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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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Europe’s Energy Mix Keeps Shifting As Gas And Renewables Gain Ground

Gas And Renewables Continue To Expand

Europe’s energy transition continued to gather pace in 2025, with natural gas and renewable energy both recording growth while coal and petroleum products extended their long-term decline, according to preliminary Eurostat figures.

Natural gas supply rose 2.3% from 2024 to around 13.1 million terajoules, marking a second consecutive year of growth after a sharp contraction in 2023. Renewable energy supply also increased, climbing 1.4% to 11.5 million terajoules despite a significant drop in hydropower generation. Nuclear energy remained broadly stable, with supply edging up 0.2% to 650,648 gigawatt-hours.

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Coal And Oil Continue Their Long Decline

Coal continued to lose ground across the EU, falling to its lowest level since records began in 1990. Brown coal supply declined 7.7% to 184,741 thousand tonnes, while hard coal fell 3.2% to 107,072 thousand tonnes. Petroleum products also remained on a downward path, with supply decreasing 2.8% year on year to 448,656 thousand tonnes, reinforcing the bloc’s gradual shift away from carbon-intensive fuels.

Renewables Remain The Leading Electricity Source

Renewables continued to dominate electricity generation, accounting for 47.2% of total EU output in 2025, although their share slipped by 0.5 percentage points from the previous year. Fossil fuels represented 29.6% of electricity generation after increasing by 3.2%, while nuclear energy accounted for the remaining 23.2%.

Within the renewable mix, wind remained the largest source, contributing 37.5% of renewable electricity, followed by solar at 27.5% and hydropower at 25.9%. Solar posted the fastest growth, with output surging 24.6%, highlighting its expanding role in Europe’s clean energy transition. Hydropower, meanwhile, fell 11.8%, reflecting the impact of weaker rainfall and lower reservoir levels.

Wide National Gaps Remain Across The Bloc

Significant differences persist among member states. Denmark generated 92.4% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2025, ahead of Austria (83.1%) and Portugal (82.9%).

Cyprus remained among the bloc’s weakest performers, with renewables accounting for 19.2% of electricity generation, well below the EU average of 47.3%. Malta (16.2%), the Czech Republic (16.6%) and Slovakia (17.8%) also ranked near the bottom.

The figures highlight the uneven pace of Europe’s energy transition, with progress continuing across the bloc but varying widely depending on national energy policies, grid capacity and available natural resources.