Cayman Banks by the numbers

Published On: March 27, 2017| By |

The main sources of Cayman Banks

Of the 159 banks that existed at the end of 2016, Europe and South America represents the two largest regions from which Cayman Banks originate. Each region is responsible for roughly 22% of all Cayman Islands banks, with the USA coming in as the third largest source being 13% of all banks. The least influential source of Cayman banks is the Middle East, which represents 3% of all Cayman banks.

How far have Cayman banks come?

The total number of banks in the Cayman Islands was 428 in 2001 and at the end of 2016, there were 159 entities, representing a 63% decline over the 15-year period.

The number of European based banks stood at 42 at the end of 2016, which represents a decline of 71% since 2001

The number of US based banks was 33 at the end of 2016, which represents a decline of 74% over the same period.

So, what do these trends mean for Cayman banking?

For numbers, not so good..

In the past the decline in the number of licenses was not a good indicator of the health of the banking sector because during years of declines in the number of licenses the banking sector as a whole experienced a growing balance sheet. This indicated periods of consolidation in the number of banks accompanied by growing banking business as could be evidenced by significant growth in balance sheet items such as deposits held by the sector over the years.

“The total assets of the banking sector as a whole has declined by 22% between 2014 and 2015”

But in recent periods this trend has changed because the total assets of the banking sector as a whole has declined by 22% between 2014 and 2015 and it is likely this trend has continued in 2016. CIMA’s recent banking statistical digest suggests that this balance sheet decline was largely due to banks up-streaming their Cayman Islands deposits to their parent group due to regulatory reasons in Europe.

But performance-wise Cayman Islands banks are doing very well

Banks have benefited from improved risk management and a more conservative approach, with provision for credit losses decreasing significantly by 84% between 2014 and 2015.

“Banks have benefited from improved risk management”

Cayman Islands banks have improved their bottom line with the sector showing a 52% increase in net income retained according to CIMA’s most recent report. In addition The Cayman Islands continues to be recognised as one the world’s top international banking centres, winning numerous accolades from the Banker magazine over the past 10 years.

Losing significantly large numbers of licensees over the years doesn’t bode so well for the local economy in terms of employment and contribution to GDP. But its good to see that bank’s in the Cayman Islands have enhanced their credit risk management and are performing very well.

Recent posts

Categories

News & Insights
Events

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!