Michele Bahadur
The Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce has appointed Michele Bahadur as deputy chief officer for financial services, effective 1 April.
Bahadur brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, including roles in regulatory supervision, public sector leadership and private sector advisory.
The appointment places her in a key leadership role supporting the ministry’s financial services portfolio, including policy development, legislative initiatives and coordination with regulators and international stakeholders.
Bahadur has previously served as director of policy and legislation and director of stakeholder engagement within the ministry, and has also worked at the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. She has represented the jurisdiction in international engagements with organisations including the OECD, European Commission and the Financial Action Task Force.
Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce André Ebanks described the appointment as a “proud moment” for the ministry.
“Mrs Bahadur’s appointment is truly heartening news to me. I have known Mrs Bahadur for over a decade. In my experience, she is a gifted civil servant—intelligent, well-balanced, highly experienced, dedicated to dealing with the public affairs of this country seriously,” Premier Ebanks said.
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said her career reflects the level of expertise required to support Cayman’s position as a global financial centre. “Her deep expertise spanning regulation, policy, legislation and international engagement with bodies such as the OECD and FATF demonstrates exactly the calibre of public servant that keeps the Cayman Islands competitive and respected on the global stage,” he said.
Chief Officer Dr. Dax Basdeo said Bahadur’s background in policy, legislation and stakeholder engagement would be important in advancing the ministry’s priorities.
Bahadur holds a master of business administration and a bachelor’s degree in management and economics, and has received a Certificate and Badge of Honour for her contributions to the financial services industry.
