Cyprus: Financial Services

The European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee has approved a legislative proposal for the digital euro, a new electronic form of money issued by the European Central Bank. This comprehensive package addresses the establishment of the digital euro, its distribution by payment service providers, and the continued legal tender status of physical cash, with a pilot programme scheduled for 2027.

The purchase of newly constructed or off-plan properties without a separate title deed has long been a common feature of the Cyprus real estate market. Although this practice is widely adopted in property transactions, it understandably creates a degree of uncertainty for buyers, as the completion of the transaction and the full vesting of their ownership rights are contingent upon the issuance and transfer of a separate title deed into their name.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that banks cannot automatically refuse to open basic payment accounts solely because an applicant appears on a third-country sanctions list, such as OFAC. While such designations constitute relevant risk factors, financial institutions must conduct individual, proportionate assessments demonstrating that AML and sanctions-related risks cannot be adequately managed through appropriate measures.

In an era of growing globalisation, regulation remains a pivotal force shaping the strategic priorities of financial services firms. As domestic and international legal landscapes continue to evolve, we leverage our market-leading expertise to help clients navigate complexities and develop innovative, practical solutions to their regulatory challenges.

Purchasing property in Cyprus requires navigating complex legal procedures, regulatory requirements, and due diligence checks that protect both buyers and sellers. Understanding the conveyancing process, from initial contract preparation through title deed transfer, helps international investors and property buyers avoid common pitfalls including undisclosed mortgages, planning irregularities, and delayed title deeds.

Comprehensive Overview of the Key Economic Trends and Developments Reported Across Cyprus This Week

The regulatory landscape for Cyprus Investment Firms is becoming increasingly demanding, with regulators placing greater emphasis on effective governance, robust compliance frameworks...

On the 9th of March 2026, the Consumer Protection Service issued a significant decision against Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd (hereinafter "Alpha Bank"), discovering the existence...

On 09/02/2026 the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC") issued Circular C754, introducing a new regulatory reporting requirement for Cyprus Investment Firms...