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CySEC Cracks Down On Unauthorized Investment Platforms

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2025

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has issued a stark warning to investors regarding a series of online investment platforms operating without the requisite authorization. The regulator’s announcement underscores the importance of compliance in a rapidly evolving digital financial marketplace.

Regulatory Oversight And Investor Protection

CySEC has identified a number of websites that are not legally permitted to offer investment services or conduct investment activities under Article 5 of Law 87 (I)/2017. The infringement places investors at heightened risk of fraud and potential financial loss, as engaging with unlicensed platforms means trading without the safeguards afforded by regulation.

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List Of Non-Compliant Platforms

The commission specifically cited the following domains: fernrise.com, market-trading.ltd, xmarktrades.com, veldorna.pro, pravintol.com, kingsoptiontrade.com, fasat-g.pro, capitaliko.com, finconnect.fr, avacaptal.com, iux.com, and elitesignalmarket.com. Additionally, a secondary list includes iqforextrade.net, metaindextrade.net, premiumwave.online, viptradersclub.com, stockforexinvestment.com, oneroyalfx.co, capitalinvestmentcentre.com, tradeshipglobex.com, cfdoptions.com, and quantoria-markets.net.

Guidance For Investors

CySEC advises investors to verify the regulatory status of any investment firm by consulting its official website at cysec.gov.cy prior to engaging in any business transaction. This proactive measure is critical to ensure that investors only deal with licensed entities, thereby reducing the risk of financial exploitation or fraudulent schemes.

Industry Implications

The commission’s recent warning is a testament to its ongoing efforts in safeguarding the interests of the public against the perils of unauthorized financial products. The move is in line with global regulatory trends where financial authorities are intensifying their oversight to protect investors and reinforce market integrity. Professional investors and firms alike can draw parallels with stringent enforcement actions in other reputable jurisdictions, where compliance remains the cornerstone of market confidence and stability.

This development serves as a crucial reminder of the inherent risks associated with engaging unregulated or dubious financial entities. In an environment where digital platforms are proliferating, due diligence and adherence to regulatory guidelines have never been more essential.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.