CySEC Adopts ESMA Guidelines For CASPs Under MiCA

Regulatory Update Drives Uniform Supervisory Practices

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has officially incorporated several guidelines from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) that impact crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). With this initiative, CySEC’s circular outlines detailed expectations regarding transfer services, reverse solicitation, and portfolio management activities related to crypto-assets.

Clear Directives For Transfer Services

Issued on February 26, 2025, the ESMA guidelines on transfer services are grounded in Article 82(2) of MiCA. They are designed to instill consistency and efficiency within the European financial supervision system while reinforcing a uniform approach to applying MiCA’s provisions. Furthermore, the guidelines delineate robust procedures and client rights measures intended to heighten investor protection for CASPs involved in transferring crypto-assets.

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Enhanced Transparency In Reverse Solicitation

CySEC also highlighted ESMA’s guidelines on reverse solicitation, introduced on December 17, 2024. Although these guidelines primarily target competent authorities, they serve as a critical reference for both existing and prospective CASPs. The circular draws attention to specific paragraphs and illustrative examples that elucidate circumstances under which a third-country firm might be deemed to be soliciting clients within the European Union.

Standardizing Portfolio Management Requirements

The third set of guidelines, released on March 26, 2025, addresses portfolio management activities. Based on Article 81(15) of MiCA, these standards require CASPs to adhere to defined requirements regarding the suitability of crypto-asset advice and the formatting of periodic statements. This move is aimed at fostering consistent application of several MiCA provisions, thereby ensuring that supervisory practices remain effective across the board.

Implementation Timeline And Executive Endorsement

All three sets of guidelines will take effect 60 calendar days following their publication on ESMA’s website in all official EU languages. The endorsement of these measures by CySEC Chairman George Theocharides underscores the sector’s commitment to transparency, regulatory coherence, and enhanced investor protection in the rapidly evolving crypto market.

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Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2026

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

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New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.