FIVECOMPLY’S SUMMARY OF THE UPDATED WHITE PAPER ON THE SECURITIES ACT REFORM

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is suggesting reforms comprising changes related to licensees, provisions, and typographical errors to the Securities Act 2007 (SA). It aims to improve how Securities Dealers operate in a controlled and well-regulated manner; It...

C603 & C604 ESMA Guidelines on MiFID II product governance requirements & ΕΒΑ Guidelines on outsourcing

In a significant move to enhance regulatory practices within Cyprus’ financial sector, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has recently issued two essential circulars, C603 and C604. These circulars provide detailed guidelines and directives to ensure strict...

CySEC Circular C601: Implementing EBA’s Guidelines on Remote Customer Onboarding Solutions

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) introduced Circular C601 on October 12, 2023, marking a significant shift in client onboarding practices for various financial entities. Applicable to Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs), Administrative Service Providers (ASPs),...

CySEC Circular C602 – Navigating the Latest CNMV Resolution: Ensuring Investor Protection in Spain

In light of Circular No: C602 recently issued by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) concerning the Spanish National Securities Market Commission’s (CNMV) Resolution of 11 July 2023 on product intervention measures relating to Contracts for Differences...

EU High Risk Countries List: Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675: Cameroon and Vietnam added to the list

On 28th September 2023, the European Union underscored its commitment to global financial stability by strengthening its measures against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. This significant step forward was achieved through the amendment of...

ESMA: Follow-up report on the progress of NCAs – Steps of progress by CySEC

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released a follow-up report on the compliance function under MiFID I, assessing the progress made by National Competent Authorities (NCAs) since the previous peer review in 2017. The follow-up report focuses on the...

FSA – Seychelles: First Submission of Consumer Protection Report postponed to 15 January 2024

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles via Circular No. 5 of 2023 has informed financial services providers that, given that the guidelines regarding consumer protection have not yet been finalised from the FSA, shall be exempting all financial services providers...