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CISCO Partners With Schroders to Launch Sustainable Investment Portfolios

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
August 15, 2025

Strategic Partnership Redefines ESG Investing

CISCO, a subsidiary of the Bank of Cyprus Group, has entered into a strategic alliance with Schroders, a globally respected asset management firm, to introduce a new suite of sustainable investment portfolios. Designed primarily for institutional investors as well as others favoring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the collaboration marks a significant evolution in Cyprus’s financial services sector.

Combining Local Expertise With Global Leadership

The partnership leverages CISCO’s extensive market expertise and longstanding track record in managing institutional mandates with Schroders’ global leadership in sustainable investments. Schroders was chosen for its proven heritage in ESG and impact investing, underpinned by proprietary investment models, ensuring that the newly launched portfolios align with the growing demand for investment solutions that deliver robust long-term financial performance alongside responsible investment practices.

Structured for Comprehensive Performance

The sustainable portfolios have been meticulously designed with clearly defined sustainability metrics. They are continuously monitored for both financial and non-financial performance, adhering to internationally recognized best practices in responsible investing. The portfolios cater to a wide range of investor profiles—from conservative to dynamic—providing tailored solutions that manage risk while capitalizing on opportunities presented by the global transition towards sustainability.

Executive Insights and Market Implications

Christos Kalogeris, CEO of CISCO, stated, “Our mission is to consistently deliver excellence not only in portfolio performance but also in the positive impact we create. Through this collaboration with Schroders, we are proud to offer investment solutions that reflect both superior performance and principled investing, enabling our clients to achieve sustainable growth with transparency and accountability.”

Dimitrios Batzis, Head of Southern Eastern Europe and Mediterranean at Schroders, added, “By merging Schroders’ advanced proprietary sustainability models with CISCO’s market expertise and local leadership, we are uniquely positioned to provide a differentiated investment proposition. Our commitment is to ensure truly responsible investments that generate long-term value for Cypriot investors.”

Alignment With Regulatory Trends

CISCO’s Asset Management Division, one of the largest in Cyprus, serves a broad base of institutional clients, including pension funds, welfare funds, insurance companies, and corporations, both local and international. This initiative not only responds to increasingly stringent regulatory expectations but also addresses the evolving demands of investors for ESG-integrated strategies.

Positioning for the Future

This strategic move firmly positions both CISCO and Schroders at the forefront of ESG innovation within the region, empowering institutional investors to effectively navigate the risks and opportunities associated with the global shift towards sustainability.

Disclaimer

CISCO is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. License number: 003/03. The content herein does not constitute investment advice. Investing involves risks, and returns are not guaranteed. Prospective investors should consult a licensed professional before making any investment decisions.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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