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CIFA: A Year Of Strategic Growth And Opportunity For Investment Funds In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 9, 2025

The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) is stepping into 2025 with renewed confidence, building on the significant achievements of the past years. Despite the global uncertainties that continue to unfold, Cyprus’ Investment Funds sector has firmly established itself as a vital contributor to the nation’s economic and social prosperity.

In 2024, Cyprus reached a major milestone, surpassing €9.3 billion in assets under management. This remarkable achievement highlights the sector’s impressive growth and resilience. The year also marked an expansion of Cyprus’ global presence, attracting new fund managers and investment opportunities, further cementing its status as a leading European hub for Investment Funds. This success was driven by strategic collaborations and the dedicated efforts of professionals within the sector, fostering the creation of specialized job roles and reinforcing Cyprus’ position as a robust financial centre.

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Looking ahead to 2025, CIFA remains fully committed to promoting Cyprus as the premier destination for global investment funds. By working alongside key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, and Invest Cyprus, CIFA aims to enhance the regulatory framework and drive innovative solutions for the industry. The timely approval of pending legislation that modernizes regulatory processes and introduces new investment structures is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the sector. These updates will provide the industry with the necessary tools to stay competitive and aligned with international best practices. CIFA urges all stakeholders to prioritize this agenda to ensure Cyprus continues to attract high-quality investments and talent.

In addition, CIFA recognises the importance of equipping individuals and businesses with essential financial knowledge. In 2025, the association plans to roll out initiatives designed to boost financial literacy across Cyprus. These will include workshops, partnerships, and digital campaigns aimed at enhancing understanding of investment funds and financial planning. By empowering citizens and professionals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, CIFA is contributing to the long-term economic resilience of Cyprus.

Maria Panayiotou, President of CIFA, shares her outlook for the year: “The success of the Investment Funds sector is a reflection of our adaptability, innovation, and ability to thrive in a competitive global market. In 2025, our focus will be on sustainability, technology-driven solutions, and strengthening our partnerships across markets. Our goal is to drive economic growth while delivering lasting value for society. With the combined expertise and dedication of our sector, I am confident that we will continue to play a transformative role in Cyprus’ economy, fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all.”

As Cyprus embarks on a year of revitalisation and resilience, CIFA remains steadfast in advocating for the interests of its members, elevating Cyprus on the international stage, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development within the financial sector. The association calls on all stakeholders to collaborate in advancing the innovation, sustainability, and resilience that will define Cyprus’ financial future.

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Irregular Meal Timing May Raise Heart Risk In Men, New Study Suggests

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 8, 2026

Eating breakfast at lunchtime or dinner during normal sleeping hours may seem like a minor weekend indulgence. New research suggests, however, that this type of irregular meal timing, described by scientists as “eating jet lag,” may be linked to higher cardiovascular risk in men.

A French study published in Communications Medicine found that each additional hour of eating jet lag was associated with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% higher risk of coronary heart disease among men. No similar association was observed in women.

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Why Meal Timing Matters

Weekend schedules often differ from weekday routines, with work and school timetables shifting when people eat. Over time, researchers suggest, these changes may interfere with the body’s biological rhythms.

“This study suggests the importance of regular meal-timing patterns, beyond sleep and diet quality, in cardiovascular disease prevention,” the authors wrote.

Researchers followed more than 100,000 participants for 14 years, analyzing the timing of their first and last meals on working days and weekends between 2009 and 2023.

Risk Pattern Appeared In Men

Participants were grouped according to how their meal times changed between weekdays and weekends. One group ate earlier on weekends, another maintained similar schedules, and a third ate later.

Both groups with irregular meal timing showed higher cardiovascular risk than those with stable schedules, regardless of overall diet quality. The association was observed only among men.

Researchers proposed several possible explanations. Men generally have a higher absolute risk of cardiovascular disease, while women tend to have stronger morning-oriented routines that may influence how their bodies respond to changes in meal timing.

Circadian Rhythms May Explain The Link

One possible explanation is that irregular eating disrupts the body’s circadian system, which regulates many physiological functions over a 24-hour cycle.

Light is the main signal that sets circadian rhythms, but food timing also helps synchronize peripheral clocks in organs including the liver and heart. Eating in alignment with these rhythms is generally associated with better metabolic regulation, while irregular timing may disrupt that balance.

What It Means For Prevention

The findings do not prove that irregular meal timing causes heart disease. However, they add to growing evidence that when people eat may matter nearly as much as what they eat for long-term cardiovascular health.

If confirmed in larger studies, regular meal timing could become a useful target for public health interventions aimed at reducing chronic disease risk. For individuals, employers and schools, greater consistency in daily routines may be more than a lifestyle preference and could form part of a broader strategy to protect heart health.