Cyprus finance minister calls for investor protection focus in forex market as CySEC reports 2025 inspections

Nicosia, Cyprus. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said the forex market requires a strong emphasis on investor protection, proper information, and the cultivation of financial literacy. CySEC Chairman Georgios Theocharides said about 600 inspections of Cyprus Investment Firms were carried out in 2025, with administrative penalties of approximately €2.3 million imposed.

Conference remarks in Nicosia

Keravnos and Theocharides spoke at the Cy Economy Forex Conference ’26 in Nicosia. Representatives of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) and the Employers & Industrialists Federation (Oev) also underscored the need for effective supervision and referred to the forex sector’s contribution to the Cypriot economy.

Macroeconomic stability and financing priorities

In remarks read by Avgi Chrysostomou Lapathiotou, Director of Financial Services at the Ministry of Finance, Keravnos said ensuring conditions of macroeconomic stability and sustainability of public finances remains a steady priority as a foundation for sustainable development and improved living standards.

He said the aim is for an economy that is more competitive, leverages its comparative advantages, and strengthens its productive base. Keravnos also said ensuring adequate and efficient financing for the economy is a central policy axis.

Tools for SMEs, start-ups and FinTech

Keravnos said the government is working to develop tools and mechanisms to cover financing gaps, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative start-ups, including modern equity-based instruments such as the utilisation of equity funds, as well as actions for financial technology (FinTech) and new financing models.

He said the goal is a financial sector that strengthens the real economy, attracts quality investments, creates opportunities for businesses and citizens, and operates with rules that establish trust.

Regulated framework and sector impact

Keravnos said that within a strongly regulated framework, forex companies can and do offer employment, specialisation, and know-how at the level of forex companies as well as among external providers and partners.

What measures do you think are most important to strengthen investor protection and financial literacy in the forex market?