Wide view of the conference room at Hotel Indigo, a speaker at the lectern beside a screen reading “The Cayman Islands Directors Association – Welcome to the Educational Half Day”

Cayman Islands Directors Association

The professional voice of Cayman Islands directors

A self regulating association of more than 500 resident directors, working to protect and strengthen the Cayman Islands financial services industry.

Become a member Upcoming events

CIDA Directors Conference 2025

500+

members, all resident in the Cayman Islands

1

collective, independent voice for directors

Acc. Dir.

accreditation through DEAP with CGI Canada

Education for directors

World-class director education, brought to the Cayman Islands

Each year CIDA brings international governance education to the island, so that Cayman directors can learn, qualify and meet without leaving home.

Now in its 17th year

DEAP 2026

Directors’ Education and Accreditation Program

For 17 years CIDA has brought this program to the island, delivered with the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada. Successful candidates may use the professional letters Acc. Dir.

Dates
30 November – 4 December 2026
Venue
Hotel Indigo, Grand Cayman
Members
apply by 30 September
Apply for DEAP 2026

Registration open

Educational Day & AGM

Thursday 3 December 2026

A morning of industry and government panels, the CIDA Annual General Meeting and lunch with fellow directors.

Time
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Venue
Kimpton Seafire Ballroom
Cost
free for members and DEAP 2026 participants; non-members US$65
Register now

Why it matters

In the Cayman Islands, being a director is a profession

Cayman is unique in the world. Its directors are professionals who are actively involved in every aspect of the financial services entities they serve, from governance and oversight to risk, compliance and strategy.

  1. Protecting the industry

    CIDA is actively engaged in protecting and safeguarding the Cayman Islands financial services industry and its international reputation.

  2. Highest standards

    We define a code of conduct and best practice for members, ensuring corporate governance of the highest standard and strengthening the integrity of the sector.

  3. An independent voice

    Organised and run exclusively by directors of Cayman Islands companies, CIDA gives members a collective, independent voice on governance and boardroom matters across every sector.

Working with government and regulators

Helping shape regulation that is usable and robust

CIDA actively engages with the Cayman Islands Government, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), the Ministry of Financial Services and Cayman Finance, drawing on our members’ boardroom experience to advise on Cayman Islands financial services regulation that is practical to apply and robust in protecting the jurisdiction.

  • Cayman Islands Government
  • CIMA
  • Ministry of Financial Services
  • Cayman Finance

Feedback from Government

The Cayman Islands Government has told us that CIDA’s input has been very useful in making appropriate changes to legislation before it is implemented, where the original drafting might otherwise have had unintended consequences.

Recent examples include the beneficial ownership reporting regime and, most recently, the new AML and Sanctions Rules adopted by CIMA.

Although you may not hear from us every week, the members of the CIDA Committee are actively working in the interests of Cayman Islands directors, including engaging directly with the principal decision makers.

What’s happening

Recent activities

Held 7 September 2026

CIMA AML and Sanctions Rules briefing

CIDA members joined a complimentary Zoom briefing on the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority’s new AML and Sanctions Rules, presented by Andrew Howarth and Colm Dawson of Walkers. Our thanks to Walkers and to everyone who attended.

Why join CIDA

The benefits of membership

Membership gives you ongoing education, access to your peers and a stronger voice, a say in new legislation before it is made public, and much of it at no extra charge.

  • Free

    Member events at no charge

    Join CIDA member events and networking with fellow Cayman Islands directors without paying extra.

  • Free

    Ad hoc Zoom briefings

    Complimentary Zoom sessions on topical developments, such as the recent CIMA AML and Sanctions Rules briefing.

  • Free every year

    Annual Educational Half Day

    Our yearly educational half day, with industry and government panels, the AGM and lunch, at no charge to members.

  • Reduced rate

    Reduced-rate access to DEAP

    Members get a reduced rate on the Directors’ Education and Accreditation Program, now in its 17th year.

  • Your say

    Consultation on new legislation

    The opportunity to consult on legislative changes before they are released to the public, and to have a say in how Cayman Islands regulation develops.

  • Become a member

    Questions about membership? Email membership@cida.ky

    Become a member

Membership

Who can join

Members are individuals resident in the Cayman Islands who hold office as directors of one or more Cayman Islands registered companies. Each member is an employee of a Cayman Islands financial services company licensed and regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, or is an individual whose membership has been sponsored by at least two such members.

Questions about membership? Email membership@cida.ky