Jurisdiction

Cyprus

EU market access with an established regulatory framework for investment firms and forex brokers.

Overview

Regulatory overview

A high-level view of regulatory expectations and market access.

EU market access with an established regulatory framework for investment firms and forex brokers.
CySEC approval timelines depend on application completeness and regulator review cycles.

Fit for

Who this jurisdiction is best suited for

Typical profiles and business models that align to this base.

  • Brokerages seeking EU passporting routes
  • Firms needing MiFID-aligned governance
  • Groups looking for cost-efficient EU operations

Typical pathway

Typical licensing pathway

Steps commonly required to move from feasibility to approval.

Step 1

License mapping

Align the business model to CySEC license categories and permissions.

Step 2

Governance documentation

Prepare MiFID governance, risk, and compliance documentation.

Step 3

Submission and engagement

Submit the application and manage regulator questions and follow-ups.

AML obligations

Core AML obligations

Baseline AML expectations regulators will assess.

  • Risk assessment and AML policy documentation
  • Transaction monitoring with documented review cycles
  • Ongoing training and reporting routines

Common pitfalls

Common pitfalls to avoid

Issues that delay approvals or trigger remediation.

  • Insufficient governance evidence for senior managers
  • Gaps in outsourcing and vendor oversight
  • Underestimating capital and substance requirements

Related

Recommended services and industries

Services that typically support applications and operations in this jurisdiction.

Licensing Strategy & Compliance

From pre-application readiness to regulator interviews, we align governance, capital, and operational requirements to secure and maintain licenses.

Legal Advisory & Regulatory Compliance

We translate regulator expectations into clear policies, control ownership, and reporting routines that teams can execute and defend.

Risk Management & Internal Audit

Independent assurance that governance, controls, and reporting stand up to regulator and board scrutiny.

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