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CySEC Withdraws Licences And Memberships In Strategic Regulatory Action

Reinforcing Regulatory Compliance

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has taken decisive steps to ensure market integrity by withdrawing the Cyprus Investment Firm licence from Fibo Markets Ltd, following the firm’s own decision to renounce its authorisation. Concurrently, the regulator has terminated Investors Compensation Fund (ICF) membership for four additional firms, reflecting a broader push for heightened regulatory discipline.

Licence Withdrawal And Membership Termination

At its meeting on August 25, 2025, CySEC confirmed the withdrawal of Fibo Markets Ltd’s licence and the removal of Oasis Wealth Management Ltd, The Alternative GMI Ltd, Itrade Global (CY) Ltd, and Viverno Markets Ltd from the ICF. These measures come on the heels of earlier decisions to revoke operating licences for the affected entities, including the withdrawal of the licence for Oasis Wealth Management Ltd as a UCITS management company and the revocation of The Alternative GMI Ltd’s authorisation as an Alternative Investment Fund Manager.

Client Compensation And Future Procedures

CySEC has underscored that former clients of these firms will still retain their rights to compensation for investment operations conducted prior to the regulatory changes, provided that the eligibility criteria are met. Moreover, the regulator has affirmed that the initiation of compensation procedures remains available where necessary, ensuring that client protections are maintained.

Industry Ramifications

This pronounced regulatory intervention not only safeguards investor interests but also reinforces the importance of continual compliance in a dynamic financial landscape. By retracting the licences and ICF membership of these entities, CySEC is setting a benchmark of accountability that may reverberate throughout the industry, prompting firms to re-evaluate their operational standards to remain competitive and compliant.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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