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Cyprus Ports Authority Secures Prestigious ISO 9001:2015 Certification

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 18, 2025

The Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) has achieved a significant milestone, successfully obtaining certification for its Ports Regulatory Affairs Management Department under the internationally recognized CYS EN ISO 9001:2015 standard. This commendation, granted by the Cyprus Certification Company (CCC) and validated by the International Certification Network (IQNET), underscores the authority’s global credibility and dedication to excellence.

Commitment To Quality And Transparency

The certification reaffirms the CPA’s unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, and continuous improvement. With a transparent framework that ensures adherence to international best practices, the CPA is setting a benchmark in port operations, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.

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Strengthening Regulatory Leadership

As the principal regulatory and supervisory body within the port sector in Cyprus, the CPA leverages this achievement to reinforce its mission: ensuring that port activities are executed with the highest degree of professionalism and in strict alignment with global standards. This certification serves as tangible evidence of the organization’s enhanced operational integrity and dedication to the maritime community.

Investing In Continuous Improvement

Looking forward, the CPA remains committed to upgrading its regulatory tools and quality assurance practices. By investing strategically in these areas, the authority is poised to further fortify the trust of its partners while effectively meeting the evolving expectations of both professionals and society in the maritime sector.

ISO 9001:2015 Standard: A Global Benchmark

ISO 9001:2015 is the most widely adopted framework for Quality Management Systems (QMS) worldwide. Emphasizing risk-based thinking, leadership, and the continuous cycle of improvement through the Plan–Do–Check–Act model, this standard has set the foundation for over a million certified organizations globally. Certification, which follows an independent audit by an accredited body such as the CCC, is typically valid for three years, with mandatory annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

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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.