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CySEC Warns Investors Over Unlicensed Financial Platforms

Unregulated Platforms Under Scrutiny

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has issued an urgent advisory concerning the operations of two online platforms—greymax.net and finotivefunding.com—which lack the necessary authorization to offer investment services under Cypriot law. These platforms operate without affiliation to any licensed entity, thus existing outside the stringent regulatory framework mandated by Article 5 of Law 87(I)/2017.

Investor Due Diligence Imperative

CySEC’s warning underscores the risks associated with engaging with unregulated entities. The commission emphasizes that greymax.net and finotivefunding.com are not subject to the oversight required for regulated investment firms. To mitigate potential exposure to fraud and unauthorized financial practices, investors are strongly advised to confirm the legitimacy of any investment partner by consulting the regulator’s official website at www.cysec.gov.cy, where a comprehensive registry of licensed firms and ongoing investor alerts are readily available.

Safeguarding Market Integrity

This proactive alert reflects CySEC’s broader commitment to enhancing market transparency and protecting retail investors from the pitfalls associated with unregulated operators. In an era where online trading platforms increasingly shape the investment landscape, such measures play a crucial role in fostering a secure and reliable financial ecosystem.

EU E-Commerce VAT Systems Generate €257.9 Million Revenue for Cyprus in 2024

Robust Revenue Growth Through Streamlined VAT Collection

Cyprus has demonstrated a significant fiscal boost in 2024 with €257.9 million generated from the European Union’s e-commerce VAT systems, according to Tax Commissioner Sotiris Markides. This impressive performance underscores the effectiveness of the One Stop Shop (OSS) and Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) frameworks in simplifying cross-border tax compliance.

Simplified Procedures for EU and Non-EU Businesses

The OSS system allows Cyprus-registered businesses to streamline VAT declaration and payment on sales to consumers in other EU countries. Companies simply register on the local OSS platform, apply the consumer’s VAT rate, aggregate their submissions quarterly or monthly, and remit a single consolidated payment. Subsequently, Cyprus allocates the appropriate share to each respective EU country. This efficient process extends to non-EU sellers as well, who can have their intra-EU distance sales managed under the Union Scheme.

Breakdown of VAT Revenue Streams

Last year’s declarations under the various schemes illustrate the system’s broad reach: €217.9 million was collected via the Union Scheme, €36.9 million through the Non-Union Scheme, and €3.1 million via the Import Scheme. While the Union Scheme caters to both EU and non-EU sellers engaging in distance sales, the Non-Union Scheme specifically accommodates non-EU firms delivering services to EU consumers. Furthermore, the Import Scheme targets goods valued at less than €150 that are imported from outside the EU.

Implications and Broader Impact

Implemented in July 2021 as an evolution from the more limited MOSS system, these reforms have not only consolidated tax collection through an expansive OSS but also integrated the IOSS for low-value imports. By designating certain online marketplaces as “deemed suppliers,” the new framework ensures that VAT collection is both efficient and equitable. Across the EU, these mechanisms have generated over €33 billion in VAT revenues in 2024, reflecting a successful effort to simplify tax compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and promote fair taxation across the bloc.

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