Breaking news

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.

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

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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Ranks Among EU Leaders In Tertiary-Educated ICT Workforce

High Educational Attainment Sets Cyprus Apart

Recent data from Eurostat showed that Cyprus is expected to rank among the leading European countries for tertiary-educated ICT professionals in 2025. According to the figures, 96.4% of ICT professionals in Cyprus are projected to hold tertiary education qualifications, placing the country among the highest-ranked members of the European Union.

Gender Disparity Remains A Critical Challenge

Despite the high level of educational attainment, the ICT workforce in Cyprus continues to show a significant gender imbalance. Men are projected to account for 85.1% of ICT employees in 2025, while women are expected to represent 14.9% of the sector. In 2024, the split stood at 70.9% for men and 29.1% for women. The figures highlighted a widening gender gap within the country’s ICT workforce.

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

European Union Trends And Comparative Analysis

Across the European Union, the number of ICT professionals is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2025 from 3.2 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 5.1%. Men are expected to account for 83.4% of ICT employment across the bloc, equivalent to approximately 2.8 million workers, while women are projected to represent 16.6%.

National Performance Variability In Gender Representation

Countries within the EU show a varied landscape: the highest percentages of male ICT professionals are reported in the Czech Republic (92.9%), Slovenia (89.1%), Latvia (89.0%), Lithuania (88.9%), and Slovakia (88.4%). On the contrary, nations such as Denmark (30.0%), Sweden (29.8%), Romania (28.6%), Bulgaria (25.6%), and Croatia (25.2%) lead in female participation in the ICT arena.

Educational Background Across The European ICT Sector

Eurostat data also showed that most ICT professionals across the EU hold tertiary education qualifications. By 2025, 74.8% of ICT workers in the bloc are projected to have university-level education, while 25.2% are expected to hold secondary or post-secondary qualifications. Denmark recorded the highest share of tertiary-educated ICT professionals at 97.7%, followed by France at 96.6% and Cyprus at 96.4%. Other countries with high levels of tertiary-educated ICT workers included Ireland at 92.3%, Bulgaria at 91.1%, and Croatia at 90.9%. At the lower end of the ranking, Italy recorded 69.2%, while Portugal stood at 58.8%.

Conclusion

The data perfectly encapsulates the dual narrative in the ICT sector: while countries like Cyprus and Denmark achieve remarkable educational standards among ICT workers, persistent gender disparities remind us that diversity remains an ongoing challenge. As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, strategic policy formation and corporate governance will be pivotal in balancing excellence with inclusivity.