AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Policy: Governor Jane Owen opened the 2026-2027 session with a Throne Speech focused on financial services, reinsurance and family offices, plus a push for innovation, digitisation and workforce reforms. Financial Services & Trade: Premier André Ebanks wrapped up US outreach in Washington and Chicago, meeting regulators and industry to deepen formal arrangements with the US and Illinois. Energy Regulation: URCO issued a consumer guide clarifying the legal position for non-export behind-the-meter solar PV and battery “self-consumption” systems—no new rights, just clearer rules. Water Infrastructure: Water Authority-Cayman advanced Sister Islands resilience, completing pilot well drilling for new reverse osmosis plants on Cayman Brac (Bluff) and Little Cayman. Tokenised Finance: Baillie Gifford launched the UK’s first fully tokenised fund, offering short-dated bond exposure via Ethereum and Solana, with availability including Cayman (subject to rules). Crypto in Mainstream Investing: Franklin Templeton filed with the SEC for two Bitcoin “DRIP” ETFs that route stock dividends into Bitcoin exposure automatically. Security & Courts: Former RCIPS staffer Courtney Bush Myles Jr was sentenced to 11 years 8 months for a firearms import conspiracy using component parts and ammunition. Governance & Accountability: Cayman representatives joined Commonwealth public accounts discussions in Trinidad and Tobago, spotlighting scrutiny and transparency. Business & Corporate Moves: Maples Group announced a landmark new Cayman headquarters at Camana Bay.

Cayman Finance & Policy: Premier André Ebanks wrapped up Washington DC engagements aimed at deepening US-Cayman financial services cooperation, including a key meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Water Infrastructure: Water Authority–Cayman has drilled pilot wells for new reverse osmosis plants on Cayman Brac (Bluff) and Little Cayman, with lab results expected later this year. Disaster Readiness: Hazard Management Cayman Islands completed a week of recovery-focused training culminating in the National Hurricane Exercise “Hurricane Franz.” Local Business & Real Estate: Maples Group signed for a long-term Cayman headquarters at 90 Nexus Way, Camana Bay, consolidating teams in a major commercial move. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean cards are now addable to Google Wallet across Cayman and other markets, with Google Pay rolling out from June 9. Crypto & Markets: Franklin Templeton filed for two ETFs that route US stock dividends into Bitcoin exposure; Cayman-linked structures are mentioned in the filings. Public Safety: RCIPS reported an 11-year, eight-month sentence for a firearms and ammunition conspiracy case. Economy & Jobs: Cayman Enterprise City said its cumulative impact since 2012 reached USD 1.23bn, with 2025 annual impact at USD 152.3m.

Cayman-US Financial Ties: Premier André Ebanks wrapped up Washington DC engagements aimed at formalising Cayman’s regulatory and investment cooperation with key US stakeholders, highlighting the value of the islands’ financial services relationship. Water Security: Water Authority–Cayman has drilled pilot wells for new reverse osmosis plants on Cayman Brac (Bluff) and Little Cayman, with lab analysis underway and results expected later this year. Disaster Readiness: Hazard Management Cayman Islands concluded “Hurricane Franz” training, testing government transition from response to recovery and stressing clearer emergency communications. Corporate Real Estate: Maples Group signed for a long-term Cayman headquarters at 90 Nexus Way, Camana Bay, consolidating teams in one purpose-built site. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean cards can now be added to Google Wallet across Cayman and other markets, with Google Pay rolling out from June 9. Local Economy Impact: Cayman Enterprise City reported cumulative economic impact of USD 1.23bn since 2012, with USD 152.3m annual impact in 2025. Governance Watch: Opposition Leader Joey Hew questioned a lack of substantive government business on the parliamentary order paper, citing NCFC consensus issues.

ETF & Crypto Markets: Franklin Templeton has filed with the SEC for two ETFs that keep US stock exposure but automatically route dividend payments into Bitcoin-linked instruments, with a starting mix of 95% equities and 5% Bitcoin exposure (capped at 20%), including use of a Cayman Islands subsidiary in the structure. Local Infrastructure: The Water Authority-Cayman says it has completed pilot well drilling for new reverse-osmosis water plants on Cayman Brac (Bluff) and Little Cayman, with lab analysis underway and final design work expected later this year. Disaster Readiness: Hazard Management Cayman Islands wrapped up “Hurricane Franz,” a Category 4 recovery-focused exercise testing government coordination, communications and continuity across water, telecoms and isolated communities. Business & Finance: Maples Group announced a long-term lease for a new Cayman headquarters at Camana Bay (90 Nexus Way), consolidating teams in a major commercial real estate move. Governance & US Ties: Premier André Ebanks concluded Washington engagements aimed at deepening Cayman’s financial services cooperation with US Treasury, regulators and congressional stakeholders. Public Safety: A former RCIPS staffer, Courtney Bush Myles Jr, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in a firearms and ammunition import conspiracy case. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean says its Visa and Mastercard cards can now be added to Google Wallet across Cayman and other Caribbean markets.

Regulation & Safety: A submersible industry expert says Canada must keep submersible rules simple, warning that heavy bureaucracy can push firms toward loopholes after the OceanGate Titan disaster. Offshore Finance & Justice: A judicial probe into former Banque du Liban governor Riad Salameh has advanced, with questioning tied to alleged $40m embezzlement schemes linked to Cayman Islands offshore companies. Crypto in Traditional Finance: Franklin Templeton filed for two ETFs that reinvest US stock dividends into Bitcoin exposure, including via a Cayman Islands subsidiary. Local Infrastructure: The Water Authority has completed pilot well drilling for new reverse-osmosis plants planned for Cayman Brac (Bluff) and Little Cayman, with lab results due later this year. Cayman Business & Real Estate: Maples Group signed for a long-term Cayman headquarters at 90 Nexus Way, Camana Bay, consolidating operations in one major commercial move. Public Sector Resilience: Hazard Management Cayman Islands wrapped “Hurricane Franz” training, testing government recovery leadership and emergency communications. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean says its Visa and Mastercard cards can now be added to Google Wallet across Cayman and other markets. Governance & Parliament: Opposition leader Joey Hew questions the lack of substantive government business on the parliamentary order paper, pointing to consensus issues within the NCFC.

Cayman Finance & Governance: The Cayman Islands’ role in a major Lebanon-linked embezzlement probe is back in focus after appellate prosecutor Judge Samranda Nassar questioned former Banque du Liban governor Riad Salameh at his residence, with the investigation pointing to four offshore companies set up in Cayman. Crypto & Markets: Franklin Templeton filed with the SEC for two ETFs that would reinvest US stock dividends into Bitcoin exposure, using a “DRIP” structure that starts with a 5% Bitcoin allocation and can involve Cayman-linked entities. Local Economy & Infrastructure: The Water Authority-Cayman has completed pilot well drilling for new reverse osmosis plants on Cayman Brac (Bluff) and Little Cayman, with lab results due later this year. Public Policy: Opposition Leader Joey Hew says the government’s parliamentary agenda lacks substantive business, arguing the NCFC is still struggling to reach consensus on key issues. Business & Real Estate: Maples Group signed a long-term deal to establish its new Cayman headquarters at 90 Nexus Way, Camana Bay, consolidating teams in one major commercial move. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean says its Visa and Mastercard cards can now be added to Google Wallet in the Cayman Islands and other markets, with Google Pay rolling out from June 9. Public Safety: A former RCIPS staffer, Courtney Bush Myles Jr, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months for a firearms and ammunition smuggling conspiracy and misconduct in public office.

Water Infrastructure: The Water Authority-Cayman has completed pilot well drilling for future reverse osmosis plants on Cayman Brac (two wells) and Little Cayman (one well), with lab analysis and a final geological report expected later this year. Government & Resilience: Hazard Management Cayman Islands wrapped up its “Hurricane Franz” training exercise, testing how government transitions from disaster response to recovery, including communications and water-service disruptions. US Engagement: Premier André Ebanks led Washington DC meetings with US Treasury and other stakeholders to formalise financial services and regulatory cooperation. Local Governance & Policy: Opposition Leader Joey Hew says the PPM is struggling to reach consensus, pointing to a thin government order paper ahead of the next parliamentary sitting. Financial Services & Business Growth: Maples Group signed for a long-term Cayman headquarters at 90 Nexus Way, Camana Bay, consolidating most Cayman teams under one roof. Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean cards can now be added to Google Wallet, with Google Pay rolling out across Cayman and other Caribbean markets. Economy & Jobs: Cayman Enterprise City reported cumulative socio-economic impact of USD $1.23bn since 2012, with USD $152.3m annual impact in 2025 and rising local consumption. Capital Markets & Cayman Links: Franklin Templeton filed for ETFs that reinvest US stock dividends into Bitcoin exposure, noting potential use of a Cayman Islands subsidiary. Legal System: A magistrate discharged defendants in a West Bay ganja case, criticising police and prosecution handling, including a search warrant issue and disclosure delays.

US Engagement: Premier André Ebanks and Financial Services Minister André Ebanks’ team wrapped up Washington DC meetings with US Treasury and other regulators to formalise arrangements supporting Cayman’s role in US investment and capital markets. Environment & Waste: Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks led UK talks on marine conservation, climate resilience and building a modern waste system, including visits to waste facilities and discussions on the Blue Belt Programme. Water Security: Water Authority–Cayman completed pilot well drilling in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman; core samples are now in lab analysis to guide future reverse osmosis water works. Disaster Readiness: HMCI finished the “Hurricane Franz” recovery exercise, testing government transition from response to recovery and stressing emergency communications. Financial Services & Real Estate: Maples Group signed for a long-term Cayman HQ at Camana Bay, consolidating teams in a major commercial real estate move. Digital Banking: CIBC Caribbean cards are now addable to Google Wallet across Cayman and other markets, with Google Pay rolling out from June 9. Workforce Planning: The National Workforce Development Committee launched the Caymanian Employment Survey to map hiring barriers and shape a national workforce strategy. Tokenised Finance: Cayman-linked re/insurance and fintech updates included AM Best affirming Everlake Life Group (owned by Everlake Holdings, Cayman) and HCI’s tokenised reinsurance pilot via its Cayman subsidiary. Cayman Business Growth: Cayman Enterprise City reported cumulative socio-economic impact of USD $1.23bn since 2012, with USD $152.3m annual impact in 2025. Public Interest: The ombudsman FOI appeal over CUC solar cost and demand reports is set for a rehearing after a Grand Court order.

Cayman FOI Fight: The Cayman Islands ombudsman must rehear a Freedom of Information appeal after the Grand Court ruled she didn’t consult CUC directly over releasing two controversial power reports on solar costs and capacity. Crypto & Markets: The SEC is studying an “innovation exemption” that could let crypto platforms trade tokenized U.S. stocks on public blockchains, potentially bypassing parts of traditional broker licensing. Tokenized Reinsurance: HCI Group’s SurancePlus launched a pilot offering tokenized catastrophe reinsurance securities linked to its Cayman-based Fortex Re participations, aiming to broaden investor access to catastrophe risk. Workforce Planning: The National Workforce Development Committee is inviting employers to take part in a Caymanian Employment Survey to shape a national workforce strategy, including hiring and retention barriers. Weather & Agriculture: The National Weather Service added four meteorologists for stronger forecasting, while the Department of Agriculture is responding to spiral whitefly infestations across Grand Cayman. Offshore Finance Pulse: Cayman Finance says Cayman-domiciled SPACs accounted for 61% of all U.S. IPOs so far in 2026, signalling a SPAC revival and Cayman’s pull as the default blank-cheque jurisdiction.

Offshore Enforcement & Assets: The Cayman-linked luxury yacht ATLAS (51m) and supporting vessel STRIDER are set for a public auction by Thailand’s AMLO on June 23, with ATLAS starting at 600m baht, as authorities continue targeting scammer-network proceeds. Energy Transparency: Cayman’s ombudsman must rehear a Freedom of Information appeal over CUC solar cost and demand reports after the Grand Court said she didn’t consult CUC properly and that the public-interest disclosure reasoning was flawed. Route Disruption: Cayman Airways suspends its Grand Cayman–Havana service from June 26, citing sustained demand decline and commercial viability pressures amid Cuba’s ongoing travel and supply challenges. Workforce Planning: The National Workforce Development Committee is launching an anonymous Caymanian Employment Survey to map hiring, training and retention barriers and feed into a national workforce strategy. Tokenised Risk & RWA Growth: HCI Group pilots tokenized reinsurance securities tied to Cayman catastrophe reinsurance participations via SurancePlus, while Oxbridge Re/SurancePlus reports strong annualized returns on 2025–26 tokenized reinsurance offerings. Capital Markets & Cayman SPACs: Cayman Finance says 103 Cayman-domiciled SPACs have listed on US markets in 2026 so far—61% of all US IPOs—signalling a renewed SPAC revival and Cayman’s pull. Digital Payments & Compliance: DEH rolls out an online garbage-fee payment portal, and new Cayman trademark border rules (effective June 17) formalise how rights holders can request customs intervention. Weather & Agriculture: The National Weather Service adds meteorologists for round-the-clock forecasting, while the Department of Agriculture responds to spiral whitefly infestations with guidance for residents and farms.

Cayman Finance & SPACs: Cayman-domiciled SPACs are driving a US listing revival, with 103 Cayman vehicles already listed in 2026—61% of all US IPOs—highlighting Cayman’s pull as the “default” blank-cheque hub. Capital Markets: JAB Acquisition Corp I closed its $172.5m IPO (Nasdaq: JABRU) with D. Boral Capital as sole bookrunner, while General Catalyst Global Resilience Merger Corp. begins separate trading of shares and warrants from June 22. Tokenised Insurance: SurancePlus says its tokenized reinsurance offerings delivered 29.3% and 43.4% annualized returns, exceeding targets, as it reports full repayment of a $1m promissory note. Environment & Agriculture: The Department of Agriculture is responding to spiral whitefly damage across Grand Cayman, urging quarantine and targeted treatments. Weather Service: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service has added four meteorologists to expand round-the-clock forecasting. Marine Tourism Compliance: A boat captain was fined $7,000 for handling stingrays outside the Wildlife Interaction Zone, with the Chief Magistrate calling for DoE certification for tour staff. Trade & Enforcement: New Trade Marks (Customs and Border Control) Regulations take effect June 17, giving Customs a clearer process to block suspected counterfeit goods at the border. Local Digital Payments: DEH launches an online portal for garbage fee payments from June 22, aiming to speed reconciliation and provide 24/7 card payments.

Wealth Migration Watch: A new Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2026 says geopolitical tension, tax reform and citizenship programmes are reshaping where the world’s rich park their money, with Singapore, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong and New Zealand emerging as top destinations while the US and the Gulf become key “flashpoints” for residence and contingency planning. Local Business & Compliance: Cayman’s Customs and Border Control will get stronger trademark enforcement from 17 June 2026, letting trademark owners request border intervention for suspected counterfeits via a formal notice process and a CI$200 fee. Public Services Upgrade: The Department of Environmental Health launches an online garbage-fees payment portal on 22 June, moving customers from bank transfers to debit/credit cards for faster, 24/7 account updates. SME Funding Push: The Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development is hosting a free Raising Capital Forum on 16 June to connect SMEs with lenders, investors and ecosystem partners, including a live pitch segment. Tech & Finance: Biaurum Capital Fund SP has launched as a Cayman-domiciled hedge fund on CV5 Capital, targeting a global macro mix across precious metals, digital assets and derivatives. Education & Skills: The International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) completed its AI Foundations Certificate Course, training participants on AI basics, generative AI tools and ethics for business and professional use. Corporate Moves: Skyline Builders Group Holding Limited will change its Nasdaq ticker to “KAZR” ahead of an expected combination with Cove Kaz.

Public Services Modernisation: The Department of Environmental Health will launch a new online garbage-fees payment portal on 22 June, letting customers pay by debit or credit card via the DEH website and ending bank-transfer payments to avoid reconciliation delays. Trade & IP Enforcement: New Trade Marks (Customs and Border Control) Regulations take effect on 17 June, giving Customs and Border Control a formal notice process to block suspected counterfeit goods at the border, with a CI$200 fee per trademark request. Local Legal Action: Cayman Marl Road owner Sandra Hill has filed a defamation suit against Cayman Brac The BEST Island operator Kerry Whittaker over repeated allegations made on social media. Finance & Markets: Biaurum Capital Fund SP has launched as a Cayman-domiciled global macro hedge fund on the CV5 Capital platform, while Yorkville International Capital Corp priced a $200m IPO and RMG ML Sports Holdings added $16.5m via partial over-allotment. Business Support: CICBD is inviting SMEs to a free Raising Capital Forum on 16 June, featuring panels and a live pitch segment for entrepreneurs from its Capital Quest programme. Healthcare Accreditation: Baptist Health International Cayman Islands earned its third Joint Commission International re-accreditation for its PET & CT Imaging Center.

Capital Markets: Yorkville International Capital Corp priced a $200m IPO (20m units at $10) with Nasdaq trading set to start June 16, while RMG ML Sports Holdings reported partial exercise of its over-allotment option, lifting gross proceeds to $216.5m; Park Ha Biological Technology also closed a $2.0m registered direct offering, and SL BIO’s Cayman holding company SL Science Holding will begin Nasdaq trading June 15 under ticker SLBT. Trade & Enforcement: New Trade Marks (Customs and Border Control) Regulations take effect June 17, letting trademark owners request CBC action to block suspected infringing goods at the border, with a CI$200 fee per trademark. SME & Workforce: CICBD invites micro, small and medium business owners to a free Raising Capital Forum on June 16, and the National Workforce Development Committee is running a Caymanian Employment Survey. Health Costs: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting about 12,000 residents from July 1, 2026. Crypto & Fintech: Toobit in Cayman rolled out a security upgrade and launched a limited-time 60% APR Solana earn campaign, while Cayman Finance will host its Rum Bar Cayman Experience during Canada Crypto Week (July 20–26). Public Services: An international Overseas Territories summit highlighted recruitment pressures across the region, including the Cayman Islands.

Crypto & Trading: Toobit rolled out a consolidated security hub with Proof of Reserves and upgraded zero-slippage copy trading across 150 pairs, while also running a limited-time Solana earn campaign offering up to 60% APR. Health Insurance: Government is reviewing a proposed ~25% SHIC premium increase affecting 12,200 residents and dependents, with the change set to take effect 1 July 2026. Business & Funding: CICBD invited SMEs to a free Raising Capital Forum (16 June) with panels and a live pitch segment for entrepreneurs from its Capital Quest programme. Corporate & Finance: Park Ha Biological Technology (Cayman-incorporated) priced a $2.0m registered direct offering; SL BIO’s Cayman holding company SL Science is set to start trading on Nasdaq as SLBT. Energy & Cost of Living: A global electricity-price ranking places Cayman Islands among the highest-cost markets for residential power. Tourism & Travel: Cayman Airways adds extra Friday flights to Panama for summer, boosting weekend and business travel links. Community: RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K raised funds for NCVO with strong local turnout.

Crypto Markets & Local Finance: Toobit kicked off a limited-time Solana (SOL) Earn campaign offering up to 60% APR from June 16–19, aiming to boost retail yields and reduce copy-trading slippage on 150 pairs. Health Insurance Watch: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase from 1 July 2026 that could hit about 12,200 residents, with officials citing cost-of-living pressure. SME Funding Push: The Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development is hosting a free Raising Capital Forum on 16 June, with panels and a live pitch segment for investment-ready SMEs. Workforce & Hiring: The National Workforce Development Committee launched an employer survey to shape a new workforce strategy focused on recruiting, developing and retaining Caymanian talent. Energy Costs Snapshot: A new global ranking places Cayman Islands among the higher residential electricity price markets (about $0.411 per kWh on average, 2023–2026). Tourism & Connectivity: Cayman Airways adds extra Friday flights to Panama for summer, improving weekend and business travel links across Latin America. Public Safety Reminder: Police warned residents not to share bank details after a scam call led to unauthorised cash withdrawals. Corporate & Legal Moves: AMRL Cayman appointed Stephen Leontsinis to lead a new Corporate Disputes, Insolvency & Restructuring practice.