👨‍⚖️ Charles Jennings appointed as new chair of Anti-Corruption Commission

Charles Jennings has been named as the new chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the Cayman Islands for the next twelve months. Jennings, who has been a member of the ACC for the last two years, is a former worldwide managing partner of Maples and Calder and former president of the Cayman Islands Law Society. Since 2012, he has been chair of the Financial Services Legislative Committee. He takes over from Adrian “Gus” Pope, who is stepping down after two years in the role. 🏛️

Elisabeth Lees, a former crown prosecutor and the National Coordinator of the Anti-Money Laundering Steering Group from 2019 until January 2022, has also been appointed to the commission as a member for a one-year term. Governor Jane Owen has praised the work of the ACC under Pope's leadership, particularly its role in removing the Cayman Islands from the FATF grey list in October 2023. The Governor expressed her confidence in Jennings and Lees to continue the important work of the Commission. 📜

However, there are concerns about the funding and resources available to the ACC. The commission does not have its own budget and its small investigation team is reportedly overwhelmed with the caseload. The ACC has suggested that a better legal and operational structure may be needed for it to become a stand-alone entity with its own premises, budget and employees. The mission of the ACC is to enhance the stability, prosperity and reputation of the Cayman Islands by fighting corruption. 🚨