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Navigating New Reporting Standards: CySEC’s Guidance for Cyprus Investment Firms

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has released an essential update aimed at all Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs) on how to report cross-border investment activities within the European Economic Area (EEA) for the coming year.

This change, built on Circular C694 under section 25(1)(c)(ii) and (iii) of the CySEC Law, aligns with broader European initiatives spearheaded by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Prime focus is on CIFs extending their services beyond national borders to countries like Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Key Reporting Requirements

CIFs must complete an online questionnaire for activities between January 1 and December 31, 2024, particularly if more than 50 retail clients are involved. Services under the “freedom to provide services” must be reported, excluding those provided through local branches.

Reporting of inactive clients is not needed unless they still generate revenue despite inactivity. Each host member state with significant client activity requires a separate submission, excluding Cyprus as a home state from this requirement.

The deadline for these submissions is May 26, 2025, with an email and password necessary to access the reporting platform. Important: Preserve submission confirmations as evidence of compliance.

Consequences Of Non-Compliance

CySEC warns that failing to adhere to these guidelines could result in administrative penalties. There will be no reminders for missing submissions—CIFs must ensure their reporting is on time and accurate.

Cyprus Property Deals Reach €286 Million Despite Second-Quarter Uncertainty

Cyprus’ high-end property market remained active in the first half of 2026, although geopolitical uncertainty may have weighed on investment activity during the second quarter.

€286.4 Million Across The 50 Largest Deals

Property transactions worth a combined €286.4 million ranked among Cyprus’ 50 highest-value deals completed between January and June, according to real estate analytics firm Ask Wire.

Examining the country’s biggest sales across all districts, the report found that the 10 largest transactions alone accounted for €161.7 million, highlighting the concentration of activity at the upper end of the market.

Limassol Extends Its Lead

A €55 million sale involving a building and adjoining fields in Moni was the largest property transaction recorded during the period.

Six of the country’s 10 biggest deals took place in Limassol, with a combined value of €117.2 million. Paphos followed with three transactions worth €35.5 million, while Larnaca recorded one €9 million sale.

Across the broader ranking, Limassol’s 10 largest transactions reached €148.2 million, representing 51.7% of the total value of the top 50 deals. Paphos followed with €68.8 million (24%), while Nicosia recorded €26.7 million. Famagusta narrowly surpassed Larnaca, reaching €21.4 million compared with €21.2 million.

Land Continues To Drive High-Value Deals

According to Ask Wire CEO Pavlos Loizou, land acquisitions continue to dominate Cyprus’ largest property transactions.

“The land market dominates the list of the 10 highest-value property transactions, with seven sales involving fields and plots.”

Many of those sites are expected to be developed into luxury residential and hospitality projects, he added.

Office Demand Remains Strong

Growing demand for office space also reflects the expansion of international companies establishing operations in Cyprus, Loizou said.

“We continue to observe growing demand for office properties, reflecting the expansion of the new ecosystem of international companies that has been establishing itself in Cyprus in recent years.”

Eight of the 10 largest transactions were completed during the first quarter of 2026, with activity slowing in the following three months.

Loizou said the slowdown may reflect investor caution linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which appears to have influenced investment decisions during the second quarter.

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