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CySEC: Collective Investments Surge Over 10% In Q4 2024

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) reported a robust performance in the country’s collective investments sector for Q4 2024, with total Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching €10.1 billion — a quarterly increase of 10.21% and an annual rise of 17.66%.

Despite a 2.13% year-on-year decline in the number of Management Companies and Undertakings of Collective Investments (UCIs) — down to 321 from 328 — the sector saw strong capital inflows and asset growth. The 321 regulated entities comprise 220 Externally Managed UCIs, 32 Internally Managed UCIs, and 69 External Fund Managers.

A Breakdown Of The Industry Structure

  • Management Companies: 45 AIFMs, 48 Sub-threshold AIFMs, 3 UCITS Management Companies, and 5 dual-licensed entities (AIFM & UCITS).
  • NAV: UCIs managed by these entities reported a Net Asset Value (NAV) of €9.6 billion.

Asset Distribution

  • 60% of AUM is managed by AIFMs
  • 18% by dual-licensed AIFMs & UCITS managers
  • 11% by Sub-threshold AIFMs
  • 10% by UCITS Management Companies
  • 1% by foreign-managed UCIs

UCITS allocations leaned heavily toward transferable securities (87.6%), with smaller proportions in other UCIs (9.2%) and bank deposits (2.0%). AIFs, AIFLNPs, and RAIFs favored Private Equity (30.4%), Real Estate (14.7%), Funds of Funds (13.9%), and Hedge Funds (10.6%).

Local Footprint and Investment Trends: Of the 227 UCIs currently active, 201 are domiciled in Cyprus, collectively managing 75% of the total AUM. A notable €2.9 billion — 28.63% of the total — is invested partially or fully in Cyprus, with 65.2% of that focused on Private Equity and 13.5% in Real Estate.

Investor Composition

  • UCITS: 99.1% retail investors
  • AIFs, AIFLNPs, RAIFs: 64% well-informed investors, 23.9% professional, 12.1% retail

Sector Allocations (Q4 2024)

  • Shipping: €709.2 million (7.04% of total AUM)
  • Energy: €496.3 million (4.93%)
  • Fintech: €258.1 million (2.56%)
  • Sustainable Investments: €86.4 million (0.86%)

CySEC’s latest data reflects steady growth in Cyprus as a fund management hub, driven by investor confidence and diversification across asset classes and sectors.

Cyprus Reduces Fuel Tax By 8.33 Cents As Prices Continue To Rise

The latest surge in fuel prices is putting unprecedented pressure on consumer purchasing power, forcing government intervention amid volatile global energy markets. Historic highs at the pump have compelled officials to enact further consumption tax cuts in a bid to stabilize household budgets while international trends remain unpredictable.

Government Intervention And Policy Measures

Authorities plan to approve an 8.33 cent per liter reduction in consumption tax on premium unleaded gasoline and diesel, effective from April 2026. This will be the third intervention since 2022, when fuel prices rose following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and after a further adjustment in November 2023.

Historical Context And Comparative Analysis

Fuel prices have increased over recent years. In March 2022, premium unleaded stood at €1.442 per liter and diesel at €1.500. By November 2023, prices rose to €1.550 for gasoline and €1.709 for diesel. As of March 2026, gasoline reached €1.571 per liter and diesel €1.819. Compared with 2023 levels, gasoline prices increased by 1.8 cents per liter, while diesel rose by 10.9 cents.

Global Market Dynamics Impacting Local Prices

International benchmarks continue to influence domestic fuel prices. Brent crude remains above $100 per barrel, while the price of heavy Brent oil has increased by about 58% since February 2026. Market indicators such as the Platts Basis Italy index show increases of 52% for gasoline, 89% for diesel, and 88% for heating oil. These trends affect import costs and pricing across the local market.

Consumer Concerns And The Search For Relief

The planned tax reduction may provide short-term relief for transport fuels. Heating oil prices remain higher, reaching about €1.30 per liter, approximately 6 cents above previous levels. No tax reduction has been announced for heating fuel. According to Konstantinos Karagiorgis, reliance on private vehicles increases the impact of fuel price changes on households, given limited public transport options.

Outlook And Future Considerations

The tax reduction is expected to offset part of the recent increase in fuel costs. Consumer groups, including the Cyprus Consumer Association, have called for similar measures on heating oil. Further developments will depend on global energy prices and geopolitical conditions.

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