The Cyprus Compliance Association (CCA) held its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 19 November at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in Nicosia.
As noted in a relevant press release, the event brought together CCA members, industry professionals, and representatives of the International Compliance Association (ICA), including Pekka Dare, President of the ICA, along with other distinguished guests.
In his welcoming note, Pekka Dare praised the work and impact of the CCA, stating, among other remarks, that he “had not seen anything as dynamic and fully engaged with all parts of the ecosystem of compliance as the CCA.”
Marios Skandalis, Honorary President of the CCA and incoming Director General of the Association of Cyprus Banks, also commended the initiative in his speech, stating that “the people leading [the CCA initiative] are among the best professionals I have ever met here in Cyprus.”
Strategic collaboration with ICPAC
A major highlight of the AGM was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CCA and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC). The MoU was signed by Andrea Moundi Savvides, Chair of the CCA, and Odysseas Christodoulou, President of ICPAC.
The agreement formalises a commitment to strengthen professional standards, promote knowledge sharing, and foster closer collaboration between the compliance and accounting communities.
Panel discussion highlights the future of compliance
A key feature of the AGM was a panel discussion on 'The Evolution of Compliance: Making our Profession Future Proof,' moderated by Pekka Dare.
Panelists included:
- Kyriakos Iordanou, General Manager of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC)
- Marios Skandalis, Honorary President of CCA and Incoming Director General of the Association of Cyprus Banks
- Louiza Protopapa, representing the Cyprus Bar Association (CYBAR)
- Maria Kyrmizi Antoniou, Senior Counsel of the Republic of Cyprus and Head of MOKAS (the Cyprus Financial Intelligence Unit)
The discussion offered insights into emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities for the compliance profession, highlighting perspectives from accounting, banking, legal, and financial intelligence sectors.
Optimism for the future
Andrea Moundi Savvides, addressing attendees, noted that the AGM marked a pivotal moment not only for the CCA, but for the entire compliance community of Cyprus. She highlighted that “it is the first time we stand together, as a unified community, to reflect on our journey, our values, our direction, and the future we want to shape. She further emphasised that “when organisations invest in compliance, everyone benefits — the organisation, the employees, the market, and society.”
Following the conclusion of the AGM, a discussion and networking reception took place, offering a valuable opportunity for exchanging views and further strengthening collaborations.
The successful AGM reinforces the CCA’s mission to support, develop, and unify the compliance community in Cyprus while advancing professional standards and collaboration across the industry.
