The regulator revoked or suspended seven Cyprus investment firms' licenses due to compliance failures.
Despite increased scrutiny, Cyprus's financial sector grew in 2024, with 80 new entities authorized.
A wave of regulatory changes is set to reshape Cyprus'
financial sector in 2025 as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
(CySEC) intensifies its supervision of investment firms, funds, and crypto
service providers.
In 2024, the regulator reportedly carried out over 850 audits,
issued €2.76 million in fines and revoked multiple operating licenses. As new
EU regulations take effect, CySEC is now doubling down on compliance efforts to
strengthen investor protection and financial stability.
CySEC Chairman Dr. George Theocharides outlined the
organization's priorities during a recent press conference, emphasizing that
"protecting investors and the further development of a healthy
market" remain central to its mission.
"In 2025 and beyond, a series of significant
regulatory changes will be implemented through European directives and
regulations, which are expected to strengthen the supervisory framework
governing investment services," Theocharides said.
New Regulatory Landscape in 2025
Several key EU regulations, including the AML Package, European Single Access Point (ESAP), EU Sustainability Framework, AIFMD II, Financial Data Access Regulation (FiDA), MiFIR Review, and EMIR Refit, are expected to reshape the financial sector in the coming year.
Additionally, the EU's Retail Investment Strategy is
set to bring new requirements for transparency and investor rights. The
regulator also highlighted the EU's Savings and Investments Union Plan as a
major driver of market transformation.
These inspections targeted a wide range of financial
firms, including Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs), Administrative Service
Providers (ASPs), fund managers, and crypto-asset service providers (CASPs).
Dr George Theocharides, Source: LinkedIn
Additionally, CySEC reviewed 510 annual compliance
reports and monitored derivatives transactions for 33 investment funds. The
regulator also reportedly investigated misleading promotional materials and
identified fake websites impersonating CySEC representatives.
As a result, it issued numerous public warnings and
worked with European authorities to address fraudulent activities.
Administrative fines in 2024 totaled €2.76 million, with Cyprus investment
firms accounting for €2.12 million of that sum.
Supervisory Actions and Compliance Crackdown
Over the past three years, CySEC has reportedly
imposed fines exceeding €7.82 million, reflecting its increasingly strict
stance on compliance failures. Seven Cyprus investment firms had their licenses
revoked or suspended, and two Reserved Alternative Investment Funds lost their
authorization.
Crypto-assets remain a priority for CySEC as the
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) takes full effect. The regulator has
already received interest from multiple firms seeking licensing under the new
framework.
Despite the heightened scrutiny, Cyprus's financial
sector continued to expand in 2024. CySEC authorized 80 new entities, bringing
the total number of supervised firms to 834. However, the regulator also
rejected five licensing applications and saw 13 firms voluntarily withdraw
their applications.
In 2024, CySEC also enforced the Digital OperationalResilience Act (DORA), which mandates stringent cybersecurity requirements for
financial entities.
A wave of regulatory changes is set to reshape Cyprus'
financial sector in 2025 as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
(CySEC) intensifies its supervision of investment firms, funds, and crypto
service providers.
In 2024, the regulator reportedly carried out over 850 audits,
issued €2.76 million in fines and revoked multiple operating licenses. As new
EU regulations take effect, CySEC is now doubling down on compliance efforts to
strengthen investor protection and financial stability.
CySEC Chairman Dr. George Theocharides outlined the
organization's priorities during a recent press conference, emphasizing that
"protecting investors and the further development of a healthy
market" remain central to its mission.
"In 2025 and beyond, a series of significant
regulatory changes will be implemented through European directives and
regulations, which are expected to strengthen the supervisory framework
governing investment services," Theocharides said.
New Regulatory Landscape in 2025
Several key EU regulations, including the AML Package, European Single Access Point (ESAP), EU Sustainability Framework, AIFMD II, Financial Data Access Regulation (FiDA), MiFIR Review, and EMIR Refit, are expected to reshape the financial sector in the coming year.
Additionally, the EU's Retail Investment Strategy is
set to bring new requirements for transparency and investor rights. The
regulator also highlighted the EU's Savings and Investments Union Plan as a
major driver of market transformation.
These inspections targeted a wide range of financial
firms, including Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs), Administrative Service
Providers (ASPs), fund managers, and crypto-asset service providers (CASPs).
Dr George Theocharides, Source: LinkedIn
Additionally, CySEC reviewed 510 annual compliance
reports and monitored derivatives transactions for 33 investment funds. The
regulator also reportedly investigated misleading promotional materials and
identified fake websites impersonating CySEC representatives.
As a result, it issued numerous public warnings and
worked with European authorities to address fraudulent activities.
Administrative fines in 2024 totaled €2.76 million, with Cyprus investment
firms accounting for €2.12 million of that sum.
Supervisory Actions and Compliance Crackdown
Over the past three years, CySEC has reportedly
imposed fines exceeding €7.82 million, reflecting its increasingly strict
stance on compliance failures. Seven Cyprus investment firms had their licenses
revoked or suspended, and two Reserved Alternative Investment Funds lost their
authorization.
Crypto-assets remain a priority for CySEC as the
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) takes full effect. The regulator has
already received interest from multiple firms seeking licensing under the new
framework.
Despite the heightened scrutiny, Cyprus's financial
sector continued to expand in 2024. CySEC authorized 80 new entities, bringing
the total number of supervised firms to 834. However, the regulator also
rejected five licensing applications and saw 13 firms voluntarily withdraw
their applications.
In 2024, CySEC also enforced the Digital OperationalResilience Act (DORA), which mandates stringent cybersecurity requirements for
financial entities.
Typosquatting Goes Industrial: Why One Broker Registered Over 600 Domains
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
