Cyprus has evolved into one of Europe’s fastest-growing fund jurisdictions, with over 330 registered investment funds and sub-funds and Assets Under Management exceeding €10.7 billion, Maria Panayiotou, President of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) has said.
According to a press release, she was speaking on Monday at the 11th Cyprus International Funds Summit & Expo, co-organised by the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and Invest Cyprus, that brought together a global audience of fund managers, institutional investors, policymakers, and service providers to examine the future of the alternative investment landscape.
Building partnerships
Α significant number of delegates from various countries joined the event, reaffirming Cyprus’ growing stature as an international hub for fund structuring, administration, and capital flows, it says.
In her opening remarks, Panayiotou highlighted the sector’s rapid development saying that “Cyprus has evolved into one of Europe’s fastest-growing fund jurisdictions, with over 330 registered investment funds and sub-funds and Assets Under Management exceeding €10.7 billion. Almost €3 billion is invested into the real economy of the country - proof of the sector’s real and growing contribution.”
She also underlined the importance of outward-looking partnerships noting that “we are building new pathways for cooperation with Greece, India, and the broader Gulf region. Cyprus can serve as a reliable, well-regulated, EU-based partner for emerging and mature markets alike.”
Accessible investment industry
Dr. George Theocharides, Chairman, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) reaffirmed CySEC’s commitment to the responsible and sustainable growth of the collective investment sector.
“Our goal is to further strengthen Cyprus’ position as a trusted, dynamic, and forward-looking jurisdiction within the European and global investment landscape. Through continuous engagement in national, European, and international forums, we ensure Cyprus maintains a strong and respected voice, actively contributing to shaping the future of financial supervision and the investment funds industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Michael Fekkas, First Vice-Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, explained the actions being undertaken at the European level to make collective investments more accessible, simpler, and safer for retail investors. He noted that while an initial adjustment period may be required, in the medium term the benefits will be significant—both for investors and for collective investment organisations.
Competitive tax framework
In his address, Marios Tannousis, CEO, Invest Cyprus, pointed out that the funds sector continues to play a pivotal role in Cyprus’ strategy to position itself as a competitive and forward-looking investment destination. The country’s stable regulatory environment, robust professional services ecosystem, and strategic access to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, make it an ideal gateway for international fund managers and institutional investors. “At Invest Cyprus, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that attract high-quality investments and further enhance the credibility and depth of the local funds industry.”
The Summit’s programme focused on the evolution of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), covering the 2026 market outlooks from global names like BlackRock, Hamilton Lane, and Apollo, capital raising and cross-border distribution in an increasingly digitalised and decentralised environment, the expanding footprint of private equity, venture capital, and impact investing and the rise of India’s AIF ecosystem and Cyprus’ role as an entry point into the E.
Discussions also touched on the need for Cyprus to maintain a competitive tax and regulatory framework, while remaining aligned with international standards. The role of platforms, fintech solutions, and ESG integration was highlighted as central to the next phase of growth for the funds sector.
Petros Mavrommatis, Vice President of CIFA, closed the Summit by highlighting that the industry needs its representatives to maintain the collective effort undertaken in recent years to grow the market and to allow it to mature as a reputable Alternative Investment Fund jurisdiction.
CNA