Republic Financial Holdings Acquires Controlling Stake in Cayman National, Leading to Stock Market Exit After 51 Years

Cayman National Corporation Ltd., the Cayman Islands’ largest homegrown financial services company, has officially left the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange (CSX) after more than five decades of public trading. The move follows a successful acquisition by Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), a regional banking and financial powerhouse, which now controls approximately 87% of Cayman National’s shares. 

This marks a significant milestone in Caribbean banking, reshaping ownership and operations for one of the region’s most established financial institutions.

The journey toward this change began earlier in 2025 when RFHL, through its wholly owned subsidiary Republic Bank Trinidad & Tobago (Barbados) Limited, launched an offer to acquire the remaining publicly traded shares of Cayman National. Shareholders responded positively, with the offer closing successfully at the end of July, enabling RFHL to increase its stake from 74.98% to 87.17%. 

With the increased ownership, regulatory requirements mandating that at least 25% of shares remain publicly traded could no longer be met, necessitating the voluntary delisting of Cayman National from the CSX.

Cayman National, founded in 1974 and headquartered in George Town, has long been a cornerstone of banking in the Cayman Islands. It provides retail and commercial banking services and also operates in trust, company, and wealth management both locally and internationally. 

Beyond its home base, the bank maintains a presence in the Isle of Man, offering banking, compliance, and custody services for assets. The institution’s longevity and strong reputation have made it a trusted partner for clients seeking stability and expertise in financial services.

Republic Financial Holdings Limited, headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, is the parent company of a diverse portfolio of banks and financial entities across the Caribbean. Its holdings include Republic Bank Limited, Republic Bank (Guyana), Republic Bank (Barbados), Republic Bank (Grenada), Republic Bank (St. Maarten), Republic Bank (EC), Republic Bank (Anguilla), Republic Bank (Suriname), Republic Bank (Ghana), Republic Bank (BVI), as well as Cayman National Corporation. 

The Group also operates subsidiaries in wealth management and insurance. RFHL’s strategy has been to build a regional network of financial institutions, delivering operational efficiencies, diversified services, and stronger client engagement across multiple markets.

The acquisition and delisting of Cayman National are not just regulatory formalities, they carry strategic significance. By consolidating full ownership, RFHL gains greater control over operations, streamlines governance, and strengthens its ability to deploy resources efficiently across its Caribbean network. 

For clients, this means enhanced product offerings, more integrated services, and the backing of a large, regionally diversified financial group. For the Cayman Islands, it signals the continued evolution of its financial sector, aligning a historic homegrown bank with a broader regional strategy.

While Cayman National is no longer publicly traded, its legacy remains firmly intact. The bank continues to serve its customers with the dedication and reliability for which it has been known for over 50 years. For RFHL, the acquisition represents another step in its ongoing mission to deepen its regional presence, expand services, and create sustainable value for shareholders and clients alike.

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