Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

CySEC Cracks Down On Unauthorized Investment Platforms

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.

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.

Updated as of 21 November 2025

Following official clarification provided to the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), IUX has been removed from the CySEC public warning list. The initial warning is no longer in effect.

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

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.

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.

eCredo
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter