Cayman Islands – CIMA announces 30 days amnesty for non-compliant directors

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (the “Authority”) has announced the launch of its One-time Non-Compliant Directors’ Amnesty Scheme (“Scheme”) – a limited opportunity for eligible registered directors to voluntarily settle outstanding annual fees and accrued penalties at a discounted rate.

According to the Authority’s announcement, “this initiative reflects the Authority’s commitment to supporting good governance and regulatory compliance, while also recognising the practical challenges that may have contributed to past non-compliance. By offering this limited-time opportunity, the Authority seeks to help directors return to good standing and ensure the continued integrity of the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework.”

The Scheme will run from 16 September to 15 October 2025 and is open to registered directors within the 1–19 covered entities category, who as of 31 August 2025, have more than two years of unpaid annual fees. It provides these directors with the opportunity to regularise their status under the Directors Registration & Licensing Act, 2014 (“DRLA”). The announcement clarifies that directors currently under investigation or subject to enforcement action by the Authority or another regulatory body are not eligible.

Apparently, the Authority has contacted Directors who meet the criteria directly via email with the relevant participation instructions. If you believe you may be eligible but did not receive a notification, please contact the Authority at amnesty@cima.ky.

Applications under this scheme will only be accepted through the Directors’ Gateway Portal at https://gateway.cimaconnect.com. Eligible directors should log in to the portal to review and confirm their status in preparation for the launch of the Scheme. Further details are available on the portal effective 16 September 2025.

The Authority is encouraging Directors wishing to return to good regulatory standing to take advantage of this 30-day window. Once the Scheme closes, the full fees and penalties will apply without exception.