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CySEC Enforces Rigorous Compliance Measures Amid Increasing Regulatory Scrutiny

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has executed a series of settlements and imposed substantial administrative fines in response to violations of securities and transparency legislation by several regulated entities.

Settlements Addressing Authorisation and Reporting Failures

CySEC reached a settlement with Zorivo Limited over a potential violation of the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law of 2017. An investigation covering the period from February 2024 to July 2025 focused on the company’s compliance with article 5(1) of the law. The settlement, amounting to €70,000, has been fully paid by Zorivo Limited.

In a separate agreement with Zorivo Limited, the commission addressed possible breaches of articles 34(7) and 32(3) of the CySEC Law of 2009. These infractions involved the company’s failure to provide complete and accurate information during a CySEC on-site inspection on July 31, 2025, and a subsequent information request on September 2, 2025. This settlement totaled €50,000 and has likewise been fully settled.

Fines for Delayed and Incomplete Financial Disclosures

During the same regulatory session, CySEC imposed administrative fines for non-compliance with the Transparency Requirements Law of 2007 related to half-year financial report publications for the 2024 financial year. The imposition of fines underscores the importance of timely and accurate reporting to ensure market transparency and investor protection.

KDM Shipping Public Limited was penalised with a total fine of €9,500 for repeated breaches, including delays exceeding 12 months. Toxotis Investments Public Ltd faced a cumulative fine of €9,000 under similar circumstances. In addition, A. Tsokkos Hotels Public Limited and Dome Investments Public Company Limited each received fines of €5,000 for approximately nine-month delays and historical non-compliance.

MLK Foods Public Company Ltd incurred a fine of €4,750, reflecting both delayed submission and the operational impact of the Russia–Ukraine war since February 2022. Meanwhile, Karyes Investment Public Company Ltd and Unifast Finance and Investments Public Company Limited received fines of €2,250 and €1,750, respectively, acknowledging varied reporting delays and previous compliance issues.

Reinforcing the Mandate for Transparency

Further fines were levied under article 37(2)(a) for failing to submit half-year financial reports. Specifically, KDM Shipping Public Limited was fined €2,000 after missing the report deadline for the period ending June 30, 2024, while Toxotis Investments Public Ltd and MLK Foods Public Company Ltd were fined €1,500 and €1,000, respectively, for similar oversights.

Agroton Public Limited was also fined €1,000 for omitting an interim management report in its published half-year financial submission. CySEC has emphasized that all settlement proceeds are allocated to the Republic’s Treasury, reinforcing the regulator’s uncompromising stance on maintaining orderly market operations and robust investor protection.

Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 2026

European Dominance Challenged By Global Contenders

The 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Residence and Citizenship Programs report shows increasing competition in the investment migration market. European programs, traditionally seen as the global benchmark, are now facing stronger competition from jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean as countries expand offerings aimed at attracting capital and internationally mobile investors.

New Entrants And Rapid Climbers Reshape The Landscape

Malta remains ranked first in the Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece retains the top position in the Global Residence Program Index. At the same time, several jurisdictions improved their standings. The UAE moved from fifth to a joint second position, entering the top three for the first time. Countries including Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, and Singapore also gained ground, while Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives appeared as new entrants.

Competing For Capital And Global Talent

Governments increasingly use residence and citizenship frameworks as tools to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurial talent. According to Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Europe remains a strong player, but countries such as Singapore and the UAE are accelerating reforms to strengthen their appeal to globally mobile investors.

Established Leaders And Agile Newcomers In Citizenship Programs

The Global Citizenship Program Index continues to be led by established programs. Malta’s citizenship-by-merit framework scored 77 points, maintaining its leading position, while Austria followed with a highly selective model. Programs in Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nauru also received strong rankings. New entrants such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa reflect a broader expansion of citizenship-based offerings.

European Consolidation And Emerging Residence Hubs

In the residence category, Greece remains first, supported by EU access and lifestyle advantages. Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE continue to compete closely, combining tax efficiency with investor-oriented policies. Portugal and Australia maintain strong positions, while Uruguay is emerging as a stable option with growing international interest.

Performance Metrics And Strategic Advantages

Both indexes evaluate 40 programs across factors including reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, and tax considerations. Austria and Malta scored strongly on program quality, while the UAE ranked highly in lifestyle and tax competitiveness. The rankings highlight how jurisdictions are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile capital.

Wealth On The Move

The report points to a broader shift in global wealth mobility. According to Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, investors increasingly prioritize stability, transparency, and clear long-term pathways when choosing residence or citizenship options.

As global uncertainty persists, residence and citizenship programs are increasingly viewed not only as investment tools but as strategic instruments for long-term mobility and risk diversification.

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