Cayman Compliance: What Skills Will Actually Matter as We Head Toward FATF 2027?

June 17, 2025

Compliance in Cayman has always been high stakes for obvious reasons. But with FATF 2027 fast approaching (and BVI recently sliding back onto the grey list), the pressure across offshore jurisdictions continue to intensify. If you’re in the industry, whether seasoned or just levelling up, now’s a great time to think about where the space is heading and what skills will actually matter going forward. Because here’s the thing: deep regulatory knowledge alone won’t cut it anymore. As we’re heading into an era where how you work is just as critical as what you know.

Skills That Are Climbing the Priority List:

Investigative mindset
Firms need people who don’t just tick boxes, they want those who understand why those boxes exist. Connecting dots, flagging risks early, and making sense of layered structures is going to be vital. Especially as inspections ramp up under FATF 2027.


Project management
With ongoing file remediation, internal reviews, and multiple workstreams in motion, the ability to lead, communicate, and stay on top of moving parts is becoming key, especially for roles tied to readiness.

Tech
If you understand Web3 basics, blockchain functionality, or how smart contracts and on-chain KYC tools work, you’ll stand out. Cayman’s recently rolled out regulations for virtual assets, and firms are moving quickly to adopt Regulatory Technology. If you’re already fluent in the new digital compliance language? You’re ahead of the game.

Calm under pressure
More regulation = more scrutiny. And firms want steady hands. Being able to manage stress and keep things moving is gold.


Communication with impact
Whether it’s updating regulators, advising directors, or flagging red flags internally, your ability to deliver a clear message and influence.

What Roles Are Already Emerging?

  • Compliance Monitoring professionals – with strong QA, file review experience, and ideally, exposure to onsite inspections.
  • Regulatory Projects – contract or perm,  FATF 2027 readiness.
  • Senior KYC Analysts – especially with fund/SPV exposure.
  • Policy & Controls Specialists – helping firms tighten their internal frameworks.
  • Deputy MLROs & MLROs – particularly in legal, fiduciary, and fund sectors.
  • Web3-savvy Compliance Professionals – for firms navigating Cayman’s new digital asset regime.

Don’t forget that some of the best roles might never even get posted. That’s why having someone who can make the right intros behind the scenes can make all the difference. Reach out for a confidential chat or to schedule a catch-up: erika@theagency.ky