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CySEC Withdraws Licences And Oversees RAIF Liquidations

Regulatory Reforms And Strategic Decision-Making

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has announced a series of regulatory actions affecting investment firms and alternative investment funds operating in Cyprus. Recent decisions include licence withdrawals and the launch of liquidation procedures for several entities under its supervision.

TTCM Traders Trust Capital Markets Ltd License Withdrawal

CySEC withdrew the Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) licence of TTCM Traders Trust Capital Markets Ltd (authorisation number 107/09) following the company’s request to renounce its licence. The decision was taken on May 14, 2026, under section 8(1)(a) of the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law of 2017 and section 4(7) of Directive DI87-05.

Conotoxia Ltd Faces Regulatory Repercussions

On June 5, 2026, CySEC also withdrew the CIF licence of Conotoxia Ltd (licence number 336/17). According to the commission, the company failed to meet several regulatory requirements, including provisions relating to governance, board member suitability, management oversight and organisational arrangements. Conotoxia’s licence had been suspended since July 23, 2025. CySEC instructed the company to remove references to its investment services authorisation and regulatory status from its websites and other digital platforms.

Liquidation Processes In The RAIF Sector

CySEC also reported developments involving Registered Alternative Investment Funds (RAIFs). On June 4, 2026, AIFCAP Managers Ltd informed the commission that dissolution and liquidation procedures had begun for ANABAZA RAIF V.C.I.C Ltd under article 138(7)(a) of the Alternative Investment Funds Law of 2018. The fund will remain on the register with an “under liquidation” designation until the process is completed.

Separate liquidation procedures have also been initiated by Argus Management Ltd for compartments CASCADE 5 and CASCADE 6 of CASCADE INVESTMENT FUND RAIF V.C.I.C. Ltd. Both compartments will retain their “under liquidation” status until all regulatory requirements and documentation have been completed.

Ongoing Supervisory Efforts

The latest actions form part of CySEC’s supervision of investment firms and alternative investment funds operating in Cyprus. Recent licence withdrawals and liquidation proceedings highlight the regulator’s continued focus on compliance with licensing, governance and operational requirements across the financial sector.

Cyprus Promotes Ship Registry In Asia As Fleet Grows To 25-Year High

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract international shipowners, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis holding high-level meetings in China and Japan as the country’s ship register reaches its strongest level in 25 years.

Running from October 14 to 29, the Asian mission focuses on expanding commercial ties, promoting the advantages of the Cyprus flag and strengthening cooperation with shipowners, shipbuilders and maritime authorities.

China Meetings Target Shipowners And Industry Leaders

In Shanghai, Hadjimanolis met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, ahead of the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21. Organisers expect around 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, with discussions covering international shipping, maritime safety, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the transition to cleaner fuels.

The minister also met representatives of Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc. to present the Cyprus registry’s advantages and explore registration opportunities for vessel owners. On October 20, she is scheduled to speak at the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong, joining a ministerial roundtable on international maritime leadership.

A visit to Zhoushan is also planned for the naming ceremony of Kypros Island, a new vessel for the Cyprus register owned by Safe Bulkers. Launched in June at the Tsuneishi shipyard on Xiushan Island, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier is scheduled for delivery at the end of October. According to the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration, sea trials were due to take place between October 11 and 16.

Japan Engagements Strengthen Maritime Ties

Before travelling to China, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, in Tokyo on October 16. Her programme also included meetings with senior representatives of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, ITOCHU Corporation and SSY Projects, focusing on cooperation with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and shipping operators.

At the 5th Annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, held at the Tokyo American Club, Hadjimanolis discussed maritime leadership, competitiveness, policy and international cooperation with Capital Link founder and president Nicolas Bornozis. Other sessions examined Japan’s shipbuilding strategy, new-vessel financing and the development of ammonia-powered ships.

The Tokyo programme followed a Cyprus Ship Registry reception on October 15 for representatives of Japan’s maritime and business communities. Hadjimanolis outlined the country’s shipping services and regulatory framework, while Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, delivered the opening remarks.

Registry Reaches Highest Level In 25 Years

At the reception, Hadjimanolis said the Cyprus Ship Registry had grown by 27% since September 2023, reaching its highest level in a quarter of a century. She attributed the expansion to efforts to improve competitiveness, simplify administrative procedures and provide more responsive services to international shipowners.

Cyprus’s inclusion on the White Lists of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding was another point highlighted by the minister. These lists reflect the safety and inspection performance of ships flying a national flag.

Existing commercial links with Japan include Safe Bulkers’ announcement in May of four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

South Korea Next On The Maritime Agenda

Hadjimanolis’ mission will continue in South Korea, where she is expected to attend the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week alongside International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and government representatives from several countries.

Her programme will also include discussions on implementing international maritime conventions and bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s shipping ties with South Korea.

The Asian outreach comes as maritime centres compete for shipowners amid geopolitical uncertainty, fleet renewal and pressure to reduce shipping emissions. For Cyprus, the strategy combines promotion of its registry with closer relationships across Asia’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.

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