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CySEC Enforces Regulatory Reforms To Safeguard Financial Markets

Withdrawal Of Administrative Services Licences

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has implemented a series of decisive regulatory actions in Cyprus. In a clear demonstration of its commitment to market integrity and compliance with financial services legislation, the regulator has withdrawn administrative services licences and initiated settlements with investment firms.

Fiduserve Management Limited And Mann Made Corporate Services

Effective September 9, 2025, Fiduserve Management Limited (LEI 213800WAVVOPS85N2205) formally waived its authorisation to provide administrative services under the Law Regulating Companies Providing Administrative Services and Related Matters of 2012. As a result, its licence (Number 215/196) expired and the firm was permanently removed from the licensed persons’ Register in accordance with section 16(2) of the Law.

Similarly, Mann Made Corporate Services (Cyprus) Limited ceased administrative services as of November 11, 2024, following the waiver of its authorisation (Number 200/196). The company was, in turn, permanently deregistered, further solidifying CySEC’s stringent supervisory approach.

Enforcement And Settlements With Investment Firms

In addition to licence revocations, CySEC detailed settlements with two investment firms over potential breaches of investment services legislation. On January 9, 2026, CySEC confirmed a settlement with EDR Financial Ltd (LEI 213800J8EV4SSMIBWB22). This settlement comes after an intensive investigation covering the period from 2020 to 2024, wherein the firm’s adherence to stringent organisational requirements and product intervention measures under Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 was scrutinised. The settlement fee of €50,000 has been fully paid by EDR Financial Ltd.

On the same date, a comparable settlement was reached with Benor Capital Ltd (LEI 213800SPTJ6JRLKCPY23) for non-compliance with the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law of 2017, also resulting in a payment of €50,000. As emphasized by CySEC, all revenue collected from such settlements is channelled to the Treasury of the Republic, underscoring the regulator’s impartial role and commitment to fiscal transparency.

Commitment To Market Integrity

These regulatory actions not only reinforce CySEC’s robust supervisory framework but also serve as a stern reminder of the critical importance of adherence to established financial regulations. By swiftly addressing deviations from required standards, CySEC continues to protect market participants and ensure the integrity of Cyprus’ financial landscape.

Cyprus Ranks Among EU Leaders In Tertiary-Educated ICT Workforce

High Educational Attainment Sets Cyprus Apart

Recent data from Eurostat showed that Cyprus is expected to rank among the leading European countries for tertiary-educated ICT professionals in 2025. According to the figures, 96.4% of ICT professionals in Cyprus are projected to hold tertiary education qualifications, placing the country among the highest-ranked members of the European Union.

Gender Disparity Remains A Critical Challenge

Despite the high level of educational attainment, the ICT workforce in Cyprus continues to show a significant gender imbalance. Men are projected to account for 85.1% of ICT employees in 2025, while women are expected to represent 14.9% of the sector. In 2024, the split stood at 70.9% for men and 29.1% for women. The figures highlighted a widening gender gap within the country’s ICT workforce.

European Union Trends And Comparative Analysis

Across the European Union, the number of ICT professionals is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2025 from 3.2 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 5.1%. Men are expected to account for 83.4% of ICT employment across the bloc, equivalent to approximately 2.8 million workers, while women are projected to represent 16.6%.

National Performance Variability In Gender Representation

Countries within the EU show a varied landscape: the highest percentages of male ICT professionals are reported in the Czech Republic (92.9%), Slovenia (89.1%), Latvia (89.0%), Lithuania (88.9%), and Slovakia (88.4%). On the contrary, nations such as Denmark (30.0%), Sweden (29.8%), Romania (28.6%), Bulgaria (25.6%), and Croatia (25.2%) lead in female participation in the ICT arena.

Educational Background Across The European ICT Sector

Eurostat data also showed that most ICT professionals across the EU hold tertiary education qualifications. By 2025, 74.8% of ICT workers in the bloc are projected to have university-level education, while 25.2% are expected to hold secondary or post-secondary qualifications. Denmark recorded the highest share of tertiary-educated ICT professionals at 97.7%, followed by France at 96.6% and Cyprus at 96.4%. Other countries with high levels of tertiary-educated ICT workers included Ireland at 92.3%, Bulgaria at 91.1%, and Croatia at 90.9%. At the lower end of the ranking, Italy recorded 69.2%, while Portugal stood at 58.8%.

Conclusion

The data perfectly encapsulates the dual narrative in the ICT sector: while countries like Cyprus and Denmark achieve remarkable educational standards among ICT workers, persistent gender disparities remind us that diversity remains an ongoing challenge. As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, strategic policy formation and corporate governance will be pivotal in balancing excellence with inclusivity.

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