Cayman Finance has opened applications for its 2026 Graduate Training Programme, offering 22 positions for young Caymanian university graduates seeking work in the financial services sector. The programme has grown from 15 participants in its first year in 2025, with applications due by April 30.
The programme places graduates with Cayman Finance member firms on one-year employment contracts with starting salaries of CI$40,000. The initiative was designed to give recent graduates a more structured route into the workforce while helping smaller financial services firms recruit and train entry-level staff.
Participants will take part in a two-day orientation retreat, a 12-week series of weekly professional development workshops and one-on-one mentoring with an independent industry mentor. The programme is open to Caymanians who graduated in December 2025 or are set to graduate in 2026, with proof of being Caymanian required during the application process.
This year’s participating firms include Alexandria Bancorp, Alvarez and Marsal, BDO Cayman, Cayman National, Conyers, Dentons, DM Financial, Global Captive Management, Grant Thornton, Grant Thornton Specialist Services, Harneys Fiduciary, Highvern, JTC, Leeward Management, Moore Professional Services, Patria Finance, Rawlinson & Hunter, RSM Cayman, Saffery Trust, Teneo, Tenet and Willis Towers Watson.
The programme is open to Caymanians who have graduated from university in December 2025 or will graduate in 2026. Graduates must apply online and provide proof of being Caymanian as part of the process. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Interested graduates can learn more and apply at: https://caymanfinance.ky/graduate/
Danielle Hennings, associate director of community engagement at Cayman Finance, said the first year of the programme showed the benefit of giving graduates a supported entry into the industry. She said the expansion to 22 jobs would create more opportunities for young Caymanians to gain work experience, mentoring and professional training.
Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce André Ebanks said:“We recognise Cayman Finance for its leadership in developing this programme, which provides a structured pathway for young Caymanians. We especially commend the participating firms for stepping forward to offer these opportunities and for their strong commitment to investing in the development of local talent. Together, these efforts ensure that our people remain central to the continued success and competitiveness of our financial services industry.”
Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration Michael Myles said the Cayman Finance Graduate Training Programme is a powerful example of how strong corporate citizens can invest in the future of the Cayman Islands. He highlighted that creating structured opportunities for young Caymanians returning from university is critical to ensuring a smooth and meaningful transition into the workforce. By partnering with industry to provide mentorship, training and real job experience, businesses play a direct role in shaping the next generation of professionals. Minister Myles added that initiatives like this not only strengthen individual careers but also build a more sustainable, skilled, and resilient national workforce.
The Graduate Training Programme was created following research into the barriers to creating entry-level jobs for Caymanian graduates. While larger firms were already providing many opportunities, most Cayman Finance member firms are small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. These firms reported challenges such as limited applications, unrealistic salary expectations, difficulty retaining trainees, and the high cost of onboarding and training without dedicated HR support. Smaller firms also found it harder to offer the peer support and broader training environment typically available at larger organisations, so the programme was designed to help address those challenges and make hiring and developing recent graduates more attractive, effective and cost-efficient.
Applications close on 30 April 2026. Visit https://form.typeform.com/to/Dv7QL09l? to apply
