Investment Management

Campbells has deep expertise in advising investment managers and advisers on the regulatory, operational, and commercial aspects of conducting securities investment business in and from the Cayman Islands. Our practice encompasses the registration and licensing of investment managers, securities arrangers, broker-dealers, and investment advisers, as well as advising on the structuring of management and advisory platforms to ensure compliance with applicable Cayman legislation. We work closely with our clients to design governance frameworks, compliance programmes, and commercial arrangements suited to their strategies and investor relationships. 

Our capabilities extend well beyond initial registration. We advise on ongoing regulatory compliance, governance obligations, internal controls, and reporting requirements applicable to licensed and registered entities. We also assist with the negotiation of investment management agreements, advisory contracts, and related commercial arrangements. Where disputes arise – whether with investors, co-managers, or regulators – our litigation and dispute resolution team provide experienced representation before the Cayman courts and in international arbitration proceedings. 

The regulatory landscape for investment managers and advisers in the Cayman Islands is principally governed by the Securities Investment Business Act (as revised), which establishes the framework for the registration and licensing of persons carrying on securities investment business, including dealing in and arranging securities, managing securities, and advising on securities. The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”) serves as the primary regulator, overseeing applications for registration and licensing, ongoing compliance and ad hoc inspections, and anti-money laundering requirements. In recent years, the regulatory environment has continued to develop, with heightened expectations around economic substance, beneficial ownership transparency, and alignment with international standards set by bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force and the European Union. 

Campbells is well-positioned to guide investment managers and advisers through this evolving regulatory environment, ensuring compliance whilst enabling efficient and commercially sound business operations.