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Cypriot Capital Markets Authority Unveils New DORA Fee Structure for Financial Entities

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 9, 2025

Overview

The Cypriot Capital Markets Authority has issued a new policy statement—DP-03-2025—detailing the fee structure applicable to financial entities governed by the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). This announcement marks a significant regulatory update aimed at enhancing operational resilience while reducing the sector’s dependency on public funding.

Fee Structure and Adjustments

Under the new framework, the annual supervisory fee is set to range between €2,000 and €20,000 based on the size and scale of each entity. Additionally, a fixed evaluation fee of €20,000 has been established for Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT). These fees have been refined following a public consultation process (ED-01-2025), resulting in notable reductions for very small and small enterprises as well as adjustments in the TLPT fee structure.

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Compliance and Transitional Payment Process

For the year 2025, financial entities subject to DORA are required to submit a category declaration between October 2 and October 31, providing detailed information on employee numbers, turnover, and balance sheet metrics. Entities must also remit the annual fee by December 31, 2025, with the amount being calculated pro rata for the period from August 15 to December 31.

Enhancing Institutional Independence and Market Integrity

Dr. George Theocharidis, President of the Capital Markets Authority, emphasized that the DORA regulation extends its impact beyond traditional supervision, necessitating a robust funding model to meet increasing regulatory obligations. The adjustment aligns with DORA’s proportionality criteria and supports the Ministry of Finance’s objective to reduce the Authority’s reliance on state funding. This move not only bolsters the independence of the regulatory body but also reinforces market integrity.

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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.

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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.