“The financial services sector faces a convergence of challenges: evolving regulatory frameworks, increasing cybersecurity threats and the imperative to harness AI responsibly. For Cyprus specifically, maintaining our competitive edge as a financial hub requires balancing innovation with robust compliance,” Leonid Bibin, Deputy Financial Director of Freedom24, says after having received a CBN Young Dragon Award, in recognition of his contribution to the financial services sector.
In an interview with GOLD magazine on the occasion of the awards, Bibin points out that the island must maintain its competitive edge as a financial hub. He believes that the solution lies in investing in both people and technology, in order to build teams that combine traditional financial expertise with data analytics capabilities.
Bibin finally shares his feelings about being recognised as a Young Dragon and offers advice to other upcoming ambitious young professionals.
You previously worked in auditing. How has that experience shaped the way you approach your current role?
My auditing years instilled in me a rigorous approach to accuracy, controls and regulatory compliance that remains foundational to everything I do. Auditing taught me to see beyond the numbers and understand the risks, processes and governance structures that underpin financial integrity. This perspective proved invaluable when building Freedom24’s financial infrastructure during a period of fast client growth, where robust controls and precise reporting were essential to sustainable scaling. It also shaped how I communicate with regulators and external stakeholders, approaching these relationships as partnerships rather than obligations.
What are the upcoming challenges in your sector and how can they best be dealt with?
The financial services sector faces a convergence of challenges: evolving regulatory frameworks, increasing cybersecurity threats and the imperative to harness AI responsibly. For Cyprus specifically, maintaining our competitive edge as a financial hub requires balancing innovation with robust compliance. The solution lies in investing in people and technology simultaneously, building teams that combine traditional financial expertise with data analytics capabilities, while cultivating a culture where regulatory compliance is viewed as a competitive advantage that builds client trust. Attracting and retaining top talent remains equally critical. Cyprus has made remarkable progress as a business destination. Continuing to develop our ecosystem of skilled professionals will determine how successfully we compete on the international stage.
How does winning a CBN Young Dragon Award reshape the expectations you place on yourself, going forward?
This recognition reinforces my commitment to raising the bar, not just for myself but for my team and the broader financial services community in Cyprus. Being chosen by both industry experts and the public reminds me that leadership is measured not only by results but by the impact we have on others. Going forward, I hold myself to a higher standard of mentorship, innovation and contribution to our industry’s development on the island. It also motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in how we approach financial management, ensuring that our practices reflect both international best standards and local market realities. I also see this award as a responsibility to give back, whether through sharing knowledge with emerging professionals or contributing to initiatives that strengthen Cyprus as a financial services destination.
Looking back on your journey so far, what is the biggest lesson you have learned and what advice would you offer to ambitious young professionals?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that growth happens outside your comfort zone. My advice to young professionals: embrace discomfort. For me, working in different countries and finally finding my home in Cyprus, transitioning from audit to industry and building departments from scratch – each leap felt risky but it accelerated my growth exponentially. Seek out roles and projects where you are not the most experienced person in the room, because that is where real learning happens. Invest in continuous learning and develop skills outside your comfort zone. Pursue professional qualifications, learn new technologies and never assume that your current expertise will be sufficient tomorrow. The professionals who thrive are those who combine deep expertise with adaptability and the courage to take ownership of challenges that others avoid.
LEONID BIBIN
With over a decade of experience in financial services, Leonid Bibin progressed from auditing major banks and asset management firms to leading financial operations as Deputy Financial Director. His Big Four background provided deep expertise in complex financial instruments, risk management and international regulatory frameworks. At Freedom24, he leads teams across financial planning, reporting and data analytics, having built key analytical capabilities from scratch while navigating explosive business growth. A chartered certified accountant fluent in four languages, he combines traditional financial expertise with modern analytical approaches to transform data into strategic insights, ensuring operational excellence in fast-paced, regulated environments.
This interview first appeared in the March edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
