Top 25 Service Providers in the Cayman Islands for Fund Managers

Few financial centres can match the sophistication of the Cayman Islands. Over decades, this jurisdiction has built its reputation on core principles: strong regulation, tax neutrality and an infrastructure that rivals any global financial hub. But success here requires more than just a presence – it requires partnering with the right service providers.

We’ve created this guide because choosing those partners matters. Whether you need corporate services, governance expertise, auditors, fund administrators or legal counsel, your choices will shape your company’s future. Our overview looks in depth at the firms that have proven themselves in each sector, examining not only what they do, but also why certain institutions have risen to the top of their field.

 

Corporate Service Providers

There are several well-established companies in the Cayman Islands that handle the formation and management of companies and provide essential corporate and compliance services. Let’s take a look at the key players:

#1 Maples Group

Well-known throughout the jurisdiction, Maples provides a full range of corporate services – from initial company formation to ongoing fiduciary and compliance work. Its clients range from global corporations to fund managers. With offices around the world and deep roots in the Cayman Islands, they’ve built their reputation on combining international reach with local expertise. Their strength lies in offering everything under one roof: legal support, fiduciary work and administrative services.

#2 Intertrust Group (now part of CSC Global)

Having merged with CSC Global, Intertrust brings decades of experience to the Cayman corporate services landscape. They focus on the essentials – setting up companies, providing registered office space, providing director services and managing regulatory requirements. Their sweet spot is working with financial firms, global corporations and private wealth clients. What makes them different? A blend of global connections and hands-on service that allows them to tailor solutions to each client’s specific situation, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

#3 Ogier Global

Operating as a key player in Cayman’s corporate services sector, Ogier Global excels in company formation, governance oversight, and fiduciary solutions. They serve diverse industries but have built particular strength in the financial and legal sectors. Their distinct advantage stems from their ability to interface with Ogier’s established legal practice – offering clients comprehensive corporate and legal support through a single relationship.

#4 Walkers Professional Services

Part of the respected Walkers law firm, WPS delivers comprehensive corporate solutions spanning formation, governance, and compliance needs. Their expertise has attracted a strong base of investment funds, corporations, and financial institutions. By leveraging their connection to Walkers’ legal practice, they provide integrated corporate and legal support while maintaining competitive pricing.

#5 TMF Group

As a global provider with in-depth Cayman expertise, TMF Group handles the full spectrum of corporate requirements – from initial company formation to ongoing management and regulatory compliance. Its clients include multinational corporations, family offices and financial institutions. TMF’s key strength lies in its ability to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining consistent service standards through its worldwide network.

 

Governance and Compliance Services

The complexity of international regulations and local compliance requirements has made robust corporate governance essential for Cayman-based businesses. Leading firms have emerged to meet these specialised needs.

#1 DMS Governance (now part of Waystone)

After joining forces with Waystone, DMS has solidified its position in corporate governance, directorship services, and risk oversight. They’ve built particular strength serving alternative investment vehicles – notably hedge funds and private equity – while maintaining a strong corporate client base. Their reputation stems from successfully managing intricate governance frameworks across jurisdictions, combining local expertise with broad international coverage.

#2 Harneys Fiduciary

Drawing on their established legal heritage, Harneys Fiduciary offers specialised directorship services, governance consulting, and compliance oversight. Their practice has attracted a substantial following in the financial services sector. Their competitive edge comes from tight integration with Harneys’ legal team, allowing them to address both governance and legal considerations through a unified service model.

#3 Estera (now part of Ocorian)

Established in the governance space, Estera delivers comprehensive directorship services, governance oversight, and compliance support. They’ve developed particularly strong relationships with investment funds, corporate clients, and private wealth managers. Their market position reflects their ability to combine broad international coverage with tailored governance solutions that match each client’s specific requirements.

#4 Highwater

Standing out as an independent specialist, Highwater focuses exclusively on directorship and governance services, with particular depth in alternative investments. Their client base centers on hedge funds, private equity vehicles, and asset managers. Unlike many competitors linked to law firms or financial institutions, Highwater’s independent status allows them to provide truly objective governance oversight – a distinction valued by sophisticated clients seeking unbiased counsel.

#5 Waystone

Building on its regulatory expertise, Waystone provides comprehensive governance, risk management and compliance solutions. Their practice spans investment funds, corporate entities and family offices seeking institutional-grade oversight. Their market leadership is based on deep domain knowledge combined with extensive international coverage – particularly valuable for clients navigating complex cross-border requirements.

 

Accounting and Audit Firms

Accounting and audit services in the Cayman Islands are critical for ensuring financial transparency and compliance with international standards. The following are the top audit firms:

#1 PwC Cayman Islands

Leading the market, PwC’s Cayman practice delivers comprehensive audit solutions spanning financial statements, internal controls, and risk management. Their work crosses industries but shows particular depth in finance, insurance, and real estate sectors. Their edge comes from combining global resources with specialised audit technology platforms developed for complex financial structures.

#2 KPMG Cayman Islands

With deep roots in the jurisdiction, KPMG provides sophisticated audit and advisory services. They’ve developed a particular strength in financial services and insurance, while maintaining broad sector coverage. Their practice leverages KPMG’s global network while maintaining strong local relationships – particularly valuable for clients requiring cross-border expertise.

#3 Deloitte Cayman Islands

Known for their innovative approach, the Deloitte Cayman team focuses on financial audit, internal control and risk oversight. Their practice has particular depth in the financial and investment funds sectors. They’ve gained recognition for integrating advanced data analytics into their audit methodology, improving both accuracy and efficiency.

#4 EY Cayman Islands

EY has established a significant presence serving financial services, insurance and public sector clients. Their audit practice covers both traditional financial statements and specialised risk management needs. They differentiate themselves by coordinating local expertise with global resources.

#5 BDO Cayman Islands

Rounding out the major firms, BDO provides audit and advisory services with particular strength in funds and financial services. Their approach emphasises direct partner involvement and tailored solutions – particularly appealing to clients seeking more personalised attention than typically offered by larger firms.

 

Fund Administrators

Fund administration demands precise attention to essential functions like NAV calculations, investor communications, and regulatory oversight. Several global providers have established strong positions in this market.

#1 Citco Fund Services

As a longstanding presence in Cayman, Citco delivers comprehensive administration services spanning NAV calculations, investor relations, and regulatory reporting. They’ve built particular depth serving hedge funds, private equity, and real estate vehicles. Their market position reflects both their extensive experience and continued investment in proprietary technology platforms.

#2 Apex Group Ltd.

Following strategic growth in recent years, Apex provides full-service administration support from NAV work through investor reporting and compliance oversight. Their practice spans both emerging managers and institutional clients. They’ve differentiated themselves through technology innovation while maintaining high-touch service levels.

#3 Northern Trust

Drawing on its institutional heritage, Northern Trust provides sophisticated fund administration, including valuation, financial reporting and compliance services. Their focus is on mutual funds, hedge funds and private equity vehicles. Their reputation is built on stability and service excellence – particularly valuable to institutional clients.

#4 MUFG Investor Services

MUFG delivers end-to-end administration services covering NAV calculations, investor services, and regulatory compliance. Their client base ranges from boutique funds to global institutions. Their combination of worldwide resources with local expertise has helped establish their market position.

#5 SS&C 

Known for their technology focus, SS&C provides comprehensive administration services including NAV work, risk oversight, and investor reporting. They’ve developed particular strength serving hedge funds, private equity, and managed accounts. Their continued investment in proprietary systems has attracted managers seeking robust operational infrastructure.

 

Legal Advisors

The sophisticated nature of Cayman’s financial sector requires expert legal advice on corporate transactions, regulatory matters and dispute resolution. Several firms have established leading positions in this highly specialist market.

#1 Maples and Calder

Standing at the forefront of Cayman’s legal landscape, Maples and Calder brings deep expertise to corporate law, M&A, financial services, and dispute resolution. Their practice serves global corporations, financial institutions, and investment funds. Their market leadership stems from decades of experience handling complex cross-border matters combined with extensive international reach.

#2 Walkers

With particular strength in financial services, Walkers delivers comprehensive legal support spanning corporate matters, investment funds, insolvency, and dispute resolution. Their client roster features multinational corporations and major financial institutions. They’ve built their reputation on successfully managing large, intricate transactions while maintaining deep sector expertise.

#3 Ogier

Offering integrated legal solutions, Ogier focuses on corporate law, M&A, and regulatory compliance. Their work spans global corporations, investment funds, and private wealth clients. Their distinctive approach combines legal and fiduciary services, providing integrated support across client needs.

#4 Mourant

Recognised for its regulatory expertise, Mourant specialises in corporate, dispute resolution and financial services matters. Their practice serves leading financial institutions, corporations and investment funds. They’ve achieved notable successes in complex disputes and regulatory matters.

#5 Appleby

Rounding out the top tier, Appleby provides a full range of legal services in corporate, financial services, M&A and dispute resolution. Their diverse client base includes major corporations, financial institutions and investment funds. They combine international capabilities with deep local knowledge – particularly valuable for complex cross-border work.

Conclusion

The selection of service providers in Cayman has a direct impact on operational success and regulatory standing. While each of the firms highlighted brings proven capabilities, the optimal choice will depend on specific business requirements and circumstances.

There are several key factors to consider when evaluating potential partners:

• Depth of relevant sector experience
• Track record on similar engagements
• Scope and scale of resources
• Cultural fit and service approach

Many organisations benefit from engaging complementary providers – for example, by combining the broad capabilities of a larger firm with boutique expertise in specialised areas. The aim is to create a service framework that supports both immediate needs and long-term objectives.

For a more in-depth discussion of how these considerations apply to your situation, our team welcomes the opportunity to share insights drawn from extensive experience of the Cayman Islands service provider landscape.

Disclaimer

FundFront provides operational and technological solutions for fund structuring, securitisation and management. We do not provide legal, tax or financial advice. We recommend that you consult with professional legal or financial advisors to ensure compliance and appropriateness for your specific situation.