Regulatory Blog

On 17 March 2026, the European Commission initiated a public consultation to revise the technical screening criteria under the EU Taxonomy Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2020/852). This framework aims to facilitate sustainable investment by defining criteria for economic activities that contribute to the EU's six environmental objectives: climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, sustainable use of water and marine resources, circular economy, pollution prevention and control, and biodiversity protection.

On 15 December 2025, Cyprus and Vietnam signed a double tax treaty aimed at avoiding double taxation and preventing fiscal evasion concerning taxes on income.

This guide outlines the critical amendments to the Cayman Islands’ Common Reporting Standard Regulations, introduced by the Tax Information Authority (International Tax Compliance) (Common Reporting Standard) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, here. These changes represent a significant shift in the compliance landscape, aligning the jurisdiction with global OECD standards and the new Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework.

The offshore regulatory landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with regulatory bodies in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands introducing updates that reflect the growing global demand for transparency and compliance. As we move into 2026, several critical considerations have emerged for offshore entities, particularly those with ties to the Middle East. This article outlines five key areas that demand attention and offers practical insights for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

On 17 February 2026, the European Union updated its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.

Recent amendments to the Cayman Islands' Common Reporting Standard regime have taken effect, introducing significant changes for Financial Institutions. These updates, which align the Cayman Islands with the OECD's global standards, impact everything from compliance deadlines to the scope of reportable assets and have taken effect from 1 January 2026.

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 29 January 2026, the British Virgin Islands International Tax Authority released updated lists for the Common Reporting Standard.

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.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Regulatory Resources Hub, a centralised and easy-to-navigate guide to the core laws and compliance frameworks shaping financial services across leading jurisdictions.

Cyprus has abolished stamp duty with effect from 1 January 2026 under Law 239(I)/2025. The Repeal Law was published in the Official Gazette on 31 December 2025 and repeals the prior Stamp Duty Laws of 1963 to 2025; instruments executed from commencement are no longer subject to stamp duty.

On 22 December 2025, the Plenary of the Cyprus House of Representatives approved a comprehensive tax reform package, which is marked as the most significant Cyprus tax development over the years. The new tax package was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus on 31 December 2025 and is effective from 1 January 2026.