“Cyprus today proudly stands among the fastest-growing investment fund centres in Europe,” stated Maria Panayiotou, President of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA), as she opened the 11th Cyprus International Funds Summit & Expo, co-organised by CIFA and Invest Cyprus.
Welcoming delegates from across Europe and beyond, Panayiotou spoke about the Association’s outward-looking strategy, which now extends towards Greece and India with clear goals and strategic intent.
She stressed that this progress is no coincidence, but the result of consistent effort, a modern regulatory framework aligned with the EU, flexible and efficient structures, and a highly skilled workforce.
Referring to market data, she highlighted that Cyprus’ investment funds ecosystem now comprises over 330 registered funds, with assets under management exceeding €10.7 billion. Of this amount, more than €2.9 billion is invested directly in the Cypriot economy, demonstrating the sector’s tangible contribution to growth and employment.
The CIFA President placed particular emphasis on the industry’s decade-long transformation, marking Cyprus’ evolution from an emerging destination into a recognised, competitive and mature EU fund management and administration hub. This success, she noted, has been built on close public-private sector collaboration, with contributions from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Invest Cyprus, and state institutions.
Among key milestones, she cited the introduction of the Registered Alternative Investment Funds (RAIFs) structure, the harmonisation of EU directives, and the recent Law on Fund Managers, all of which further enhanced Cyprus’ institutional credibility.
She pointed out that the growth of the investment funds industry forms a cornerstone of the national strategy to diversify the Cypriot economy. Funds, she said, act as catalysts for innovation, the creation of quality jobs, and the strengthening of domestic investment—channelling capital into areas such as green energy, education, healthcare, and real estate.
Panayiotou made special reference to CIFA’s international outreach strategy, noting that expanding its global footprint is a key pillar of action. Cooperation with Greece is being significantly deepened, with the goal of co-developing integrated financial solutions and building a strong regional alliance in financial services.
At the same time, CIFA is strengthening ties with emerging and mature markets aligned with Cyprus’ strategic position, such as the Middle East, the wider Gulf, and India. These regions, she explained, host major institutional investors and fund managers seeking reliable European gateways – and Cyprus, with its stable framework and professional ecosystem, stands out as an ideal partner.
Turning to the international environment, she warned that the global funds industry is changing rapidly under the pressures of ESG, digitalisation, and the demand for greater efficiency.
“Cyprus cannot afford to stand still. We must adapt, upgrade our skills, and invest in new capabilities,” she stressed.
In conclusion, Panayiotou referred to the upcoming tax reform in Cyprus, stressing that the framework’s modernisation must safeguard the sector’s international competitiveness.
“Our journey so far shows what we can achieve through collaboration and strategic consistency. The prospects are real, as are the challenges. With professionalism, collective effort, and foresight, we can further consolidate Cyprus’ role as a European centre of excellence in investment funds,” she concluded.
