Cayman Islands, UK, 4th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Nathan Smith, CPA, MBA, is widely known in the global finance and investment community for his accomplishments as a seasoned asset manager, strategic advisor, and co-founder of Rockwater Capital. But beyond boardrooms and investment portfolios, Smith has carved a reputation for another equally significant pursuit: a deep and unwavering commitment to community service and philanthropy in the Cayman Islands.
Over the past decade, Nathan Smith has quietly and consistently supported the social and civic fabric of Cayman through generous contributions, founding efforts, and direct service, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many and setting an inspiring example of what business leadership with community conscience looks like.
Founding Member of 100 Men Who Give a Damn – Cayman
One of the hallmark contributions to local philanthropy by Smith is his role as a founding member of 100 Men Who Give a Damn Cayman, a grassroots charitable initiative that brings together 100 men to collectively donate to local causes in a high-impact, low-overhead model. The organization meets quarterly, each member pledging $100 per event, resulting in $10,000 per quarter going directly to a charity selected from among three by majority vote.
Smith recognized early on that philanthropic efforts need not be complicated to be effective. “The brilliance of 100 Men Cayman lies in its simplicity and transparency,” he said. “It’s about direct giving, local impact, and creating a culture of generosity among men who want to see their community thrive.”
Since its inception, the group has donated over $350,400 to a wide range of local non-profits, amplifying the reach and resources of small organizations doing vital work. Smith’s involvement helped lay the foundation for what has become one of the most impactful male-led charitable collectives in the territory.
Significant Contributions to Ignite the Fire and Cayman Heart Foundation
In addition to his founding role in 100 Men Cayman, Nathan Smith has made substantial financial contributions to two prominent causes: Ignite the Fire and the Cayman Heart Foundation.
Ignite the Fire is a local organization dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism and uniting Christian churches across the Cayman Islands. Rooted in the belief that love and faith can transform lives, Ignite the Fire focuses on supporting churches in their mission to win souls for Christ, especially among children and young people facing the challenges of today’s world. The organization partners with local churches to deliver gospel events, youth programs, and community outreach designed to reignite a love for Christ and foster unity among diverse congregations.
Nathan Smith’s donation supports Ignite the Fire’s flagship annual campaign, bringing together churches and people from across the islands to share the good news of salvation, forgiveness, and grace. His commitment reflects a deep respect for faith-based community-building and youth empowerment.
Similarly, Smith’s donation to the Cayman Heart Foundation (CHF) reflects his long-term commitment to public health and community wellness. Established in 2007, CHF is a non-profit focused on improving cardiovascular health for all Cayman residents by educating the public, influencing policy, and supporting access to high-quality care. The foundation delivers targeted prevention programs focused on nutrition, fitness, and reducing risk factors such as obesity. They also provide lifesaving tools like AEDs, basic life-saving training, and assist individuals in timely access to treatment.
“My support for the Cayman Heart Foundation comes from a personal experience as a heart surgery survivor and a belief that preventative care, education, and access to early screening save lives,” said Smith. “It’s not just a medical issue. It’s an economic and social one too.”
Founding Member of the Cayman Islands Regiment
Nathan Smith’s dedication to service also extends beyond philanthropy into the realm of national defense and public safety. He was a founding member of the Cayman Islands Regiment, the national reserve force established to assist in disaster response, national emergencies, and defense-related duties.
Serving between August 2020 and May 2022, Smith brought to the Regiment not just his physical presence but also valuable operational expertise from his previous military service as an active duty Airman in the United States Air Force.
During his time with the Regiment, Smith was deployed in key national operations. His leadership and calm under pressure earned respect from peers and superiors alike. Captain Gabe Rabess, in a formal letter of recommendation, wrote:
“Mr. Smith consistently demonstrated strong values and standards, a resilient work ethic, and a clear sense of responsibility… His willingness to support others and take on additional responsibilities made him a reliable team member and someone others could turn to for direction.”
In addition to participating in field operations, Smith played a mentorship role for younger recruits, drawing from his cybersecurity and IT experience in the U.S. Air Force, where he had specialized in intrusion detection, penetration testing, and IT deployment in forward-operating environments.
A Balanced Life of Impact
While his community work might seem to exist in a separate world from his financial career, Smith sees the two as deeply intertwined.
“Whether I’m managing portfolios or supporting a nonprofit, the goal is the same: to invest in things that matter, in people who make a difference, and in systems that create value, financially or socially,” Smith explains.
As co-founder of Rockwater Capital, Smith leads a boutique asset management firm focused on delivering long-term value through investments in real estate, technology, and finance. He also serves on the boards of several public and private companies and was previously CFO of a major family office with a significant number of portfolio companies under his direct leadership. His career has been diverse, including as Managing Director at a fiduciary firm overseeing $5 billion in assets and SVP of a private bank managing a $700 million credit book.
Yet despite these responsibilities, Smith prioritizes giving back as a personal and professional obligation.
“I’ve been fortunate in many ways,” he says. “Giving back to the Cayman Islands community isn’t a side project. It’s part of the job.”
A Trusted Leader for the Future
With over 20 years of experience in finance, a decorated military background, and an impressive philanthropic résumé, Nathan Smith represents a rare blend of corporate acumen, civic responsibility, and moral clarity. His contributions continue to inspire professionals in Cayman and beyond to think more holistically about the role of leadership in society.
As he looks to the future, Smith remains committed to both his professional pursuits and his passion for giving.
“Cayman has given me so much; both professionally and personally,” he said. “Supporting this community through charitable work and public service is how I show my gratitude and help build a stronger future for all of us.”
Media Contact
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Phone: +1 (345) 926-4915
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