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CySEC: Collective Investments Surge Over 10% In Q4 2024

by News Editor
April 15, 2025

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.

Price Shifts: Temu And Shein React To Upcoming Tariffs

by News Editor
April 27, 2025

The online shopping world experienced a jolt as Temu and Shein, popular e-commerce platforms, recently adjusted their prices due to impending tariff changes. These platforms, known for offering budget-friendly options, have echoed with changes that might surprise many shoppers.

What Sparked the Price Hike?

Effective next week, a significant tariff will impact goods imported from China. This tariff follows the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption on May 2. This exemption previously allowed American shoppers to skip tariffs on items valued under $800. The new tariff demands a 120% fee or a flat $100 per postal item, increasing to $200 come June 1.

For instance, Temu’s two patio chairs jumped from $61.72 to $70.17 overnight, while a bathing suit on Shein saw a 91% surge in price. Yet, the price landscape isn’t consistently upward; a smart ring on Temu dropped by $3.

Implications for Consumers

Due to economic shifts and evolving trade rules, both Shein and Temu emphasized their efforts to maintain quality and affordability despite costlier operational expenses. They advised consumers to shop before April 25 to dodge the upcoming hikes, though it’s uncertain if this timing affects the 120% tariff applicability.

Impact on Lower-Income Households

The discontinuation of the “de minimis” exemption is poised to hit lower-income families hardest. Reports indicate these households spend a higher income proportion on apparel, and this change could burden them further.

Further economic insights highlight how industries adjust to challenges, such as in the face of AI-driven changes, potentially offsetting emissions concerns with economic gains.

For buyers and businesses alike, the shifting sands of trade laws call for adaptability and forethought.

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