The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 10, reflecting on the sector’s progress and setting out the strategic priorities for the years ahead.

Addressing the AGM, CIFA President Maria Panayiotou described the current momentum in the sector as a direct result of vision, consistency and collaboration. She noted that assets under management now exceed €9 billion, with more than 330 licensed investment entities active in Cyprus—clear indicators of the confidence that both fund managers and investors place in the country’s professional and regulatory environment.

During her speech, the President underlined the Association’s proactive role in maintaining open and constructive dialogue with the state, including the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance, and the House of Representatives. These ongoing engagements are essential to ensuring that the sector’s needs are reflected in key structural reforms currently in development. Among the most important initiatives discussed is the much-anticipated legislation on fund administration, which is expected to be approved by the Parliament soon. Other critical reforms include the proposed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Screening Law and the national tax reform—both of which could significantly enhance the competitiveness of Cyprus as a funds jurisdiction.

Equally important is CIFA’s close collaboration with the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Together, the two bodies are working on legislative amendments to the Alternative Investment Funds Law and the Partnership Law, particularly regarding the responsibilities of legal persons. These updates are designed to improve legal clarity and maintain alignment with evolving EU regulatory frameworks.

CIFA is also actively engaging with Invest Cyprus on several fronts. From promoting the sector abroad to planning a comprehensive gap analysis of the fund ecosystem, the partnership aims to identify new opportunities and remove obstacles to growth.

The AGM also showcased the Association’s intensified international promotion efforts. Following the strong impact of its 2024 roadshow in Athens, CIFA has taken a more active role in organising high-impact events in strategic markets. In the coming months, the Association will host dedicated promotional activities in Germany and Middle East—two markets identified for their investment potential and growing interest in Cyprus as a fund domicile. 

On the domestic front, the importance of continuous education and capacity-building was a recurring theme. CIFA has significantly expanded its member-training program, offering a growing number of tailored workshops and accredited sessions to meet the sector’s evolving needs. In this context, President Panayiotou extended her sincere thanks to the members of the Technical Committees, for their dedication and contribution to the Association’s mission.

Beyond the industry, CIFA is playing an active role in national efforts to improve financial literacy. As a stakeholder of the Cyprus Financial Literacy and Education Committee (CyFLEC), CIFA is helping to equip individuals and households with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and participate more confidently in long-term investment solutions.

In closing, President Panayiotou expressed her deep appreciation to the Board of Directors and all CIFA members for their ongoing support, professionalism and contribution to the growth of the sector. She reaffirmed CIFA’s commitment to supporting responsible capital flows, strengthening investor confidence, and creating conditions that allow the Cyprus investment funds industry to grow sustainably and competitively.

The AGM concluded with a panel discussion dedicated to ESG investment trends, underscoring the relevance of sustainable finance in shaping the next chapter of the global funds industry.