Regulatory Blog

On 26 January 2026, Luxembourg’s Directorate of Registration, Estates and VAT (AED) issued Circular No. 792 quater, setting out AML/CFT identification and verification obligations for professionals under its supervision and replacing Circular 792 ter of 28 July 2025.

On 21 January 2026, the Cayman Islands Department for International Tax Cooperation announced an extension for certain reporting deadlines under the Amended Common Reporting Standard. This applies to Cayman Financial Institutions required to register and maintain information on the DITC Portal.

The Cayman Islands Banks and Trust Companies Act (2025 Revision) serves as a comprehensive legal framework designed to regulate banking and trust activities within the Cayman Islands, ensuring consistency, transparency, and accountability in financial operations. Consolidating legislation dating back to 1989 and integrating subsequent amendments, including those made under the Law Revision Act (2020 Revision), this Act underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable financial environment aligned with international standards. Officially revised and published as of 1 January 2025, it supersedes the 2021 Revision to accommodate recent legislative updates and industry developments.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission reminds Crypto-Asset Service Providers operating in Cyprus that they must apply for authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets by 27 February 2026.

The Cayman Islands Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (2024 Revision) serves as a regulatory foundation for virtual asset services in the Cayman Islands, establishing robust guidelines for the governance and supervision of this dynamic sector. This legislation underscores the jurisdiction’s commitment to fostering innovation while safeguarding the integrity of its financial ecosystem through structured oversight, compliance requirements, and clear operational expectations for virtual asset service providers.

The Cayman Islands Insurance Law, 2010 (Law 32 of 2010), enacted by the Legislature of the Cayman Islands, establishes a comprehensive framework for the regulation and oversight of the insurance industry. The law seeks to modernise and refine the governance of insurance operations, ensuring the integrity, financial stability, and professionalism of industry participants. The legislation is structured into five key parts, each addressing crucial aspects of licensing, obligations, regulatory authority, and miscellaneous provisions, providing clarity and consistency in the regulation of both domestic and international insurance-related activities.

The Cayman Islands Securities Investment Business Act regulates securities investment business conducted in or from the Cayman Islands. Administered by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, the Act aims to ensure that securities-related activities are carried out by fit and proper persons under stringent supervisory standards. It applies to entities incorporated or registered in the Cayman Islands, including foreign entities with a local business presence. The Act also aligns with international regulatory frameworks, such as anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.

The Cayman Islands Mutual Funds Act (2025 Revision) serves as a comprehensive legislative framework governing mutual funds and their administration within the Cayman Islands. This revision streamlines the legal requirements, ensuring transparency, compliance, and the efficient regulation of both mutual funds and their administrative bodies. The Act is structured into several distinct parts, each addressing critical aspects of the governance and operation of mutual funds, while granting the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority robust powers to oversee and enforce compliance.

The Cayman Islands Private Funds Act (2025 Revision) serves as a comprehensive legal framework governing the regulation, registration, and supervision of private funds in the Cayman Islands. It establishes clear guidelines to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance in the operations of these funds, thereby promoting investor protection and maintaining the jurisdiction's reputation as a leading global financial centre.

The Bermuda Companies Act 1981 is a comprehensive legal framework that governs various aspects of company law, addressing the formation, management, administration and dissolution of companies operating within Bermuda.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969 establishes the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a corporate body with perpetual succession. Its primary objectives include issuing and redeeming Bermuda's currency, supervising and regulating financial institutions, promoting financial stability, detecting and preventing financial crimes, and advising the government on monetary matters. The BMA also oversees innovative business development through its Innovation Hub.

The BVI Financial Investigation Agency Act Revised Edition as of 1 January 2020, is a comprehensive legal framework that establishes and governs the Financial Investigation Agency, a statutory body charged with investigating and combating financial crimes within the Virgin Islands. Originally enacted through Act 19 of 2003 and coming into force on 1 April 2004, the Act has undergone several amendments to enhance its scope and efficacy, notably through Acts in 2007, 2008, 2013, 2015, and 2017 (plus the further amendments outlined in detail below).