AGP Executive Report

Crypto & Trading: Toobit wrapped TIFT 2026 after four weeks and nearly 60,000 registered traders, with a $3m USDT prize pool and standout team performances like Turbo Titans posting 850% P&L. Reinsurance & Events: CIRCA opened early-bird registration for ReConnect 2027 (15–16 April 2027, Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman), positioning the conference as a discussion-first forum on regulation, capital, risk and investment. Financial Services Training: The Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute (FSI) earned CPD Accreditation, letting eligible course takers receive CPD certificates across AML, financial crime risk, governance and Cayman regulatory framework topics. Government & Policy: Cayman’s revised driving licence fees take effect 1 September 2026, cutting non-Cayman differentials and adding discounts for Caymanians on longer-term licences. Premier’s Office: Dr Karie Bergstrom was appointed Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks effective 1 October 2026, tasked with strategic policy support and day-to-day OTP coordination. Healthcare Workforce: HSA’s LEARN Clinical Ladder Programme is advancing nurses through Levels 2 and 3, aimed at leadership development and safer patient care. Hospitality Talent: MPLAHI crowned Cayman’s 2026 Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist champions, who will represent the islands at YYY World Finals in March 2027. Local Business Climate: A pay-to-play influencer controversy is under investigation by WORC after tour operators alleged “positive posts” are solicited and negative reviews follow non-payment.

Construction & Materials Watch: Bahama Rock’s threatened closure is being flagged as a risk to Caribbean building costs, with local developers warning of supply shortages and higher concrete and shipping prices that could stall projects. Reinsurance & Training: CIRCA opened early-bird registration for ReConnect 2027 in Grand Cayman, while the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation for Cayman-specific professional courses. Government & Housing: The Auditor General’s housing report is intensifying debate, and the PPM/Progressives opposition says accountability must improve across delivery. Premier’s Office: Dr Karie Bergstrom has been appointed Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks from 1 October, bringing professional and board experience from across Cayman’s public and private sectors. Local Industry People: IMAC named 2026 scholarship recipients, and the MPLAHI-backed young hospitality champions will represent Cayman at the YYY World Finals in March 2027. Cruise Access: Southern Caribbean itineraries are expanding, making bucket-list ports like Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao easier to reach without repositioning cruises. Crypto & Finance: OceanLight units are set for separate trading on Nasdaq, while Cayman-linked crypto activity continues with new exchange promotions and hosting/operations deals tied to mining capacity.

Healthcare Workforce Development: HSA is advancing nursing careers through its LEARN Clinical Ladder Programme, with 15 nurses completing Levels 2 and 3 via hands-on training, mock code drills, and leadership-focused skill building. Tourism & Marine Industry: The 23rd International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony welcomed new honourees, with Deputy Premier Gary Rutty highlighting Cayman’s marine environment as a natural home for the awards. Capital Markets & Finance: Fortis priced US$1 billion of fixed-to-fixed junior subordinated notes due 2057, while CIIT/BTCT signed a cryptocurrency mining machine hosting agreement aimed at expanding digital computing capacity. Local Governance: Dr Karie Bergstrom has been appointed Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks effective 1 October, tasked with strategic policy support and coordinating policy implementation. Financial Services Training: The Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation, enabling accredited Cayman-specific courses in AML, financial crime risk, governance, and regulatory framework. Digital Assets & Industry: Bullish released August 2026 monthly metrics, and Henley’s Crypto Wealth Report put the Cayman Islands at 12th for crypto adoption. Public Policy Watch: The Auditor General’s housing findings continue to fuel political debate, with PPM/Progressives calling for stronger accountability on delivery.

Premier Appointments: Dr Karie Bergstrom has been named Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks, effective 1 October, tasked with steering policy advice and running day-to-day operations of the Office of the Premier. Housing Oversight: The Auditor General’s housing findings are feeding fresh political pressure, with the opposition pointing to performance and accountability gaps in the government’s affordable housing delivery. Cayman Finance & Regulation: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 September, citing unpaid fees/penalties, solvency margin failures, and missing audited statements. Crypto Infrastructure Deal: CIIT and BTCT signed a cryptocurrency mining machine hosting agreement covering deployment, operations and maintenance, with plans to assess more hosting capacity. Digital Assets & Training: Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation for Cayman-focused AML, governance and regulatory training. Industry Ecosystem: Enterprise Cayman and DMZ welcomed 18 ventures into the Launch Labs Incubator, spanning AI, MedTech, fintech and other emerging sectors. Tourism & Business: Caymanian Times launched a new Small Business Initiative with a job-advertising package starting 14 September, while WORC is investigating a pay-to-play influencer controversy involving Cayman tourism promotion.

Premier Office Update: Karie Bergstrom is set to become Premier André Ebanks’ chief of staff on 1 October, bringing professional and financial services leadership and board experience, with a remit covering strategic policy advice and day-to-day coordination across ministries. Small Business Support: Caymanian Times launches a new Small Business Initiative next week, with a six-month job-advertising package starting 14 September (CI$99 for up to three ads). Housing Accountability: The Auditor General’s housing findings are feeding fresh political pressure, with the OAG flagging gaps in the government’s housing strategy and performance reporting, and the PPM/Progressives calling it a turning point for holding government to account. Regulatory & Insurance: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 September for unpaid fees/penalties and solvency and filing failures; AM Best also affirmed GUNA Re’s ratings after a capital injection resolved balance-sheet uncertainty. Tourism & Hospitality: Stay-over tourism hit record momentum, and MPLAHI named Cayman’s 2026 Young Hospitality Champions ahead of March 2027 world finals. Industry & Finance Ecosystem: Enterprise Cayman and DMZ welcomed 18 ventures into the Launch Labs incubator, while the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation.

Financial Services & Regulation: Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute (FSI) earns CPD Accreditation, letting eligible courses issue CPD certificates for AML, financial crime risk management, governance and the Cayman regulatory framework. Insurance Oversight: CIMA revokes Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 September after fee, solvency margin and audited statement failures; the insurer can appeal to Grand Court. Reinsurance Ratings: AM Best affirms GUNA Re (Cayman Islands) at A- with stable outlook after removing it from under-review negative implications, following an ITOCHU capital injection that restored capital after accounting-related erosion. Housing Accountability: Auditor General findings on gaps in the 10-year housing strategy and public housing delivery keep pressure on government, with PPM calling for stronger accountability and faster fixes. Tourism & Hospitality: Cayman’s stay-over tourism hits record highs for the year-to-date period, while MPLAHI names 2026 Young Chef/Waiter/Mixologist champions who will represent Cayman at world finals in March 2027. Payments & Remittances: JN Money partners with WapiPay to expand remittance options to Jamaica via JN Money’s payout infrastructure. Startup Ecosystem: Enterprise Cayman and DMZ Launch Labs Incubator welcomes 18 ventures, with Enterprise Cayman adding more programme partners. Aviation Service: Cayman Airways rolls out “Refund Protect” across routes with Protect Group managing refunds end-to-end.

Housing Accountability: The Auditor General’s latest housing findings are pushing the PPM to demand stronger delivery and reporting, while the OAG flags gaps in the government’s 10-year housing strategy and calls for faster legislative action. Housing Fees & Access: Government confirmed revised driving licence and related fees take effect 1 September, cutting non-Caymanian full licence differentials and adding longer-term Caymanian discounts. Tourism & Travel Demand: Cayman welcomed a record 333,747 stay-over visitors in Jan–July (+11%), with July stay-over arrivals up 10% as cruise numbers fell but stayed ahead year-to-date. Insurance Regulation: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 September for fee, solvency, and filing failures. Reinsurance Ratings: AM Best affirmed GUNA Re (Cayman) at A-/a- with stable outlook after removing it from under-review status following an ITOCHU capital injection. Industry & Business: IMAC’s annual gala silent auction opens for its scholarship fund, and Cayman Airways launched “Refund Protect” with Protect Group across all routes. Crypto & Compliance: A pay-to-play influencer dispute is under WORC investigation, while US regulators warn consumers about unregulated offshore DeFi exchanges.

Tourism & Consumer Watch: A Delta flight attendant visiting the Cayman Islands has triggered complaints and a WORC investigation over alleged “pay-to-play” social media influencing, with claims she posts positive or negative reviews based on whether local businesses pay. Insurance & Regulation: AM Best affirmed GUNA Re’s A- financial strength and “a-” issuer credit rating after removing it from review, citing a capital injection from ITOCHU following accounting-related capital erosion. Housing Oversight: The Auditor General flagged gaps in the government’s 10-year housing strategy and called for faster action on key legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act. CIMA Enforcement: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence after fee, solvency margin, and audited statement failures. Tourism Numbers: Cayman recorded record stayover growth—333,747 overnight guests Jan–Jul (+11%)—with July stayover arrivals up 10% year-on-year. Payments & Remittances: JN Money and WapiPay expanded ways to send money to Jamaica, using JN Money’s local payout infrastructure. Aviation Commerce: Cayman Airways rolled out “Refund Protect” across routes via Protect Group. Industry Growth: Enterprise Cayman and DMZ added Eightpoint Technologies as a Programme Partner for the Launch Labs incubator.

Tourism & Hospitality: Cayman welcomed a record 333,747 stay-over guests in Jan–Jul 2026 (+11%), with July alone up 10% to 45,053; cruise passenger numbers fell 23% in July but were up 4% year-to-date, while hotel occupancy hit 66.7% (+9.4%) and ADR rose 7.6%. Housing Oversight: The Auditor General says gaps in the government’s 10-year housing strategy and programmes leave affordability worsening, with no clear reporting back to parliament and urgent legislative steps still lagging. Regulation & Finance (Insurance): CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 Sept after missed licence fees/penalties, solvency margin shortfalls, and failure to file audited accounts; an appeal route to Grand Court is available. Cayman Business & Industry (Startups/Tech): Eightpoint Technologies joined Enterprise Cayman and DMZ as a Programme Partner for the 14-week Launch Labs Incubator (Sept 1–Dec 4). Payments: JN Money Services partnered with WapiPay to expand cross-border remittance payout options to Jamaica via JN Money’s local infrastructure. Aviation Commerce: Cayman Airways launched “Refund Protect” with Protect Group across all routes and markets. Reinsurance & Capital Markets: Greenlight Capital Re added John Welch to its board as an independent director. Critical Minerals (Corporate Structure): NT1 agreed to merge with Plutonian Acquisition Corp II, with a Cayman exempted company set to list on the NYSE.

Cayman Housing Oversight: The Auditor General says the government’s 10-year housing plan has gaps on strategy, performance tracking and risk management, with no clear reporting back to parliament and key legislation potentially years away. CIMA Captive Update: Cayman Islands Monetary Authority revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 September after fee, solvency margin and audited statement failures. Insurance Leadership: Greenlight Capital Re added John Welch to its board as an independent director, strengthening underwriting and actuarial oversight. Captive Industry Call: Nominations are open for the Captive Review Cayman Awards 2026, spotlighting the people and firms behind the island’s captive insurance sector. Tourism Momentum: Cayman recorded record stayover growth—333,747 overnight guests in Jan–Jul (+11%)—with July stayovers up 10% year-on-year. Travel Services: Cayman Airways rolled out “Refund Protect” across all routes and markets via Protect Group. Fintech/Payments: JN Money and WapiPay expanded remittance options for sending money to Jamaica using JN Money’s local payout network. Tech & Startups: Eightpoint Technologies joined Enterprise Cayman and DMZ as a Programme Partner for the Launch Labs incubator. Critical Minerals Deal: NT1 agreed to merge with Plutonian Acquisition Corp. II, with a Cayman exempted company set to list on the NYSE and target a 2027 close. Crypto Regulation Warning: Attorney General Tong warned consumers about unregulated offshore DeFi exchanges and the lack of protections for retail investors.

Insurance & Regulation: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 September after the captive missed licence fee payments, failed solvency margin requirements, and did not file audited financials for 2024. Housing Oversight: The Auditor General says gaps in the government’s 10-year housing strategy and housing policy include weak performance measurement and risk management, with no clear reporting back to Parliament on public housing spending. Tourism & Travel Services: Cayman stay-over tourism hit a record 333,747 overnight guests in Jan–Jul (+11%), while July alone brought 45,053 (+10%); Cayman Airways also rolled out “Refund Protect” across all routes and markets via Protect Group. Cayman Captives & Finance: IMAC opened its annual gala silent auction to fund its Educational Scholarship Fund, while Captive Review Cayman Awards 2026 nominations are now open. Tech & Business Growth: Eightpoint Technologies joined Enterprise Cayman and DMZ as a Programme Partner for the 14-week Launch Labs Incubator. Reinsurance Leadership: Greenlight Capital Re added John Welch and Ariel Warszawski to its board.

Tourism Pulse: Cayman recorded a record 333,747 stay-over guests in Jan–Jul 2026 (+11% vs 2025), with July alone up 10% to 45,053; cruise passenger numbers fell 23% in July but were up 4% year-to-date, keeping overall Jan–Jul visitor totals at 1,058,781 (+6.2%). Housing & Public Value: The Auditor General says Cayman’s affordable housing programmes aren’t delivering value for money and highlights a widening affordability gap as rents and mortgage costs outpace incomes. Insurance Regulation: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 Sept 2026 for unpaid fees/penalties, solvency margin shortfalls, and failure to file audited statements. Cayman Finance & Governance: Finance ministry disputes claims it already spent over half of the CI$252.3m mid-year surplus, arguing approvals set limits rather than confirming payouts. Healthcare Workforce: Doctors Hospital launched a two-year apprenticeship programme for young Caymanians, targeting support roles across marketing/business development, supply chain, and information technology. Industry Recognition: Cayman Motoring Federation won the FIA José Abed Award for STEM Racing Cayman Islands, linking motorsport education with engineering and tech skills. Air Travel Add-on: Cayman Airways rolled out “Refund Protect” across routes via Protect Group, offering enhanced refund terms at checkout. Captive Sector Spotlight: Nominations are open for the Captive Review Cayman Awards 2026 (closing 27 Sept). Business & Capital Markets: Greenlight Capital Re appointed John Welch as an independent director, adding to board changes announced earlier this year.

Insurance & Captives: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 September after missed licence fees/penalties, solvency and capital shortfalls, and failure to file audited 2024 financials—though the firm can appeal to Grand Court. Reinsurance Governance: Greenlight Capital Re named John Welch as an independent director, adding actuarial and underwriting experience to the board alongside Ariel Warszawski. Tech & Startups: Eightpoint Technologies joined Enterprise Cayman and DMZ as a Programme Partner for the 14-week Launch Labs Incubator (Sept 1–Dec 4), backing ventures across tech, fintech, AI and consumer solutions. Tourism & Travel Services: Cayman welcomed 333,747 stayover guests Jan–July (+11%); July alone saw 45,053 stayovers (+10%), while cruise passenger numbers fell 23% in July. Cayman Airways also rolled out Protect Group’s Refund Protect across all routes and markets. Healthcare Workforce: Doctors Hospital launched a two-year apprenticeship programme for young Caymanians, targeting support roles across marketing/business development, supply chain and information systems. Housing Oversight: The Auditor General’s affordable housing report says Caymanians face a widening affordability gap and criticises value-for-money and oversight across 2019–2024.

Healthcare & Regulation: Mervyn Conolly retires after 45+ years, including leadership roles in Cayman’s hospital expansion and health insurance regulation. Insurance Oversight: CIMA revoked Progressive Grocers Insurance SPC’s Class B(ii) licence effective 1 Sept, citing unpaid fees/penalties, solvency margin shortfalls, and missing audited statements; the firm can appeal to Grand Court. Tourism & Hospitality: Cayman logged record stay-over growth—333,747 overnight guests Jan–July (+11%)—with July stay-overs up 10% and hotel performance strengthening (occupancy +9.4%, ADR +7.6%). Aviation Services: Cayman Airways partners with Protect Group to roll out “Refund Protect” across all routes and markets. Housing Accountability: The Auditor General released a report on government’s affordable housing approach (2019–2024), highlighting a widening affordability gap and value-for-money concerns. Local Business & Talent: Doctors Hospital launches a two-year apprenticeship programme for young Caymanians across support roles (marketing, supply chain, information tech). Cayman Finance & Markets: Eightpoint Technologies joins Enterprise Cayman and DMZ as a Programme Partner for Launch Labs; Greenlight Capital Re adds new independent directors. Tech & Crypto: Toobit is featured in CoinGecko’s 2026 security report; Bit Origin rebrands to SANGRIX (Cayman-incorporated) ahead of a Nasdaq ticker change. Critical Minerals: NT1 plans a $500m merger with Plutonian Acquisition Corp II, with the combined entity set to list on NYSE.

Reinsurance Governance: Greenlight Capital Re appoints John Welch as an independent director, adding fresh underwriting and actuarial experience to its board after Ariel Warszawski’s election. Critical Minerals Deal: NT1 Pty Ltd has signed a merger agreement with Plutonian Acquisition Corp II, setting up a Cayman Islands exempted company structure and a planned 2027 close tied to rare earth and other minerals exploration. Aviation Customer Service: Cayman Airways partners with Protect Group to roll out “Refund Protect” across all routes and markets, giving passengers enhanced refund terms at checkout. Housing Affordability Check: The Auditor General says housing remains unaffordable for most Caymanians and that government programmes have not delivered favorable value for money, while government points to its new policy and 10-year plan as the next step. Tourism Numbers: July stayover arrivals hit 45,053 (+10% year over year), marking a ninth straight month of growth, with cruise passenger totals down but still ahead year to date. Local Skills Pipeline: Doctors Hospital launches a two-year apprenticeship programme aimed at growing Cayman’s next healthcare workforce through supervised placements in support roles. Driving Fees Update: Revised DVDL fee structure takes effect 1 September, reducing non-Caymanian licence differentials and offering Caymanian discounts for longer-term licences. Cayman Captives Spotlight: Captive Review Cayman Awards 2026 nominations open, with entries closing 27 September. Healthcare Education: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marks its 10th anniversary with hands-on robotics, renewable energy, and science projects for ages 10–13.

Aviation & Travel Flexibility: Cayman Airways is rolling out “Refund Protect” with Protect Group, letting passengers request refunds for qualifying unforeseen circumstances across all routes and markets, including via the mobile app. Local Governance & Housing: The Auditor General says housing remains unaffordable for most Caymanians and that government programmes aren’t delivering favorable value for money, as a separate government response points to ongoing implementation of housing reforms. Tourism Performance: Cayman welcomed 45,053 stayover visitors in July 2026 (+10% year-on-year) for a ninth straight month of stayover growth, while cruise passenger numbers dipped in July but stayed ahead year-to-date. Workforce Development: Doctors Hospital launched a two-year Apprenticeship Programme for young Caymanians, combining coursework with supervised placements in support roles across departments including supply chain and information tech. Industry Recognition: Cayman Motoring Federation won the FIA José Abed Award for STEM Racing Cayman Islands, highlighting motorsport education and youth STEM pathways. Corporate & Finance: Bit Origin rebranded to SANGRIX Inc. and will trade on Nasdaq under “SGRX,” while Cayman-linked investment and reinsurance items included Captive Review Cayman Awards 2026 nominations opening and a Bermuda life reinsurance sidecar market update.