About Us

The Legal Services Supervisory Authority (LSSA) is the regulator responsible for overseeing anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CFT) and counter-proliferation financing (CPF) compliance of law firms conducting relevant financial business operating in and from the Cayman Islands.

The LSSA plays a vital role in safeguarding the Cayman Islands’ reputation as a leading international financial centre. Through rigorous supervision, constructive engagement, and targeted enforcement where necessary, we aim to strengthen the resilience of the legal sector against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing risks.

Our Regulatory Functions

The LSSA has the following three principal regulatory functions:

  • Monitoring compliance to ensure legal practitioners are operating in adherence with AML/CFT/CPF requirements;
  • Applying appropriate, predictable enforcement action against non-compliance to maintain the integrity of the Cayman Islands’ legal profession; and
  • Providing education, outreach and guidance to assist legal practitioners in complying with AML/CFT/CPF obligations.

We were established on 2 February 2024 and were delegated the responsibility for AML/CFT/CPF supervision of the Cayman Islands’ legal sector by the Legal Services Council (LSC) on 19 July 2024 in accordance with section 5(3) of the Legal Services Act (LSA).

Our Vision

To cultivate a flourishing, stable, and well-regulated legal sector that upholds the highest international standards, ensuring a safe, progressive, and credible environment for the Cayman Islands.

Our Mission

To safeguard the integrity of the Cayman Islands’ legal sector whilst upholding its reputation as a leading financial centre and preserving public trust.

Our Values

Excellence

We strive for quality and professionalism in supervision, enforcement, and service delivery.

Collaboration

We work with stakeholders across government, industry, and international bodies to protect the Cayman Islands’ legal sector.

Integrity

We act with honesty and uphold the highest ethical standards in all our decisions and actions.

Accountability

We are transparent in our operations and take responsibility for delivering on our mandate.

Independence

We maintain impartiality and autonomy in our regulatory role, free from undue influence.

Governance

The LSSA is governed by an independent Board of Directors, which holds ultimate responsibility for the strategic oversight and operational integrity of the Authority.

The board of directors comprises the following board members:

  • Stephen Watler
  • John Meghoo
  • Sophia-Ann Harris
  • Sandra Edun-Watler

The LSSA’s supervisory authority function has been delegated by the LSC. Accordingly, the LSSA is subject to oversight by the LSC.

In accordance with Section 4(1) of the Legal Services Act, the LSC is comprised of the following members:

  • Honourable Chief Justice, Margaret Ramsey-Hale (Chair)
  • Honourable Attorney General, Samuel Bulgin KC
  • Orren Merren III
  • Jeana Ebanks
  • John Meghoo
  • Stephen Watler