Financial Services
The Leadership Cayman Class of 2026 continued its seminar series on Wednesday, 12 March, with an in-depth and engaging exploration of one of the Cayman Islands’ most important economic pillars: Financial Services. Hosted with the valued support of Deloitte, the seminar offered participants a dynamic blend of site visits, expert insights, and meaningful dialogue around the sector that drives Cayman’s global reputation.
The afternoon began at Cayman Enterprise City (CEC), where the cohort was welcomed for a guided tour and presentation led by CEO Charlie Kirkconnell alongside Kaitlyn Elphinstone. Participants gained firsthand insight into the role of special economic zones in attracting global businesses, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for knowledge-based industries. The session sparked thoughtful discussion around Cayman’s positioning as a hub for entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and international investment.
Following the tour, the class reconvened at Deloitte’s Camana Bay offices for dinner and the evening’s seminar. The session featured a distinguished panel of industry leaders, including Cindy Scotland of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), Conor O’Dea of Cayman Finance, and Edward Gwekwete of KPMG. Each speaker brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the forces shaping the financial services landscape.
Through a series of breakout sessions, participants rotated between speakers, allowing for deeper, more interactive discussions on critical topics such as regulatory frameworks, global competitiveness, innovation in fintech and digital assets, and the evolving role of education and workforce development. Conversations also explored the balance between maintaining Cayman’s strong compliance reputation and preserving its agility as a business-friendly jurisdiction.
The dialogue extended beyond technical insights, encouraging participants to consider the broader implications of financial services on the community—from employment opportunities and immigration policy to long-term economic resilience. The seminar highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, regulators, and the private sector in sustaining Cayman’s success on the global stage.
The evening concluded with a full-group discussion, where participants reflected on the key themes of the seminar and shared perspectives on the future of the industry. Discussions continued informally at Karoo, where the cohort and mentors connected in a relaxed setting, reinforcing the strong sense of camaraderie that defines the Leadership Cayman experience.
Supported by mentor Richard Maparura and moderators Kaffion Baker-McLaughlin and Carol Henry, the seminar provided a rich and multifaceted look at an industry central to Cayman’s identity and future—leaving participants better equipped to understand its complexities and lead with informed perspective.