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEjF6bAeh9dHmSPvLhuijsyLKRCSJhCyiWKmAu6p2NMkeDzggAFn_RfpW1GjTAUP5cIEC8sClr6DOJYKmuNR2JKncNsbVTieD7FLX1hXKVFHwpfWVQDbg1AvKsFDij52Pst77bgRl4shM6LkuDbWmXgS9s22xM0_aU9flJBlaqNvgO32c53sc519QLNpI2MvGAABUWhEHQqYJUSbVFNbkPJ7g==
- Chambers and Partners (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGHpAWSrtDAWvyqjpxwXtIV_HYZxgGlWOHL3G-iGo3Xul0CBMiFR0MJj5xxnWRRvygxvavNU5NSDPdSd7h9X2SJRXw2tCcbG6U-x9EwPIHjL-Vl3-yapOI5LWSeG1bMS-KWtffb7Wn8OMYm1FdKwtUaEFfZl4BxusoMWFWMPP0UEBXRHvZ__fXH7fmxIujcS3J-GRJNOAU42FkDvXp9TYXDOCtrG9A37NLi6GQ=
- KPMG International (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGKh00bk2zgE5iCc22ZIPhjo-Ao-g6U9oxaEi22guPZ4SaWAIdKOTOoWNQuSAby8dimtA2hoZQZEaprszUA2EMr8745cJjsHoZf-zpoGHhdk8Y00e-3EkpcgQRSAWEMddfTaJWUgvIs0VPT2WRvoJ4tEw==
- Carey Olsen (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEJebyDAb9gCbuo4yJkCDqn7F8z_5osaDDjaUFxzYPJw1-NAFhYlrzGUFgSpjUMMM2HqkSqlv3n2ku6HIXgKzNfHWx5vbbiKu_yuAxXTw7xXP6uQWXX2Tuw8c4co3dBI5XULNQUu7ycxQxsS7Y5OGE_aAFEsD1eIq5rG0-00qYRjHu_c882Z_GVKbBPSEtbF8YUykTE0P_lgkF06RpY67CH0ZuT
- McDermott Will & Emery (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGOkg_2U2Cunreg-AEKwFx09mfbyevjqui0lqrR2BQa6IaeKsXbNScYx8KCrpcn7Xnkt8wAhRGJz_SMNs2X2dyStnK-cnHwvoBhT0HzM36DrXklgYvIWZ0969nWw01QIz-Ret_qXlTXsHfDpV7f_8GbAg3wzYsk6shFpIwjEkzSDSqNqI3wtkHbEXws5MheDKzkoDA7IW4DHsgDFUbmBWa4EAmHJtVHcSL2iC5y7w==
- ICLG.com (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHv5VvK5lNE1z7qjMXC1lqF0fIuLVW6TM4Tua37IEVFGCkw2XRgP6s93EQY2WwvNQKBM3NI-s5RXl0APbFwlGMUHgYPeyoFTCX4oYrmi2gBNnJiaTGfkexSAnf1yIfdxgiB8mfyGMHSGcLcEessLvVp4CD_-jOJYd9d8rz6p-6ob1gwzc8y9r4rDIoGiMh71gwuygY=
- Lysis Group (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHQYJfuIhdkGj8OJoexPxnY7LLrIUtdpo5-64Iv4JNaP5abuAGC9oFpQNGWtWqamfvI8cRzcnmgBFM6k1D-5JC20pcIImRySGS6MDXdpV7a-wF9a-iLIL4GgfpK6245YX5Yx5tD5KHl8IjMlcXx2ErKQXsOEgx4EBn_8yhvvW2RHHDsZbJu
- CIMA (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHlJNFoQGx2FqWA5aw2GjJZDWY8m92T8QvKeoUOyFDi02pYx8j-pxbZ0lZZNHMiaQbnpgb-ucZdG2WqpTKeLXjIG7xI5rxCPyJn3g2PH5ykY37WkJQrNSjuLkzPcN0FB1BsoYAKPQkljluIPJf9Mfnqv5P8aoxJfmvN-RXPM1_Y78fylIqWFK0wr_jGMmGKzaZ8aTaPRA==
- Department for International Tax Cooperation, Cayman Islands Government (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHARM1EdfZkK9yJSEWGXzfzN8fzl9b3n3kA-TPoeLKmRr-hosSd-UziY4KsYXv9RVi_QqmAHfnLex0f4E3ZKk5grFVjy89cRftTgvw_7BTo3I6SVxeafXl8IUFNbZAs5Ur5ytc770HFXHac4-79Wi5of0LBtLo3h2agahRQfFHK6s6CvI7Ot6o-jOAQ6vihRhL4IFXaR7-hrsQfJ9j_tpJOj9B6V2qxghzOaVdIzSU=
- Reddit (Vertex AI Search): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEYHIRRJiLXFB5vyiAXGgdi0vTgCUpChFkMlgKwkKB9vqs8PUDqTjWFRorvW-Vg121DlsGCjpBeIiWY3BPngS7WJxxysVQZOqR-aHU9mDlPH5hpu0bn1zBvxjZpzmsT1h8etN-1Ld4etNtPR58Ex8vNigbXtUUoWLpQKEqSRBZOn8i8BSFP_208OZzPhbehUKe_lvE6PD80R0bA5L1TxhdB6Q==