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New Legislation To Bolster Cyprus’s Position In Collective Investment Schemes

The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) recently announced a new legislative initiative aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s position in the global arena of collective investment schemes. As reported, this development marks a significant step forward for the Cypriot financial sector, positioning it as a more competitive and attractive destination for investment funds.

Overview of the Legislation

The new legislation introduces several reforms designed to enhance the regulatory framework governing collective investment schemes in Cyprus. These reforms are intended to align Cyprus with international best practices, ensuring that the country remains an attractive and competitive location for fund managers and investors.

Key aspects of the legislation include:

  1. Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: The new measures will bolster the regulatory oversight of investment funds, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. This will help mitigate risks and protect investors, fostering greater confidence in the Cypriot financial market.
  2. Streamlined Processes: The legislation aims to simplify administrative procedures, making it easier and more efficient to establish and operate investment funds in Cyprus. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the country can attract more fund managers and streamline operations for existing ones.
  3. Tax Incentives: To further attract international investment, the legislation includes provisions for favourable tax treatment of investment funds. These incentives are designed to make Cyprus a more appealing jurisdiction for collective investments, enhancing its competitive edge in the global market.
  4. Innovation and Flexibility: The reforms promote innovation within the investment funds sector by providing greater flexibility in fund structures and operations. This includes accommodating a variety of investment strategies and asset classes, which can attract a broader range of investors.

The introduction of this legislation is poised to have several positive implications for Cyprus’s economy and its financial sector.

The financial industry in Cyprus has welcomed the new legislation, recognising its potential to drive growth and enhance the country’s position in the global investment landscape. The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) has been a key advocate for these reforms, highlighting the benefits they bring to both local and international stakeholders.

Industry experts anticipate that the reforms will attract a new wave of investment funds to Cyprus, leveraging the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and favourable business environment. The legislative changes are seen as a proactive move to adapt to the evolving global financial landscape and meet the needs of modern investors.

Interest rates on housing loans up and down on deposits

Cypriot banks raised mortgage rates in August while cutting interest on one-year deposits for households, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Meanwhile, the total value of new loans dropped sharply in August, falling by 33 per cent compared to July.

The latest figures, published on Wednesday reveal that the interest rate for short-term deposits by households fell to 1.79 per cent, from 1.96 per cent in July. In contrast, the deposit rate for businesses (non-financial companies) travelled in the opposite direction up to 2.33 per cent in August from 2.28 per cent in the previous month.

Consumer loan rates also saw a small decline, dropping to 6.59 per cent from 6.67 per cent in the previous month. Mortgage rates rose marginally to 4.65 per cent, from 4.59 per cent.

Rates for businesses, on loans €1 million also fell to 5.36 per cent from 5.61 per cent. For loans

above €1 million the rate fell to 5.42 per cent from 5.64 per cent.

In terms of new loans, there was a marked drop across the board. Total new loans fell to €395.5 million, down from €596.3 million in July.

Consumer loans also fell with net new loans at €19m, compared to July’s €28m (€26.1m net).

Loans for house purchases also declined significantly, falling to €95.6m, of which €72.3m were net new loans, down from €134.3m (€100.7m net) in July.

New loans of under a million euro to businesses decreased to €52.8m (€34.1m net), down from €75.5m in July (€49.5m net).

Similarly, loans of over a million euros were halved to €179.3m (€78.3m net), compared to €345.2m (€211.8m net) in the previous month.

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