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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.

Cyprus Property Deals Reach €286 Million Despite Second-Quarter Uncertainty

Cyprus’ high-end property market remained active in the first half of 2026, although geopolitical uncertainty may have weighed on investment activity during the second quarter.

€286.4 Million Across The 50 Largest Deals

Property transactions worth a combined €286.4 million ranked among Cyprus’ 50 highest-value deals completed between January and June, according to real estate analytics firm Ask Wire.

Examining the country’s biggest sales across all districts, the report found that the 10 largest transactions alone accounted for €161.7 million, highlighting the concentration of activity at the upper end of the market.

Limassol Extends Its Lead

A €55 million sale involving a building and adjoining fields in Moni was the largest property transaction recorded during the period.

Six of the country’s 10 biggest deals took place in Limassol, with a combined value of €117.2 million. Paphos followed with three transactions worth €35.5 million, while Larnaca recorded one €9 million sale.

Across the broader ranking, Limassol’s 10 largest transactions reached €148.2 million, representing 51.7% of the total value of the top 50 deals. Paphos followed with €68.8 million (24%), while Nicosia recorded €26.7 million. Famagusta narrowly surpassed Larnaca, reaching €21.4 million compared with €21.2 million.

Land Continues To Drive High-Value Deals

According to Ask Wire CEO Pavlos Loizou, land acquisitions continue to dominate Cyprus’ largest property transactions.

“The land market dominates the list of the 10 highest-value property transactions, with seven sales involving fields and plots.”

Many of those sites are expected to be developed into luxury residential and hospitality projects, he added.

Office Demand Remains Strong

Growing demand for office space also reflects the expansion of international companies establishing operations in Cyprus, Loizou said.

“We continue to observe growing demand for office properties, reflecting the expansion of the new ecosystem of international companies that has been establishing itself in Cyprus in recent years.”

Eight of the 10 largest transactions were completed during the first quarter of 2026, with activity slowing in the following three months.

Loizou said the slowdown may reflect investor caution linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which appears to have influenced investment decisions during the second quarter.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
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