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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.

Digital Euro Moves Forward In EU Push For Payment Independence

Strengthening Strategic Autonomy

At an event held at the House of the Euro in Brussels on April 22, central bank officials discussed the role of a digital euro in strengthening the European Union’s financial independence. Participants included Stelios Georgakis, Payments Supervision Director at the Central Bank of Cyprus, and Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Redefining Central Bank Role In A Digital Era

Nagel stated that the digital euro is no longer viewed solely as a technical development but also as part of a broader policy direction. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s payment infrastructure to ensure resilience and independence. The digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it, maintaining the role of central bank money in a more digital financial system.

Reducing Dependence On Non-European Infrastructure

According to Nagel, around two-thirds of card payments in Europe currently rely on non-European systems. This reliance is seen as a structural vulnerability. A digital euro could help reduce this dependency by supporting a more integrated and locally controlled payments framework.

Legislative Roadmap And Timeline

Looking ahead, Nagel expressed a strong optimism regarding the legislative process, suggesting that completion could occur by year‑end. This progress may set the stage for the first issuance of the digital euro as early as 2029, in alignment with Europe’s broader ambitions for financial resilience and technological advancement.

Comprehensive Payments Strategy

During the discussion, Georgakis outlined the European Central Bank’s approach to payments. The strategy combines retail and wholesale systems, including instant payments, a digital euro, and infrastructure based on distributed ledger technology. Improving cross-border payment efficiency remains a key objective.

Transforming Europe’s Financial Landscape

The discussion reflected alignment between central banks, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the direction of Europe’s payment systems. Development of a digital euro is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen financial infrastructure, support economic resilience, and maintain the euro’s role in a changing global environment.

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