The panelists of “The Financial Landscape” stressed understanding finances, citing cases of undisclosed investments causing sudden tax burdens.
They also discussed Cyprus's business environment, addressing reputation concerns and highlighting the importance of quality to attract investors.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2024
A panel convened to shed light on the complex landscape of
"The Financial Landscape," at the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2024,
, in Limassol, Cyprus on 8th March, focusing on the many challenges confronting individuals and families, notably
within the realms of estate administration and taxation. With careful thought,
the panelists emphasized the crucial role of preparation in navigating the
complexities inherent in managing estates and fulfilling tax obligations.
"As we embark on this journey of financial navigation," they
reflected, "it becomes abundantly clear that foresight and readiness are
indispensable allies in overcoming unforeseen obstacles." Thus, against
the backdrop of evolving fiscal landscapes, the discussion unfolded, offering
insights and strategies to empower attendees on their own financial journey.
Philip Ammerman adeptly moderated the panel, featuring
notable figures including: Andreas Athinodorou, the CEO of ATG Funds; Christos
Kassiandes, a Treasury Professional and Portfolio Manager; Melina Pyrgou, the Advocate and Managing Director of Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm; Nicole Phinopoulou, a Lawyer
specializing in Banking, Financial Services, and ESG; and Roy Ionas, the Founder
and CEO of Leadspotting.
Mitigating Legal Risks & Tax Burdens in Estate
Transfers
Nicole Phinopoulou, Lawyer specializing in Banking, Financial Services, and ESG
The discourse plumbed the complexities of estate
administration, spotlighting the repercussions of insufficient planning.
Speakers stressed the imperative of grasping one's financial landscape,
particularly concerning asset allocation and tax responsibilities. Instances
were cited where bereaved individuals grappled with undisclosed investments,
leading to unforeseen tax liabilities.
A pivotal juncture in the conversation underscored the
necessity of rigorous tax
clearance procedures during estate transfers to avert hefty tax burdens.
The panel emphasized proactive planning, cautioning against the fallout of
neglecting tax obligations, which could culminate in substantial financial setbacks.
Melina Pyrgou, Advocate-Managing Director of Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm
Furthermore, the evolving regulatory milieu took center
stage, with speakers highlighting increased scrutiny on matters, such as money
laundering and reporting obligations. They urged individuals to stay abreast of
regulatory shifts and address compliance
prerequisites proactively to sidestep legal entanglements and financial
penalties.
Regulatory Dynamics and EU Integration
Andreas Athinodorou, CEO of ATG Funds
The dialogue also delved into Cyprus's strides in attracting
investments in the fund sector over the past decade. Athinodorou lauded the
collaborative effort in erecting legal frameworks and showcasing Cyprus's
investment potential. The advantages of leveraging Cyprus as a conduit for
investments, particularly in harnessing European common law and EU directives,
were underscored.
Roy Ionas, Founder and CEO of Leadspotting
The broader discourse encapsulated various facets of Cyprus's financial sector,
spanning efforts to allure investments, regulatory dynamics, and the
ramifications of EU integration. Speakers extolled the merits of regulated fund
structures, citing transparency and confidence-building attributes. Cyprus's
appeal to investors
and technology firms was expounded upon, citing factors like accessible
human capital and market proximity.
Strategies for Reputation Management and Branding
Christos Kassiandes, Treasury Professional and Portfolio Manager
Conversations also broached banking regulations, ESG
sustainability standards, and impending changes in reporting requisites. Trust
emerged as a recurrent theme, underlining its pivotal role in contracts and
professional credibility. Despite challenges like embargoes, the panel exuded
optimism about Cyprus's financial future, buoyed by ongoing regulatory reforms
and a commitment to transparency.
The panelists engaged in candid discussions regarding
Cyprus's business environment, touching upon rankings in business ease,
transparency, and banking compliance. Concerns about Cyprus's reputation were
addressed, emphasizing the imperative of quality and service to allure
investors. Comparisons with innovative ecosystems like Israel underscored the
importance of government initiatives and collaboration with overseas
communities.
The discourse culminated in addressing concerns and
perceptions regarding Cyprus's investment climate and financial reputation.
Suggestions for enhancing Cyprus's image were posited, emphasizing compliance,
governance, and strategic branding efforts. Gratitude was extended to the
organizers, with recognition of Women's Day, concluding with a call for collaboration.
A panel convened to shed light on the complex landscape of
"The Financial Landscape," at the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2024,
, in Limassol, Cyprus on 8th March, focusing on the many challenges confronting individuals and families, notably
within the realms of estate administration and taxation. With careful thought,
the panelists emphasized the crucial role of preparation in navigating the
complexities inherent in managing estates and fulfilling tax obligations.
"As we embark on this journey of financial navigation," they
reflected, "it becomes abundantly clear that foresight and readiness are
indispensable allies in overcoming unforeseen obstacles." Thus, against
the backdrop of evolving fiscal landscapes, the discussion unfolded, offering
insights and strategies to empower attendees on their own financial journey.
Philip Ammerman adeptly moderated the panel, featuring
notable figures including: Andreas Athinodorou, the CEO of ATG Funds; Christos
Kassiandes, a Treasury Professional and Portfolio Manager; Melina Pyrgou, the Advocate and Managing Director of Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm; Nicole Phinopoulou, a Lawyer
specializing in Banking, Financial Services, and ESG; and Roy Ionas, the Founder
and CEO of Leadspotting.
Mitigating Legal Risks & Tax Burdens in Estate
Transfers
Nicole Phinopoulou, Lawyer specializing in Banking, Financial Services, and ESG
The discourse plumbed the complexities of estate
administration, spotlighting the repercussions of insufficient planning.
Speakers stressed the imperative of grasping one's financial landscape,
particularly concerning asset allocation and tax responsibilities. Instances
were cited where bereaved individuals grappled with undisclosed investments,
leading to unforeseen tax liabilities.
A pivotal juncture in the conversation underscored the
necessity of rigorous tax
clearance procedures during estate transfers to avert hefty tax burdens.
The panel emphasized proactive planning, cautioning against the fallout of
neglecting tax obligations, which could culminate in substantial financial setbacks.
Melina Pyrgou, Advocate-Managing Director of Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm
Furthermore, the evolving regulatory milieu took center
stage, with speakers highlighting increased scrutiny on matters, such as money
laundering and reporting obligations. They urged individuals to stay abreast of
regulatory shifts and address compliance
prerequisites proactively to sidestep legal entanglements and financial
penalties.
Regulatory Dynamics and EU Integration
Andreas Athinodorou, CEO of ATG Funds
The dialogue also delved into Cyprus's strides in attracting
investments in the fund sector over the past decade. Athinodorou lauded the
collaborative effort in erecting legal frameworks and showcasing Cyprus's
investment potential. The advantages of leveraging Cyprus as a conduit for
investments, particularly in harnessing European common law and EU directives,
were underscored.
Roy Ionas, Founder and CEO of Leadspotting
The broader discourse encapsulated various facets of Cyprus's financial sector,
spanning efforts to allure investments, regulatory dynamics, and the
ramifications of EU integration. Speakers extolled the merits of regulated fund
structures, citing transparency and confidence-building attributes. Cyprus's
appeal to investors
and technology firms was expounded upon, citing factors like accessible
human capital and market proximity.
Strategies for Reputation Management and Branding
Christos Kassiandes, Treasury Professional and Portfolio Manager
Conversations also broached banking regulations, ESG
sustainability standards, and impending changes in reporting requisites. Trust
emerged as a recurrent theme, underlining its pivotal role in contracts and
professional credibility. Despite challenges like embargoes, the panel exuded
optimism about Cyprus's financial future, buoyed by ongoing regulatory reforms
and a commitment to transparency.
The panelists engaged in candid discussions regarding
Cyprus's business environment, touching upon rankings in business ease,
transparency, and banking compliance. Concerns about Cyprus's reputation were
addressed, emphasizing the imperative of quality and service to allure
investors. Comparisons with innovative ecosystems like Israel underscored the
importance of government initiatives and collaboration with overseas
communities.
The discourse culminated in addressing concerns and
perceptions regarding Cyprus's investment climate and financial reputation.
Suggestions for enhancing Cyprus's image were posited, emphasizing compliance,
governance, and strategic branding efforts. Gratitude was extended to the
organizers, with recognition of Women's Day, concluding with a call for collaboration.
Why Prediction Markets Are Keeping Users When DeFi Cannot
Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
