Regulatory, Advisory, Accounting, Auditing & Tax, Legal & Corporate
Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate through a challenging environment and turn potential issues into opportunities.
Regulatory, Advisory, Accounting, Auditing & Tax, Legal & Corporate
Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate through a challenging environment and turn potential issues into opportunities.
Unparalleled experience and expertise in obtaining global licenses in EU and offshore jurisdictions for investment firms including Forex Brokers (FX & CFDs)
Increasing regulation globally and the introduction of MiFID II in EU countries have added complexity in applying for and operating an investment firm. Selecting the right advisory firm to guide you through the process and help you operate has never been more essential. Our licensing and advisory experts have years of experience with global investment firms and regulators around the world including but not limited to the CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FSB, FMA and many others (including offshore jurisdictions). We are here to help you navigate through a challenging environment and turn potential issues into opportunities.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Analysis of operations and advise as to best jurisdiction (s) to obtain license as well as to the type of license to be obtained
- Assistance with application process and continues follow up with regulators until license is issued
- Assistance with initial set up, including full systems set up (front and back end) board composition, hiring of employees and rental of premises
- Assistance with compliance support, accounting, internal audit and external audit
- Preparation of business plan and consulting with regards to strategic direction
With regulatory pressure increasing around the world, we are the right partner for any investment firm that needs support in running an efficient and high quality compliance function
Our very experienced compliance team provides support on all compliance and AML related matters. We assist companies globally during the full cycle of the compliance function, from the initial set up to ongoing support. Increased regulation through the introduction of MiFID II will have a material impact on investment firms operating in the EU, making the compliance function as important as ever. In these times of increasing regulation, we are the right partner you need to prepare for the challenges ahead. Assist the management of the investment firm to develop a unique to their business Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) as well as assist and consult on the preparation of Capital Adequacy Returns (CAR).
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Assistance with initial set up of compliance function including set up of policies and procedures and hiring of qualified employees
- Strategic review of compliance function and evaluation of systems and controls
- Day to day operational support including reporting to the regulators
- Advice on capital adequacy requirements
- Continues training of members of compliance functions
The way investment firms operate in Europe will change fundamentally. We can help you address the challenges and realize the opportunities that MiFID II can bring
The EU’s revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) and Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (together MiFID II) will go-live in January 2018. MiFID II seeks to make financial markets in Europe more transparent, resilient and investor-friendly. MiFID II applies to MiFID firms, i.e. those Financial Services business undertaking MiFID II Business anywhere in the European Economic Area. It will affect all participants in the EU’s financial markets, whether they are based in the EU elsewhere. We are fully prepared and qualified to help our clients identify and deal with all changes.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Full review and analysis of impact MiFID II will have in your business and operations
- Recommendations for required actions and support in implementing them
- Training of compliance function on all MiFID II related matters
We assist Electronic Money Institutions (EMI) and Payment Institutions (PI) with the Initial set-up and licensing services and also provide ongoing support post authorisation
Electronic Money Institutions (EMI) and Payment Institutions (PI) are becoming integral parts of the Global economy. Cyprus is quickly becoming a hub for such institutions with the Central Bank of Cyprus having general oversight of the sector. We help and guide companies through the application process, providing support for all business and operational aspects post authorization.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Full support during the authorization process
- Preparation of all internal policies and procedures manuals
- Assistance with selecting board members and key employees
- Support on all key functions like compliance, accounting, internal and external audit
- Training of employees for all key functions
Investment firms must employee qualified individuals that hold relevant certificates in order to carry out their duties. We organize regular exam preparation sessions carried out by industry experts
Investment Firms providing investment and other ancillary services within Cyprus are expected to employ individuals who hold appropriate qualifications. These individuals are expected to hold Professional Competence Certificates that reflect their ability to carry out such activities. The object of the CIF certification exams is to ensure individuals can demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding required for engaging in the reception, transmission and execution of client orders within the scope of the services delivered by the Investment Firms and in the marketing of Collective Investment Schemes.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Preparation courses for the CySEC Basic Certificate
- Preparation courses for the CySEC Advanced Certificate
We offer a variety of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that cover requirements for the CySEC certificate holders
It is compulsory that certified persons need to undergo annual training to satisfy the criteria of Continuing Professional Development in order to maintain their certification. Our seminars focus on satisfying the CPD requirements of the CySEC by offering an update to the current developments of the Cyprus Law regarding CIFs and their obligations.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Anti-Money Laundering Seminars
- Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II – MiFID II seminars
- The Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) seminar
- Seminars on other relevant areas or in-house seminars upon request
Advisory
We provide mergers and acquisitions advice and services to our clients on some of their most complex and challenging strategic decisions and transactions
Mergers, acquisitions and disposals are an important tool for implementing a company’s corporate strategy. Our Mergers and Acquisitions team develops and executes innovative, customized solutions to our client’s most challenging issues including acquisitions, mergers, disposals, joint ventures and other corporate restructuring transactions. Our team applies its extensive experience with global industries and regions in order to meet our clients’ short and long term strategic goals.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Cross border merges, acquisitions, disposals and divestitures
- Preparation of documents including business plans, private placement memorandums and other marketing materials
- Financial modelling and analysis for critical decision making
- Financial and legal due diligence preparation and assistance
We advise organizations looking to raise capital through private investors (seed, early stage, later stage) or through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
We provide seamless advice and sophisticated solutions for organisations looking to raise capital for expansion and growth via the private sector or the public markets. We will act as independent financial advisers and guide your Company through the full cycle of capital raising that will help take your company to the next level. Our Advisory team members have been involved in multi-million dollar capital raising transactions for clients looking to raise capital from the New York, London, Hong Kong and other European and Global Exchanges as well as from smaller Private Equity and Family Funds.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Advice on the most appropriate market/exchanges for capital raising
- Business valuations, timing and tactics
- Preparation of prospectus and investor presentations
- Liaising with authorities on all regulatory issues
- Project management of other advisers (brokers, lawyers, accountants)
Whether the objective is to enhance performance or guide stakeholders through a complex reorganization, we work closely with clients in order to understand their business issues so we can advise them on how to restore stakeholder confidence and create value
Our Corporate Restructuring professionals work alongside our clients to determine the causes of a company’s underperformance and devise an effective implementation plan to make fundamental changes and improvements in strategic direction that will help create value for all stakeholders. Whatever the cause, be it intense competition, evolving economics, a changing environment, or unexpected events, our team has the experience to help you turn a difficulty into an opportunity.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Financial and operational analysis and restructuring
- Assessment and execution of recapitalization options
- Investigations and independent business reviews
- Negotiations of restructuring plans
- Crisis management
Our team of experts can assist and guide clients through the formation phase of funds as well as offer ongoing support in a variety of operational matters
We are specialists in fund management and administration and offer a wide range of services across different jurisdictions and investment types. We assist clients in selecting the fund structure that best suits them and work closely with them in administering the fund in the most efficient and suitable way.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Assistance with authorization including set up of initial entity, preparation of initial documents and communication with regulators
- Assistance with drafting all internal operational procedures and manuals
- Fund valuations, pricing and accounting including calculation of NAVs and share/unit prices
Accounting, Audit, Tax
We aim to get a deep understanding of your business and provide an effective and forward looking internal audit with the objective of minimizing risk
Regulatory requirements around the world are escalating presenting tough challenges for businesses. Globalization and technological developments are creating new opportunities. The importance of an effective and forward-thinking internal audit function is as important as it has ever been. We work with senior management and internal audit committees to develop quality internal audit functions that manage organizational risk and controls as effective as possible. Whether in house or outsourced, our team provides clients the support they require.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Preparation of internal audit reports for Management and the organization’s Internal Audit Committee
- In depth operational analysis and internal control system set up according to business and regulatory requirements
- other internal control services such as IT audit, Quality and Assurance Review, Training services
Timely and effective bookkeeping and financial accounting departments are essential to the success of forward thinking organizations. From systems set up to financial reporting, our team will help you identify weaknesses and unlock potential growth
Our qualified personnel will prepare the financial overview of your business, identifying weaknesses and unlocking opportunities for growth. Should you choose to outsource your accounting function, we can support you with bookkeeping, payroll calculations, reporting and tax-reporting obligations. Should you choose to keep the accounting function in-house, we can support you with system selection, hiring qualified and high caliber personnel as well as provide ongoing support for complex accounting issues. Whether you need support in preparing your financial accounting or are looking for us to handle the entire process on your behalf, we have the skills and experience to deliver.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Accounting system selection and set up, including process design and organization
- Management reports including analytical review and analysis
- Preparation of financial statements compliant with local regulators and authorities
- Tax returns, statements for social insurance, national banks or general statistical offices
- Payroll system selection, set up and calculations
Tax systems constantly evolve, both locally and globally. Legal and/or regulatory changes can have major implications in the way we do business. A comprehensive and commercial approach to tax planning is required to help you achieve your objectives in a viable way
The business and tax landscapes are constantly changing. Regulatory requirements are increasing, business and finance transformation is constant and regulators and stakeholders are demanding that tax risks are managed efficiently and in a cost effective manner. In this fast paced and ever changing environment, we are helping our clients build a suitable tax strategy ensuring tax efficient solutions for both individuals and organizations. We offer a wide range of tax services, including personal and corporate tax designed to meet the needs of every client. We have extensive experience in international tax structuring ensuring efficient tax planning, minimization of global tax burden and cross border tax efficient solutions for both individuals and organizations.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- International tax structuring and tax planning advise for individuals and organizations
- Tax impact of potential mergers, acquisitions, disposals and reorganizations
- Tax registration and ongoing compliance
- Preparation of corporate and personal tax returns
- VAT registration and compliance reporting
- VAT advise for companies with Global operations
A changing global regulatory landscape and increased stakeholder demands for transparency, are putting more pressure on organizations, making a quality audit high on the agenda for many corporations
An audit is a necessity to protect your business and help it thrive. We always gain a detailed understanding of your business and we provide a risk focused service with audit processes and testing procedures tailored to your specific needs. Our quality led approach ensures we provide an intelligent and constructive audit to every one of our clients. Using robust audit tools, resources and procedures, we always aim to deliver high quality audit services, adhering to the highest standards of independence, ethics and professional objectivity while applying technical excellence.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Statutory audit of financial statements based on International Auditing Standards (IAS)
- Preparation of reports requested by regulators (Suitability, Pillar III, Statement of Eligible Funds etc.)
- In depth operational analysis and internal control system set up according to business and regulatory requirements
- Investigations, electronic evidence discovery and review of financial reports in relation to fraud prevention and detection
Legal & Corporate
Our team aims to make the incorporation process a smooth and effortless experience for our clients. Guaranteed confidentiality through a professional and experienced team
Our firm can assist with the incorporation of a company in the jurisdiction of your choice as well as the acquisition and sale of companies. We always ensure a smooth and time efficient registration process. Our contacts allow us to assist you with the appointment and composition of a competent Board of Directors. Our fiduciary services also include, provision of secretary, registered office address, nominee shareholders and bank signatories.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Company incorporation in the jurisdiction of the client’s choice
- Fiduciary services including appointment of corporate directors, secretary, nominee shareholders, registered address, escrow agents and services
- Secretarial services such as annual fillings and other statutory fillings
- Banking services such as bank account opening, banking instructions processing, bank signatories, transfers and other banking transactions
Managing and protecting your personal wealth effectively requires constant evaluation and sophisticated solutions. Our trust set up and management team will help you protect and enhance your assets
We offer trust establishment and restructuring and management for inheritance planning, estate planning, asset protection and other areas based on client needs. We offer a broad of trust services in various jurisdictions globally. Our services range include administration to trustee and family office services. We cover private client trusts as well as trusts used by corporations.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Estate planning and investment structures advise
- Establishment of trusts and offshore companies
- Act as trustee, executor, trust administrator, protector, enforcer, nomineeor escrow agent
- Assisting with offshore companies incorporation
- Assisting with asset protection, financial and tax planning as well as succession planning
- Administration of fully licensed and private trust companies
- Nominee shareholder services
Appointing a director is an enormously important decision for any board. We work with clients to ensure that the selected board members have a diverse blend of skills and experience that match the strategic direction of their organizations
As industries continue to evolve, the need for high performing executives remains constant. Identifying and attracting executive talent requires access to senior executives, a rigorous assessment approach and a deep understanding of different industries and functional roles. By combining these factors we are able to help you find leaders who best fit your organization’s unique needs and have a lasting impact.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Access to a unique database of senior executives with expertise in various industries and sectors, both private and public
- Thorough background checks and referencing to assess competence of the individual
- Assist in negotiations over compensation and other terms
Selecting the right banking institution is crucial in succeeding, whether in business or personally. Our clients make use of our extensive network to gain access to banking institutions around the world
We assist our clients in all their banking requirements from the selection of the banking institution and account type to the execution of daily transactions. Our employees have experience in the most reputable banks in Cyprus and globally. Over the years we have managed to build strong relationships with banking institutions and relationship managers ensuring a speedy and quality service for both private and corporate clients.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Provide clients with access to strong relationships with various banks in financial centers around the world
- Facilitate bank account selection and opening of account including preliminary KYC to ensure approval
- Bank movement monitoring and execution of transactions
Minimize execution risk with the use of our escrow services
Escrow accounts facilitate two parties, the buyer and the seller, to transact business with each other through a neutral party, thereby minimizing risk while transferring or exchanging property, funds and assets until conditions are fulfilled. We insure that all terms and conditions of the seller’s and buyer’s agreement are met prior to the sale being finalized, including receiving funds and documents and completing required forms.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Preparation of all information for the finalization of the escrow instructions
- Preparation of all legal documents
- Processing of all regular payments in a timely manner
- Maintaining records of all transactions and providing the required reporting
A non-Cypriot individual may acquire the Cypriot citizenship through Naturalization by exception or may acquire a Permanent residence permit
A non-Cypriot individual may acquire the Cypriot citizenship through Naturalization by exception or may acquire a Permanent residence permit. Travel, live and work freely in any EU country while benefiting from the attractive Cyprus tax system on your world wide income.
Some of the areas of specialisation:
- Assist with identifying the investment opportunities and advising on the most appropriate investment plan through our network of banking institutions and law firms
- Assist in negotiations for the acquisition of the property
- Drafting of agreements
- Preparation of all documentation and information necessary for the application
- Consultation and attendance through the filling of the application until receipt of the European passport
Motto
“The Best Way To Predict The Future Is To Create It.”
Peter Drucker
Our Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00-18:00
Sat-Sun: closed