Central Bank Enforces AML Compliance

The Central Bank of Cyprus has sanctioned Payabl. Cy Ltd, formerly known as Powercash21 Ltd, with a fine totaling €350,000. This penalty comes as a direct consequence of the company’s failure to comply with specific provisions of the 2007 legislation governing the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering from Illegal Activities.

The Basis for the Decision

Grounded in Article 59 of the relevant law, the decision was finalized on September 30, 2025, following a 2020 audit. The regulatory process was conducted in strict accordance with administrative law procedures, ensuring that Payabl. Cy Ltd was afforded the opportunity to submit a defense prior to the final ruling.

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Regulatory Oversight and Strategic Enforcement

In exercising its supervisory mandate, the Central Bank of Cyprus is empowered to implement administrative measures and impose penalties for lapses in compliance with applicable laws and directives. This enforcement action reinforces the bank’s strategy to promote transparency and combat money laundering within the financial sector.

Corporate Response and Future Steps

A representative of Payabl. Cy Ltd remarked that the fine pertains to an investigation conducted in 2020, linked to customer relationships from the period 2014–2018—a period during which the company had already ceased relations with those clients. The spokesperson emphasized that the current operations, leadership, and client base remain unaffected by these historical findings. Additionally, the company has significantly bolstered its AML compliance framework since then. Payabl. Cy Ltd has indicated its intention to appeal the decision before the Administrative Court, contesting the ruling as disproportionate given the historical nature of the case.

Instagram has taken a strategic step in redefining creator recognition by launching its new Golden Ring Awards program. Designed to honor content pioneers who push cultural boundaries, this initiative will soon spotlight 25 global creators with exclusive rewards that resonate beyond monetary incentives.

Innovative Recognition For Pioneering Creators

The awards, which herald a symbolic yet prestigious accolade in the digital space, will see winners receiving a custom-designed physical ring by renowned English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, complemented by a digital golden ring displayed on their Instagram profiles. In an innovative twist, recipients will also have the opportunity to design a custom ‘Like’ button visible on their feed posts. This move reinforces Instagram’s commitment to celebrating creativity and individuality, comparable to the cultural impact of premier awards like the Oscars in the film industry.

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Prestigious Panel And Strategic Vision

The judging panel underscores the program’s high-caliber aspirations, featuring Instagram head Adam Mosseri, director Spike Lee, designer Marc Jacobs, YouTuber Marques Brownlee, actress Yara Shahidi, and makeup artist Pat McGrath among other luminaries. Their collective expertise adds significant credibility, aligning the awards with industry standards of excellence and artistic innovation.

Context In A Shifting Creator Economy

This development comes at a critical juncture for the creator economy, where traditional monetization strategies have been undergoing rapid reassessment. Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has recently scaled back its creator payout programs including sponsored ad initiatives, Reels bonuses, and affiliate marketing incentives. Additionally, a recent survey by Kajabi highlights a 52% decrease in brand deals in 2024, a trend noted by financial institutions such as Bank of America, which linked the slowdown to increased competition favoring top-tier creators.

Symbolic Over Monetary Incentives

Instagram’s Golden Ring Awards are a deliberate pivot toward symbolic recognition rather than financial rewards. The platform emphasizes that these awards celebrate risks, innovation, and the unifying power of creative expression, rather than serving as a direct revenue boost for recipients. Winners will be officially announced on October 16, marking a notable moment in the evolving landscape of digital content creation.

Strong Budgetary Outlook for 2026

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, announced positive outcomes from the government’s policy initiatives during an afternoon session of the Cabinet Council held at the Presidential Mansion. The focal point of the meeting was the 2026 state budget, heralded as a symbol of economic strength and forward-looking development.

A Robust and Surplus Budget

At the outset, President Christodoulidis highlighted the importance of maintaining a dynamic economy—a priority among the government’s top five strategic objectives. The newly presented budget is not only surplus but also grounded in stability, offering a blend of social and developmental mandates. This financial blueprint underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to strategic investments and sustainable growth.

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Enhanced Social and Developmental Investments

Significant increases are planned in both developmental spending and social policy allocations. Notably, developmental expenditures are set to rise by 4.7% in addition to the 4% increase recorded in the 2025 budget. Social services, which saw a 5.3% boost in the previous year, are slated for a further 6.7% increase. Such measures are indicative of a policy designed to balance fiscal discipline with impactful public spending.

Reduction in Public Debt

One of the key highlights of the session was the projected decline in public debt. The debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decrease from 73.6% in 2023, when the current administration assumed office, to 52.9% by 2026—placing Cyprus among the low-debt economies within the Eurozone. This significant reduction demonstrates prudent fiscal management and augurs well for long-term economic stability.

Strategic Focus on Education, Health, and Transformation

President Christodoulidis reiterated the government’s prioritization of sectors critical to national development. Investments in education, healthcare, and social welfare are being bolstered alongside initiatives for digital transformation and the green transition. Projections for 2026 include a growth rate of 3.1% and an unemployment rate maintained below 5%, approximately at 4.6%. Such targets reflect a resilient and balanced approach in the face of global uncertainties.

A Commitment to Responsible Governance

Drawing comparisons with economic conditions in major Eurozone countries and acknowledging Cyprus’s unique geopolitical challenges, the President emphasized that these results are a testament to responsible economic policy. The administration’s clear mandate remains: to act in the best interests of the Cypriot people, ensuring that responsible governance prevails without resorting to experimentation.

Looking Ahead

Concluding the address, President Christodoulidis affirmed that the government would persist in delivering results with the same sense of accountability. The approved 2026 budget marks the third fiscal plan under the current administration, underscoring a consistent commitment to transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic development.

European Air Connectivity On The Rise

Cyprus has emerged as a formidable player in regional aviation, ranking second in Europe for improving air connectivity between 2019 and 2025, according to a detailed report by the Aviation Council International. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis emphasized this achievement during a high-profile event marking World Tourism Day at Larnaca Medieval Castle. This recognition underscores the nation’s robust efforts to enhance its transportation infrastructure, a critical factor in sustaining and expanding its visitor base.

Strong Performance In Arrivals And Revenues

As the year draws to a close, industry leaders anticipate a record-setting performance in both tourist arrivals and revenues. Special segments of tourism are contributing promising figures, with off-peak seasons registering significant growth. This trend is seen as pivotal for extending the tourist season and establishing Cyprus as a year-round destination—a goal that has been central to the nation’s tourism strategy under the administration of Nikos Christodoulides.

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Integrating Sustainability With Tourism Transformation

At the event, Koumis spotlighted the World Tourism Organization’s theme, “Tourism And Sustainable Transformation,” reinforcing the imperative for a unified shift towards sustainability. With the Mediterranean experiencing climate change 20 percent faster than many other regions, the urgency for sustainable practices is indisputable. The deputy minister noted that Cyprus, like its regional counterparts, must embrace technologies and practices that not only safeguard the environment but also drive economic efficiency.

A Shared Vision For Year-Round Tourism

The path to sustained success in tourism is built on collaboration among all stakeholders within the ecosystem. Koumis outlined a multi-pronged strategy that includes enhancing destination infrastructure, advancing hospitality facilities in rural and mountainous regions, and investing significantly in knowledge through comprehensive training programmes. The Deputy Ministry is working in close concert with the private and public sectors, emphasizing that an enriched tourism offering—extended beyond conventional services—is essential for long-term viability.

Embracing The Future With Strategic Initiatives

Looking ahead, the ministry is spearheading initiatives to ensure that the tourism sector remains competitive and resilient. Upcoming seminars co-organized with the Deputy Ministry of Research and Innovation are set to explore the roles of sustainability and technological advancements, including the influence of artificial intelligence on the industry. Additionally, a collaborative project with the Cyprus University of Technology aims to document the rich history of Cypriot tourism, linking past successes to future innovation.

Transitioning To A Sustainable Tomorrow

Deputy Minister Koumis concluded with a call for a comprehensive transformation that embraces sustainability as the guiding principle for future tourism. This strategy, anchored in environmental stewardship, technological progress, and robust stakeholder collaboration, is essential for navigating the challenges posed by climate change and evolving market dynamics. The shared vision is clear: by uniting efforts across all facets of the tourism sector, Cyprus is poised to lead the way toward a sustainable and integrated future in tourism.

Toyota Charts A Bold Investment Course

Toyota has unveiled a significant investment strategy aimed at transforming mobility, climate solutions, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation. With a commitment of $1.5 billion in fresh capital, the automaker is set to support startups throughout their lifecycle, from initial invention through growth and eventual scale as mature companies.

Building A Comprehensive Startup Ecosystem

Tuesday’s announcements highlight Toyota’s dual-path approach. The launch of Toyota Invention Partners Co., backed by approximately $670 million, targets Japan-based startups in their earliest ‘zero to one’ phase—often overlooked by traditional venture funds. In parallel, Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth-stage venture arm, has committed an additional $800 million to back startups entering more advanced stages of development. George Kellerman, General Partner at Woven Capital, explained that these initiatives effectively ‘bookend’ Toyota’s broader investment strategy, complementing efforts from Toyota Ventures and Woven Capital’s existing funds.

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From Seed to Scale: A Strategic Continuum

The multi-tiered approach is designed to enable continuous support for startups as their needs evolve. While Toyota Invention Partners focuses on pioneering innovations, Toyota Ventures covers early-stage development and Woven Capital targets expansion. In some cases, a startup may benefit from guidance through all stages eventually graduating to Toyota’s balance sheet if it scales effectively, underscoring a long-term, integrated commitment to innovation.

Strategic Collaborations In Practice

The practical implications of this strategy were demonstrated through a recent pilot project with Machina Labs, an advanced manufacturing startup based in Los Angeles that combines AI and robotics. Through a strategic investment from Woven Capital, Toyota Motor North America will test Machina Labs’ innovative technology to manufacture automotive body panels and accessories. This collaboration provides a clear example of how startup ingenuity can be leveraged to drive efficiency and technological advancement in traditional manufacturing processes.

Positioning For A Future Of Innovation

Toyota’s overarching strategy—committing over $3 billion across multiple venture arms and funds—not only signals confidence in emerging technologies but also establishes a roadmap for enduring partnerships with startup innovators. This comprehensive investment framework is poised to place Toyota at the forefront of a rapidly evolving mobility and tech landscape, ensuring that the company remains a central player in fostering technological breakthroughs for decades to come.

A recent study reveals that renewable electricity has already generated substantial economic benefits for Cyprus, saving the nation hundreds of millions of euros while delivering impressive investment returns. Authored by Professor Theodoros Zachariadis of the Cyprus Institute for Terra Cypria and backed by the European Climate Foundation, the research challenges prevailing perceptions about the pace of renewable energy penetration in the country.

Rapid Expansion of Solar Photovoltaics

The study illustrates that, contrary to common assumptions, solar photovoltaic capacity has more than doubled within a mere three years. This rapid expansion has significantly reduced Cyprus’s reliance on fossil fuel imports and decreased expenditures related to carbon emission allowances for power plants. Additionally, the shift towards renewables has played a critical role in reducing air pollution, further cementing its status as a financially and environmentally beneficial investment.

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Substantial Economic Impact

Between 2015 and 2024, solar photovoltaics alone delivered net benefits estimated at 450 million euros at 2023 prices, with these benefits projected to escalate to 2.7 billion euros by 2035. When accounting for avoided air pollution costs, the overall net benefits might even reach 4.8 billion euros. Such figures underscore that the economic returns from solar energy investments are overwhelmingly favorable—with returns estimated to be ten to seventeen times higher than the initial costs. Moreover, each megawatt of newly installed solar capacity is expected to yield between 5 and 9 million euros throughout its lifespan.

Distribution and Future Investment Considerations

Professor Zachariadis also notes that these benefits have not been evenly distributed across all sectors of Cypriot society. In a market with limited competition in the national electricity sector, the primary beneficiaries have been investors behind solar and wind projects, as well as the 20 to 25 percent of households equipped to install photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the study acknowledges that future economic assessments must evolve as Cyprus prepares to invest in energy storage and modernize its national grid. While the environmental gains from improved air quality have so far outweighed potential drawbacks, such as impacts on agricultural land and sensitive ecosystems, strict regulatory compliance remains essential.

Overall, the study presents a compelling case for further investments in renewable energy, highlighting significant economic and environmental returns that could well reshape the country’s energy landscape.

Cyprus is poised to accelerate the evolution of its defense industry by harnessing two pivotal initiatives—a robust European B2B platform and groundbreaking financial instruments—designed to drive innovation and reinforce national security.

Connecting With The European Defense Ecosystem

The Ministry of Defense has underscored the importance of the European Defense Agency’s B2B platform. This state-of-the-art network links domestic defense companies with a broad ecosystem of EU member states, facilitating the identification of collaborative opportunities in projects and funding initiatives, including the European Defence Fund (EDF). Such initiatives not only enhance interconnectivity but also provide a strategic conduit for enterprise expansion in critical defense sectors.

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Ensuring Compliance And Operational Excellence

The platform maintains strict eligibility criteria, welcoming only those industries and research institutions established within the EU and operating free from external control in sensitive areas such as intellectual property rights, supply chain integrity, and export controls. By enforcing these rigorous standards, the initiative ensures that all participants are well-equipped to engage in high-level defense collaborations.

Harnessing SAFE Funding For Strategic Growth

In parallel, the government is actively leveraging the new European SAFE funding tool to invigorate the Cypriot defense sector. This strategic move aims to create employment opportunities, attract investment, and enhance national deterrence capabilities. Nicosia has meticulously evaluated the data provided by SAFE, with plans underway to spur domestic production of critical assets—including drones, personnel carriers, sophisticated software, and advanced communication systems. Moreover, the program paves the way for joint procurements with other EU nations and grants access to U.S. military technologies.

Strategic Investments And Future Prospects

Former President Nikos Christodoulides has indicated that the EU-approved €150 billion package, in concert with U.S. military equipment provisions, will shape forthcoming decisions regarding defense infrastructure investments. With a focus on key bases such as Andreas Papandreou and Evangelos Florakis, final deliberations on equipment and support infrastructures are imminent.

Enhancing Global Partnerships Through Local Innovation

Furthermore, the first session of the Council of Defense Industry has set the framework for integrating Cypriot companies into national defense initiatives. Minister of Defense Vasilis Palmas has emphasized that local enterprises are already capable of producing critical defense products. By aligning with foreign firms through strategic ventures modeled on successful international practices, Cyprus is primed to contribute significantly to the EU’s overarching strategy for reinforcing defense production and capability.

Overview Of Industrial Growth

The latest data from Cyprus’s statistical service shows that the Industrial Production Index reached 125.8 units in July 2025, using 2021 as the base year at 100 units. This figure represents a 1.8 percent increase compared to July 2024, signaling a measured yet steady industrial uptick.

Robust Performance In Manufacturing And Utilities

Significant progress was observed in the manufacturing sector, which grew by 3.7 percent relative to the previous year. In parallel, improvements in water supply and materials recovery were particularly notable, with a 7.6 percent increase. These developments highlight the resilience of core industrial segments amid a fluctuating economic landscape.

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Differential Sectoral Outcomes

However, not all sectors shared in this growth. The electricity supply segment experienced an 8.0 percent decline, and the mining and quarrying industries contracted by 1.8 percent. Within manufacturing, there were marked disparities: basic metals and fabricated metal products surged by 10.5 percent, while rubber and plastic products climbed 9.2 percent. In contrast, the paper and printing sectors saw the steepest falls, with declines of 11.9 percent, complemented by a 9.8 percent drop in textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products.

Mid-Year Trends And Broader Implications

From January to July 2025, the overall index recorded a 3.0 percent annual growth. Within this period, water collection, treatment, and supply led the gains with a 9.0 percent increase, followed by other non-metallic mineral products (up 8.7 percent), wood products (up 7.6 percent), and rubber and plastic products (up 7.0 percent). Conversely, paper production and printing fell by 13.6 percent, with textiles and electrical supply also showing declines.

Methodological Context

The Industrial Production Index is pegged to the 2021 base year. For instance, an index reading of 103.4 indicates a 3.4 percent increase over the average monthly production of 2021. This framework offers a clear metric for assessing month-over-month changes in industrial output.

New Legislative Framework and Its Implications

The House of Representatives recently attempted to defuse what many consider a persistent headache across government departments: the excessive appeals following the adjudication of public tenders. However, the newly enacted law appears to address only the symptoms rather than the underlying causes. The reforms, proposed by the DISY parliamentarians Fotini Tsiridou and Haralambos Pazaros, have raised concerns regarding transparency in public procurement processes as they effectively ease the regulatory oversight on bids.

Changes to the Appeals Process

Under the new statute, companies may now lodge appeals regarding awarded tenders for contracts exceeding one million euros, an increase from the previous threshold of 500,000 euros. Additionally, firms seeking a suspension of contract execution are now mandated to submit a guarantee, calculated in accordance with the estimated contract value. This measure is intended to rein in frivolous appeals, yet critics argue the reforms do little to address the delays inherent in the contracts and tender processes themselves.

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Expert Commentary and Legal Perspectives

Prominent legal expert Achilles Aimilianiadis expressed reservations prior to the vote. Speaking during a parliamentary committee session, he emphasized that the proposed changes would not remedy the systemic delays plaguing public projects. Instead, there is concern that the new framework might inadvertently foster corruption. Aimilianiadis clarified that his critique targets the regulatory process rather than the motives of the proposers, noting that delays stem primarily from the contractual and procedural issues in the tendering process rather than from appeals alone.

Further insights from parliamentary debates underscored that the jurisdiction of the Revisory Authority for Tenders (AARP) is currently effective in reviewing approximately 50 cases annually, with most decisions finalized within two months. The ministerial guarantee and the preexisting framework in Cyprus—where a non-refundable fee of up to 20,000 euros is imposed on appellants—suggest that the root issues lie elsewhere.

Reconciling Public Interest and Judicial Recourse

An extensive study commissioned by the Auditor General previously recommended the modernization and streamlining of public contract appeals, emphasizing enhanced transparency as a key benefit for all stakeholders. With the backdrop of escalating project costs, particularly in the construction sector, both the public and private sectors have long acknowledged that outdated procedures and rigid tender documents need urgent reform.

Balancing Reform and Practicality

The newly adopted law features critical safeguards aimed at balancing public interest with the legal rights of companies. For instance, while the appeal threshold is raised to one million euros, the maximum guarantee is now capped at the equivalent of five months of delay in project execution, a revision from the initially proposed seven months. This adjustment was supported by members from different political affiliations, including proposals to further moderate the financial burden on companies without compromising the overall objective of curbing unjustified delays.

DISY parliamentarians emphasized that these changes are intended to prevent exploitative practices and protect public welfare. They argued that while the reforms may not resolve every delay-inducing issue, they present a balanced solution that safeguards the right of businesses to seek judicial review while ensuring that infrastructural projects are not hindered by excessive litigation.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the legislative overhaul marks a significant step towards overhauling the public procurement system, albeit with reservations about its ability to address the root causes of systemic delays. With a framework that now smartly integrates fiscal deterrents and revised appeal thresholds, the new law reflects a compromise between safeguarding judicial recourse and fostering a more efficient, transparent contracting environment. As the reformed system unfolds, stakeholders hope that future adjustments will further align legal procedures with the practical realities of modern public infrastructure projects.

State Aid Commissioner Stella Michaelidou has reiterated that the bidding process in all privatisations must be conducted in an open, transparent manner that ensures equal access to information and avoids any conditions that might depress the final sale price. This principle is especially critical in the forthcoming privatisation of the Cyprus Stock Exchange.

Open And Transparent Bidding Process

Commissioner Michaelidou emphasized that competitive tenders should be free from restrictions that could lower the ultimate valuation of the asset. Speaking with the Cyprus News Agency, she clarified that the tender process for the Cyprus Stock Exchange must be rigorously assessed under EU state aid rules. This assessment will be carried out by her office and, if necessary, by the European Commission, ensuring that market standards are maintained.

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Independent Valuation And Fair Pricing

The Commissioner stressed the necessity of an independent valuation conducted by a certified firm to ascertain fair market value. “The sale must be conducted at a price that reflects fair value, without being undervalued,” she stated. This insistence on an unbiased valuation prevents any mispricing that could arise from state-imposed conditions or undisclosed arrangements.

Safeguarding The Market Economy Principle

Michaelidou made it clear that the privatisation process must avoid incorporating elements that represent state intervention post-sale, such as special privileges or exclusive rights. She noted that retaining a state stake allows the government to monitor and influence the new owner’s management, contrary to the market economy investor principle where conditions that could lead to state aid should be avoided.

Mitigating State Aid And Ensuring Legal Certainty

Highlighting the broader framework of EU state aid rules, the Commissioner advised that each privatisation case be examined based on its specific data. Conditions imposed in the tender documents must be assessed to ensure they do not translate into state aid. Michaelidou referred to legal precedents where private investors would not impose such conditions, thereby reinforcing the necessity for market-compliant processes.

Ensuring Competitive And Unbiased Tenders

In addition to rigorous evaluations, potential conditions such as tax benefits, guarantees, or debt conversions must be scrupulously examined to ensure they do not provide undue advantages. The assessment should consider realistic market behaviors, risk profiles, and expected returns. The Finance Ministry has been advised to subject any tender conditions to this evaluative process, with the option of using the European Commission’s preliminary notification process to secure legal certainty.

In summary, Commissioner Michaelidou’s guidance underlines the importance of adhering to market standards. By ensuring that bids are invited in an open, transparent manner and that the sale is underpinned by an independent valuation and free of state intervention, the privatisation process can maximise revenues while maintaining fair competition and legal clarity for all parties involved.