Cayman Islands Monetary Authority explains revised annual return and sub-fund fees for regulated mutual and private funds

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority published an industry notice clarifying how Cayman Islands Government revisions to fees apply to mutual funds and private funds regulated under the Mutual Funds Act and the Private Funds Act, effective 1 January 2026. Under the revised framework, the annual fee for registered funds rises to $4,125 from $3,675 and the annual fee for master funds to $3,075 from $2,625. The sub-fund fee for registered mutual funds increases to $750 per sub-fund from $300, while the sub-fund or alternative investment vehicle fee for registered private funds increases to $525 per sub-fund or AIV from $300. Annual return fees for financial years ending on or before 31 December 2025 continue to be assessed at the pre-revised rates ($300 or $150, as applicable). For the 2026 calendar year, the Regulatory Enhanced Electronic Forms Submission portal will display the base annual fee and the incremental increase as separate payments, moving to a single consolidated payment from 1 January 2027. The annual fee deadline remains 15 January each year, with sub-fund and AIV fees continuing to be paid separately under existing procedures. Funds that already remitted the pre-revised annual fee by 15 January 2026 are expected to ensure the full revised annual fee and any applicable sub-fund/AIV fees are paid, with any shortfall to be settled by 15 February 2026; no penalties will be assessed on unpaid incremental increases until after 15 February 2026.