Strengthening Europe’s AML Defenses: AMLA Chair Bruna Szego Visits Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 31, 2025

Enhancing Cross-Border Collaboration

Bruna Szego, Chair of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), embarked on a strategic visit to Cyprus as part of a broader tour across European Union member states. Hosted at the Central Bank of Cyprus headquarters, the trip underscored AMLA’s commitment to consolidating efforts against money laundering through closer coordination with National Competent Authorities (NCAs).

High-Level Engagements and Strategic Discussions

During her visit, Szego engaged in a series of high-level meetings, including a private discussion with Kleanthi Ioannidis, Cyprus’ permanent joint representative on AMLA’s General Council. She also met with senior officials from the CBC, including Executive Board Member George Karatzias and Pani Karamanou, Head of the Directorate for Financial Stability and Resolution.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Two roundtable discussions followed, drawing representatives from a diverse spectrum of NCAs across both financial and non-financial sectors, as well as key industry associations. These sessions provided a forum for candid discourse on the inherent challenges and new opportunities emerging from AMLA’s innovative approach to anti-money laundering protocols.

AMLA’s Strategic Vision

Throughout the discussions, Szego articulated AMLA’s short-term priorities and long-term vision, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing supervisory practices across member states. The dialogue also delved into current challenges, particularly the need for a unified framework in supervising financial entities with significant cross-border activities. This coordinated approach is critical as AMLA prepares to assume direct oversight over 40 financial obliged entities by January 2028.

Future Outlook

The strategic meetings in Cyprus serve as a pivotal step in fostering a unified European front against money laundering and terrorist financing. As AMLA continues to cement its regulatory framework—officially established following legislative approval in May 2024 and operational since July 2025—the collaborative efforts with national authorities, as demonstrated in Cyprus, are set to drive remarkable advancements in the financial sector’s integrity and resilience.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

Breaking news