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CySEC Orders Dissolution of Wanterfell Investment AIFLNP and Restricts Control at Octa Markets Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 4, 2025

Regulatory Oversight and Voluntary Liquidation

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has executed a decisive regulatory move, announcing the dissolution and liquidation of Wanterfell Investment AIFLNP V.C.I.C. Ltd. The dismantling of the fund follows the full redemption of its units and adheres to article 132(1)(d) of the Alternative Investment Funds Law of 2018. Established as an Alternative Investment Fund with a Limited Number of Persons (AIFLNP) under License Number LPAIF123/2014, the fund’s external manager, T.C.R. International Ltd, proactively informed CySEC as mandated by article 63(8) of the law.

Strategic Enforcement Measures at Octa Markets Cyprus

In a separate but related directive, CySEC’s board determined that Pavel Prozorov, the ultimate beneficial owner of Octa Markets Cyprus Ltd, had compromised the company’s robust management standards. At a meeting held on August 25, 2025, CySEC invoked its authority under article 11(3) of the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law (Law 87(I)/2017). The board suspended the voting rights associated with Prozorov’s shareholding, which accounts for 95% of the company’s capital, and prohibited him from executing any management duties on the board of directors. These measures are effective immediately and underscore CySEC’s commitment to maintaining market integrity and safeguarding investor interests.

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Implications for the Investment Landscape

This regulatory action, combining fund dissolution and governance restrictions, serves as a stark reminder of the high standards imposed on market participants. As investors and industry stakeholders assess the ramifications, the decision emphasizes the stringent oversight that is characteristic of the CySEC framework. In an environment where market confidence hinges on transparent and prudent management, such interventions are pivotal to preserving the health of the financial ecosystem.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.