Q4 2025 Cayman & BVI Regulatory Update

The Cayman Islands has implemented the OECD’s updated Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the Crypto‑Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) with the relevant regulations taking effect from 1 January 2026.

The two regimes are complementary. CRS requires the reporting of account balances and information on payments and proceeds from the sales of defined assets, which now include certain types of crypto assets and electronic money.

CARF requires transaction‑based reporting of exchanges between Relevant Crypto‑Assets and Fiat currencies, exchanges between one or more forms of Relevant Crypto‑Asset and transfers of Crypto Assets. Existing Reporting Crypto‑Asset Service Providers must register with the Tax Information Authority by 30 April 2026.

Other notable changes to the CRS regime include the deadline for new FI registration changing to 31 January in the next calendar year following becoming a FI, all reporting moving to 30 June from 2027, and a requirement for principal points of contact to be Cayman Islands resident.

For a more comprehensive explanation, please see: Caribbean-Regulatory-Update-Q4-2025.pdf