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Invest Cyprus Signs Strategic MoU to Enhance Business Ecosystem

Strengthening Business Competitiveness

Invest Cyprus and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (Selk) have formalized their commitment to a robust partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic agreement aims to fortify the nation’s business ecosystem by fostering increased collaboration and leveraging each organization’s unique expertise.

Unifying Expertise and Driving Investment

The MoU establishes a structured framework for cooperative initiatives, including business meetings, conferences, roundtables, and the development of sector-specific reports. Both organizations are poised to exchange vital insights on regulatory and economic trends, ultimately positioning Cyprus as an appealing destination for foreign direct investment. This coordinated approach is designed to elevate professional services and drive economic growth.

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future

Evgenios Evgeniou, chairman of Invest Cyprus, remarked that the alliance mirrors a collective mission to enhance Cyprus’ international competitiveness while cultivating a transparent, sustainable, and thriving business environment. Similarly, Odysseas Christodoulou, chairman of Selk, emphasized that the agreement will further solidify the existing collaboration between the two entities, paving the way for increased job creation and long-term economic development.

Positioning Cyprus on the Global Stage

This high-profile partnership not only underscores the commitment of both organizations to advance Cyprus as a premier international business and investment hub but also reinforces the country’s dedication to upholding professional standards, transparency, and competitive focus in its economic agenda. By actively promoting innovation and regulatory excellence, Cyprus is set to emerge as a formidable player in the global business arena.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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