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Cyprus Strengthens Its Position As An International Funds Hub: Key Takeaways From CIFA’s AGM

by News Editor

April 11, 2025

The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 10, underscoring the country’s growing appeal as a global investment funds destination. With assets under management (AUM) now exceeding €9 billion and over 330 licensed investment entities operating in Cyprus, the sector is gaining serious momentum.

A Vision For Sustainable Growth

CIFA President Maria Panayiotou credited the industry’s progress to “vision, consistency, and collaboration.” Addressing the AGM, she emphasized the association’s commitment to fostering responsible capital flows, strengthening investor confidence, and ensuring Cyprus remains a competitive jurisdiction for investment funds.

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A major focal point of the AGM was the anticipated legislative changes aimed at reinforcing the regulatory framework. The long-awaited fund administration law is expected to be approved soon, alongside the proposed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Screening Law and national tax reforms—key steps in enhancing Cyprus’ attractiveness to international investors.

Strengthening Regulatory Foundations

CIFA is actively working with the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) to refine the Alternative Investment Funds Law and the Partnership Law, focusing on clearer legal definitions and ensuring alignment with evolving EU regulations. This collaborative approach is designed to bolster Cyprus’s reputation as a well-regulated, investor-friendly jurisdiction.

Expanding Global Reach

Following the success of its 2024 roadshow in Athens, CIFA is ramping up efforts to promote Cyprus as a fund domicile in high-growth markets. Germany and the Middle East have been identified as priority regions, with targeted promotional activities set to take place in the coming months.

Additionally, CIFA is partnering with Invest Cyprus to conduct a gap analysis of the fund ecosystem, identifying growth opportunities and addressing any existing barriers to expansion.

Talent Development And Financial Literacy

Beyond regulatory and promotional efforts, the AGM highlighted CIFA’s push for education and capacity-building. The association has expanded its member-training programs, offering specialized workshops and accredited sessions to keep industry professionals at the forefront of global best practices.

On a broader scale, CIFA continues to contribute to financial literacy initiatives through its role in the Cyprus Financial Literacy and Education Committee (CyFLEC), aiming to equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed investment decisions.

ESG Takes Center Stage

The AGM wrapped up with a panel discussion on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment trends, reinforcing the growing role of sustainable finance in shaping the future of the sector. With ESG compliance becoming a key differentiator in global capital markets, Cyprus is positioning itself as a forward-thinking player in this space.

Looking Ahead

CIFA’s AGM painted a clear picture: Cyprus is not just keeping pace with international fund trends—it is actively shaping them. With regulatory reforms in motion, strategic international outreach, and a strong emphasis on investor confidence, the country is set to further solidify its status as a premier investment funds hub in the years ahead.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.