Cayman Insurance Sector Adds 20 New Licenses Through First Half of 2026

Cayman's international insurance sector continued to expand during the second quarter of 2026, with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) issuing six new international insurer licenses and three portfolio insurance company licenses, according to the Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC). 

All six insurer licenses issued between April and June were class B(i) licenses, bringing the total number of new international insurance licenses granted in 2026 to 20. CIMA also reported that 17 additional license applications are under review, indicating continued licensing activity through the remainder of the year. By comparison, CIMA issued 41 new international insurance licenses during 2025. 

Cayman now has 721 class B, C, and D insurance companies. Collectively, these entities write approximately US$61 billion in premiums and hold approximately US$190 billion in total assets. Compared with the first quarter of 2026, premium volume increased by approximately US$10 billion, while total assets grew by approximately US$14 billion. 

According to IMAC, the continued growth in class B(i) insurers reflects Cayman's position as a preferred domicile for single-parent captive formations and reinforces the jurisdiction's role as an international insurance center. 

"These figures demonstrate the ongoing strength and diversity of Cayman's international insurance industry and showcase the jurisdiction's appeal for a wide range of captive and reinsurance structures. It is indeed encouraging to see the continued growth in new insurance license activity during the first half of 2026," James Trundle, chair of IMAC, said. 

IMAC also highlighted the 2026 Cayman Captive Forum, scheduled for December 1–3 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. 

"The Cayman Captive Forum continues to be the premier opportunity to experience first-hand the depth of expertise and innovation within Cayman's captive insurance market. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to what is expected to be another sold-out event," Trundle said.