Taxation Update: Bahamas, Belize, Seychelles, and Turks and Caicos Islands removed from EU List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions

On 20 February 2024, the Council of the European Union made a significant decision to remove Bahamas, Belize, Seychelles, and Turks and Caicos Islands from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. This update brings the EU list to comprise 12 jurisdictions...

ESMA’s New Consultations on MiCA: Navigating Reverse Solicitation and Crypto Asset Classification

In a pivotal move, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has unveiled two Consultation Papers addressing crucial aspects of the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA). This comprehensive initiative seeks public input on guidelines related to reverse...

EU Update on AML/CFT High-Risk Third Countries: Removal of Jordan and Cayman Islands

The European Commission via the issuance of the Commission Delegated Regulation 2024/163/EU has enacted important changes to the list of third-country jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes. This update focuses on the removal of Jordan and the...

Five Comply Addresses New AML/CFT Regulations for CASP Entities in Cyprus

As 2023 draws to a close, Cyprus’ regulatory landscape witnesses a transformative shift with the unveiling of Law 98(I)/2023 by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This amendment revisits and enhances the AML/CFT framework, placing Crypto-Asset...

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),...