Open-ended fund launches handled by the Maples Group increased by 30% in the second quarter of 2026.
The figures are contained in the Maples Group’s latest quarterly analysis of Cayman Islands open-ended funds, published on Wednesday, 19 Aug.
The report draws on the financial and legal firm’s experience advising on approximately one-third of mutual funds registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.
Multi-strategy funds and funds of funds accounted for the largest share of new launches during the quarter, representing 35% of funds established.
US-based investment managers remained the largest source of launches, accounting for 54%, while UK-domiciled managers increased their share to 25%.
Digital assets also continued to gain ground. The proportion of newly launched funds with digital asset permissions rose to 25% in Q2, up from 19% in the first quarter.
The Maples Group said the Cayman Islands’ tokenised fund framework was also gaining traction, with 12 registered tokenised vehicles established since the framework was introduced.
Classic master-feeder structures remained the most common fund structure during the quarter, highlighting continued demand for flexible vehicles that can accommodate different investor requirements.
The report comes as the global hedge fund industry experiences strong performance. According to the Maples Group, hedge funds recorded their strongest first-half performance in 13 years, while industry capital reached a record US$5.6 trillion.
The sector also attracted $45.2 billion in net inflows during the second quarter.
The Cayman Islands continued to be the preferred domicile among emerging hedge fund managers, with 56% of respondents to the 2026 AIMA and Marex Stacking Up: Emerging Manager Survey selecting Cayman for their flagship fund, Maples said.
Maples said the latest trends point to continued growth in diversified investment strategies, increasing adoption of digital assets and tokenised structures, and sustained demand for Cayman vehicles from both established and emerging managers.
The group said the combination of record industry capital, positive net inflows and growing interest in innovative fund structures provided a favourable outlook for Cayman Islands fund formation in the months ahead.
The full Open-Ended Funds Q2 Report by Maples can be read here.
