Financial services industry leaders gather to hear from Premier André Ebanks and Hon. Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale at Spectrum 2025

Over 250 senior financial services industry leaders gathered to hear from Premier André Ebanks and Hon. Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale at Spectrum 2025 on Wednesday, 8 October at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. 

Celebrating its fifth year, Spectrum is the only annual conference where the entire financial services ecosystem brings government, regulators, industry and innovators together to examine the long-term structural shifts, policy developments and global trends impacting the sector. 

Paul Byles, Spectrum founder, economist and consultant opened the day’s discussion with a reflective look at the both the role of Spectrum in providing the forum for collaborative dialogue about the future of the industry, and on the history, growth and importance of the financial services sector to the Cayman Islands economy. 

While acknowledging the Cayman Islands’ strong position as a leading international financial services centre with a global presence built over the last 60 years, Byles emphasised the need for a strategic approach to ensure the continued growth and long-term sustainability of the industry here. 

“From a small, connected financial community, to a globally integrated powerhouse - globalisation, technology and Cayman’s own successful innovations have reshaped the industry over the course of the last 20 years or so. Local firms have built their business and established presences across the world to service their clients. 

“Ensuring we can continue to grow the industry means planning an effective long-term strategy that not only protects what we have but also looks outward, considers the bigger picture, examines competitors and identifies innovations and diversification opportunities that can position Cayman for the long game.” Byles said. 

Setting the tone for the day with common themes around technology and innovation, industry panels experts explored topics including the growth of business for Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), maintaining a competitive advantage in ESG investment opportunities and the future of investment funds. 

Highlights included the discussion on the risks and opportunities for the use of AI in the insurance sector and the wider implications for the entire financial services industry with a technology that will bring transformative change. 

Moderated by Paul Byles, the CIMA Regulatory forum featuring CEO, Cindy Scotland, OBE and CIMA senior management leaders, provided a rare opportunity to hear from the industry regulators where discussion included regulatory priorities, supervisory approaches, and expectations for regulated entities, with audience questions contributing to the dialogue. 

Two keynote presentations from Hon. Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale and Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, Hon. André M. Ebanks provided context for the importance of the judiciary to the financial services sector’s stability and the importance of the industry to Cayman, respectively. 

The Chief Justice’s insightful address focused on the role of the Judiciary as a key part of the legal infrastructure underpinning the success of the financial services industry, and how it provides for security and certainty for investors in the Cayman Islands. 

Premier Ebanks closed the conference with an inspiring keynote address reflecting on Cayman’s progress and outlining a bold vision for the future of the jurisdiction’s financial services industry. 

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining Cayman’s position as a premier global financial centre - emphasising digital transformation, ESG leadership, and policy modernisation as key pillars for sustainable growth. 

The Premier also spoke to the importance of nurturing local talent and deepening collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure Cayman remains competitive, credible, and connected on the world stage. 

Commenting on the discussion and contributions across the Spectrum 2025 programme, Byles said, “Today’s panel discussions and keynote addresses showed that as an industry, the financial services sector can work together with government and regulators build upon its success and collectively deliver a strategy that puts Cayman on a sustainable path to continue to grow our economy. 

“I would like to thank the Hon. Chief Justice for her insights on the role of the Judiciary and the legal framework that provides Cayman the stability that underpins our industry, and the Premier for his and the government’s commitment to supporting the efforts of the sector locally and globally”, he concluded. 

To learn more about Spectrum and see highlights from Spectrum 2025 visit www.spectrum.ky.