George Town, Cayman Islands, 1 May 2023

Vanessa Hansen

The Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants today announced the departure of Vanessa Hansen, who served as CIIPA’s Chief Operating Officer and helped lead CIIPA’s transition from a professional society to a globally recognised professional accounting institute and anti-money laundering supervisor. 

Hansen joined the organisation — then known as the Cayman Islands Society of Professional Accountants — in 2014 as Operations and Communications Manager. She was promoted to COO in 2020, overseeing and managing all aspects of CIIPA’s day-to-day activities. 

“Vanessa has been an integral part of CIIPA’s growth and success,” CIIPA Chief Executive Officer Sheree Ebanks said. “We would not be where we are as an organisation without Vanessa and, on behalf of CIIPA, its Council and members, I want to thank her for her hard work and dedication to serving the accounting profession.” 

Hansen was heavily involved in CIIPA’s role as Cayman’s AML supervisor, monitoring the observance of auditing standards and she worked with several of CIIPA’s committees. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our members and working alongside our amazing volunteers at CIIPA,” Hansen said. “It has been a privilege to be a part of the development and growth of the Institute. I wish the best to my colleagues, our Council, and members and look forward to seeing the organisation continue to thrive.” 

Hansen joined the organisation at a time when it had three staff members. CIIPA now plans to have at least seven full-time staff members by the end of the year as it has opened the recruitment process for a Director of Operations, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Policy and Director of Education and Training. These positions align with CIIPA’s desire to provide more resources and assistance to Cayman’s accountants, students, the public and other stakeholders in Cayman’s financial services industry. 

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ABOUT CIIPA

For 51 years, CIIPA has worked to further the public interest by providing oversight to the accounting profession. The organisation is committed to promoting the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct, while supporting the growth of the profession. CIIPA is a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the worldwide organisation representing the profession, and prides itself on its role as both an educator and regulator in the financial services industry.