Cayman Islands Leads in Global Family Office Demand
A new survey finds that family offices increasingly favor the Cayman Islands for wealth planning and residency.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Planning
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The Cayman Islands ranked first in a recent Ocorian survey of family office demand for wealth planning. Over half of the 200 surveyed professionals expect the jurisdiction to see the most significant growth in interest over the next three years.
Why it matters
Families are prioritizing jurisdictions that offer stability amid geopolitical volatility and support for complex wealth structures. The trend highlights a shift toward locations that can accommodate wealth creation from sectors like digital assets.
A survey of 200 participants managing over US$100 billion in assets identified the Cayman Islands as the top jurisdiction for wealth planning. Growth is evidenced by 117 independent-means residency certificates granted in 2025, up from 64 in 2024.
The players
Ocorian
Ocorian is a global provider of corporate and fiduciary services that conducts research and surveys regarding the financial services industry.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea recognized as a major global financial center.
Singapore
Singapore is a sovereign island country in Southeast Asia that serves as a prominent hub for global finance and wealth management.
Jersey
Jersey is a British Crown Dependency located in the English Channel that operates as an international financial center.
The details
The survey polled family office members to determine preferences for wealth structuring and residency. Respondents cited the geographical convenience for families based in the Americas and the jurisdiction's regulatory environment as key drivers for their selection.
Timeline
2024 saw 64 independent-means residency certificates granted in the Cayman Islands.
2025 saw 117 independent-means residency certificates granted in the Cayman Islands.
Demand for family office services in the Cayman Islands is expected to grow over the next three years.
Market Dynamics
The surge in Cayman Islands wealth planning follows a pattern set by the historical growth of the Singapore family office hub. This jurisdictional competition reflects broader shifts in how high-net-worth families navigate complex global tax and regulatory environments.
For investors, the concentration of family offices in the Cayman Islands suggests potential shifts in localized investment capital and service availability. Readers should monitor how these trends influence global wealth management offerings and residency requirements.
The takeaway
The preference for stable, geographically convenient jurisdictions is reshaping where global wealth is managed and structured. Investors should evaluate whether these shifts in jurisdiction align with their own long-term wealth preservation and residency goals.
Further reading
Learn more about strategies for high-net-worth individuals in the Financial Planning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cayman Compass.
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