Category: Events

Annual Forecasting Event 2026 : “Staying Ahead of the Curve: Fundamentals and Discipline in Volatile Markets”

On Thursday 11 June 2026, CFA Society Cyprus held its Annual Forecasting Event at The Landmark Nicosia, under the theme Staying Ahead of the Curve: Fundamentals and Discipline in Volatile Markets. Once again, the Event brought together senior executives from banks and investment institutions across Cyprus and abroad, along with leading voices from the global financial industry.

A Regional Hub for Investment Professionals

The programme featured specialist presentations from speakers representing some of the world’s foremost financial institutions, including HSBC, Goldman Sachs and Julius Baer, who shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping international markets and the broader investment landscape.

Welcoming attendees, CFA Society Cyprus President Constantinos Kourouyiannis highlighted the international character of the event, noting that the presence of speakers and representatives from leading institutions and CFA Societies abroad reflects Cyprus’s growing role as a regional hub for investment professionals.

Discipline Over Prediction

Turning to the theme of the Forum, President Kourouyiannis observed that markets are evolving faster than forecasts can keep pace with, and that the real challenge facing investors is not predicting what comes next but responding to it with discipline and sound judgment.

He pointed to Benjamin Graham’s enduring theory and the concept of “Mr. Market” as a reminder that markets are often driven by sentiment rather than fundamentals. For this reason, he said, investors should not follow the market’s mood but instead assess prices calmly, based on real value and fundamental strength.

He also spoke about the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the investment profession, emphasizing that despite rapid technological progress, judgment, ethics and professional responsibility remain firmly human responsibilities. Addressing participants directly, he noted that dialogue, the exchange of ideas, continuous learning, discipline and ongoing development form the foundation for excellence in the financial profession.

The Future of the European Economy

In his address, Dr. Georgios Theocharides, Chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), spoke about the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) and the Markets in Crypto-Assets and Integrated Supervision Proposal (MISP) as strategic steps toward deepening and strengthening European capital markets, with significant implications for the future of the European economy.

The goal, he explained, is to channel European savings more effectively into productive investments, particularly those that support innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth, while also promoting cross-border integration and ensuring consistent, high-quality supervision across the European Union.

He noted that through cohesive supervision, stronger trust and meaningful cross-border integration, Europe can build a stronger, more resilient and strategically autonomous capital market. He added that a more cohesive and credible supervisory framework can help Europe strengthen its competitiveness, financial stability and long-term sustainable growth.

Closing the Evening: Networking Dinner

The Forum concluded with a networking dinner, giving attendees the opportunity to exchange views, ideas and experiences in a dynamic and collaborative setting, a fitting close to an evening centred on dialogue and shared learning.

With Thanks to Our Sponsors

CFA Society Cyprus extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors and supporters who made this year’s Event possible:

Platinum Sponsor Bank of Cyprus

Gold Sponsors Demetra Holdings · Alpha Bank · Athlos Capital

Silver Sponsors AON · K. Treppides & Co

Welcome Receptioon Sponsors LEON MFO Investments · Chrysostomides Advocates and Legal Consultants

In the Media

We are delighted to see the discussions and insights from the Event featured across a wide range of leading Cypriot media outlets.

Building an Alliance for Financial Education in Cyprus

By Constantinos Kourouyiannis, CFA

The Alliance for Financial Education in Cyprus, led by CFA Society Cyprus, is a collaborative initiative that brings together academia, the investment industry and the CFA community, to strengthen the quality and relevance of financial education in Cyprus and bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. Through joint initiatives such as career events, guest lectures, mentorship and participation in global initiatives of the CFA Institute (such as the CFA Institute Research Challenge), the Alliance seeks to equip students with the technical skills, ethical foundation and industry awareness required to succeed in an increasingly competitive financial environment. 

On May 14th, 2026, at 17:00, CFA Society Cyprus is organizing its first annual online career event, to connect university students, CFA Program candidates and young professionals with the CFA Institute, CFA Society Cyprus and leading employers in Cyprus. The CFA Society Cyprus Career Event aims to provide insights into the CFA Program and the investment profession while highlighting career pathways in finance. This event is a direct expression of the Alliance, bringing together key stakeholders under one platform to inspire and inform the next generation of investment professionals in Cyprus.

The most important goals of this Alliance for Financial Education in Cyprus are outlined below:

1. Organize the Annual CFA Society Cyprus Career Event and Support University Outreach

This year, CFA Society Cyprus is organizing the CFA Society Career Event, with the goal of establishing an annual event bringing together CFA Institute, CFA Society Cyprus, local universities and employers offering career opportunities in finance. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of the CFA designation, the global standard of the investment profession, to connect emerging talent with industry employers and build a strong pipeline of future candidates and members.

The CFA Program has evolved over the years and is aligned with industry demand, with the most recent and significant development being the introduction of three specialized Level III pathways: Portfolio Management, Private Wealth and Private Markets. The CFA Society Cyprus Career Event will offer a unique opportunity for young professionals to hear from the CFA Institute keynote speaker who is actively engaged in the development of the CFA Program curriculum.

The Board of CFA Society Cyprus actively participates in university career events and is also regularly invited to deliver dedicated presentations on the CFA Program and career opportunities in the investment profession. These two channels of engagement complement each other by combining direct interaction with students at career fairs and more structured informational sessions within universities. This engagement will continue, with the aim of deepening relationships with academic institutions, increasing awareness of the CFA designation and supporting students in their transition into investment careers.

2. Support University Participation in the CFA Institute Research Challenge

Another important goal of this Alliance is to continue and enhance its support to local universities participating in the CFA Institute Research Challenge by providing mentorship from CFA Charterholders and access to industry expertise and guidance throughout the competition. This initiative aims to strengthen students’ practical skills in equity research, financial analysis, report writing and professional presentation, while fostering closer collaboration between academia and industry.

This competition has been successfully organized by CFA Society Cyprus for more than 12 years and is supported by top employers in Cyprus, offering internship opportunities to university students participating in the competition. The advancement of the University of Cyprus, the winner of the 2026 local competition, to the EMEA regionals is a testament to the high level the local competition has reached. Apart from the CFA Institute Research Challenge global competition, CFA Society Cyprus also supports the winning team’s participation in the Regional Societies Research Challenge, a standalone competition that is organized by CFA Society Emirates in collaboration with other societies in the region.

3. Collaboration with Universities on Seminars, Webinars and Practitioner-Led Lectures

A further objective of CFA Society Cyprus is to collaborate with universities to co-organize joint seminars and webinars on current topics in the investment profession, such as sustainability and ESG investing, artificial intelligence in investment management, portfolio management, risk management and emerging global trends, while also promoting awareness of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. In addition, CFA Society Cyprus will continue supporting its members’ contribution to university lectures by sharing insights on investment management from a practitioner’s perspective, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. This ongoing collaboration enhances the academic experience of students, strengthens institutional partnerships and reinforces the Society’s role in promoting both professional excellence and ethical conduct within the investment profession.

CFA Society Cyprus Online Career Event Structure

The CFA Society Cyprus Career Event is structured as a progressive virtual program opening with a welcome address from the President of CFA Society Cyprus, followed by a keynote presentation from Rob Langrick, CFA, CIPM, Chief Product Advocate of CFA Institute, who will provide an in-depth overview of the CFA Program’s structure, the skills candidates develop and how the designation opens doors in finance related professions. CFA Society Cyprus will outline its role in supporting the local academic community and connecting it with the local investment profession and outline the career opportunities available in Cyprus for CFA candidates and charterholders. The event then continues with a series of five-minute presentations from major financial institutions and employers in Cyprus, each introducing their organization and highlighting graduate or early-career opportunities available to CFA candidates. The event concludes with a Q&A session, offering participants the chance to engage directly with the CFA Institute keynote speaker, employers and industry representatives.

The Alliance for Financial Education in Cyprus brings together CFA Institute, CFA Society Cyprus, academia and the investment industry with a shared purpose: to build a stronger and ethically grounded financial profession in Cyprus that places the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Standards at its core. By bringing together universities, aspiring professionals and employers, the CFA Society Cyprus Online Career Event supports the growth of Cyprus’ investment ecosystem.

Award Ceremony & Christmas Dinner

The New Charterholder Award Ceremony, held at Ktima Kousioumi, was a memorable celebration of achievement and professional excellence. The evening brought together members and guests to recognize the dedication and hard work of the Society’s newest CFA Charterholders, with 18 of the 21 award recipients in attendance—an encouraging reflection of the strong engagement within our community.

We extend our sincere congratulations to all new Charterholders on this important milestone and are proud to welcome them into the CFA community. We also gratefully acknowledge the support of our sponsors, with TFI Markets and CeriFi as Gold Sponsors and QFin as the Welcome Drinks Sponsor, whose contributions helped make the evening a success.

Press release

Annual CFA Forecasting Event “Navigating Markets Amid Geopolitics, AI and Policy Transformation”

CFA Society Cyprus recently held its Annual Forecasting Event 2025, welcoming a full audience of finance professionals, market participants, and business leaders for an evening of economic insight and forward-looking discussion. The event reaffirmed its standing as a key gathering point for the financial services community in Cyprus, offering critical perspectives on global macroeconomic trends and capital markets.

The evening featured presentations and panel discussions covering a range of topics including market volatility, fiscal strategy, investment outlooks, and the evolving role of innovation in finance. Attendees engaged in substantive dialogue, exchanging views on the future of the global economy and financial decision-making in a rapidly changing environment.

CFA Society Cyprus extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose support was instrumental in delivering this successful event. This year’s Platinum Sponsor was Bank of Cyprus, while Gold Sponsors included XM, K. Treppides & Co Ltd, Grant Thornton Cyprus, KPMG Cyprus, Blackbeard Asset Management, Alpha Bank, and Athlos Capital. We also gratefully acknowledge our PR Strategic Partner, Avaton Communications, for their ongoing collaboration.

The enthusiastic participation and continued conversation beyond the formal programme highlighted the value of creating space for professional exchange, insight, and networking. CFA Society Cyprus remains committed to providing high-caliber platforms that empower finance professionals, foster collaboration, and promote ethical leadership in investment markets.

We thank everyone who contributed to making the Forecasting Event 2025 a success and look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming initiatives.

Click here for more details

CFA Institute Local Research Challenge 2024-25 Final: A Celebration of Excellence in Equity Research

 

The CFA Institute Local Research Challenge 2024-25 Final was a remarkable event that brought together the brightest student teams from Cyprus to compete in an intense and insightful equity research competition. The competition provided a platform for aspiring finance professionals to showcase their analytical skills, investment acumen, and presentation abilities.

Event Overview

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
📍 Location: Deloitte Headquarters, Nicosia

The event featured university teams presenting their in-depth analysis of Bank of Cyprus, the Subject Company of this year’s competition. Each team conducted a thorough valuation and investment recommendation, demonstrating their expertise in financial analysis and strategic decision-making.

Participating Universities

  • University of Nicosia

  • European University of Cyprus

  • University of Cyprus

These talented students dedicated months to rigorous research, applying their academic knowledge to real-world financial scenarios.

Agenda Highlights

🔹 Gathering & Networking
🔹 Welcome Remarks by Chair of CFA Research Challenge Committee & Deloitte Partner & FAS Leader
🔹 Student Presentations & Q&A with the Judges
🔹 Closing Ceremony & Winner Announcement 

Winners & Recognition

After a highly competitive round of presentations and challenging Q&A sessions the University of Nicosia  was crowned the winner.  They will now advance to the EMEA Regional Finals, representing Cyprus.

Sponsors & Partners

This prestigious event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:
🏆 Platinum Sponsor: XM
🥇 Gold Sponsors: Deloitte Cyprus, Athlos Capital, Eurobank Cyprus
🎯 Other Sponsor: StockOpine

A Night of Celebration & Networking

The event concluded with a networking reception, where participants, judges, sponsors, and industry professionals engaged in insightful discussions over food and drinks. The evening not only celebrated the winners but also recognized the dedication and hard work of all participating teams.

Looking Ahead

CFA Society Cyprus remains committed to fostering financial literacy and investment excellence among future finance professionals. We congratulate all participants for their efforts and wish University of Nicosia the best of luck in the EMEA Regional Finals!

Financial Compliance Awareness Seminar and Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Cyprus Compliance Association

Kickstarting the event, CFA Society Cyprus and Cyprus Compliance Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the start of a strategic partnership to enhance professional development, market integrity, knowledge-sharing, regulatory collaboration, and industry networking.

Following the signing, the seminar which delivered in-depth insights into the evolving landscape of financial compliance and focused on hot regulatory topics. Attendees benefited from expert-led discussions, practical case studies, and interactive sessions designed to enhance their understanding of compliance challenges and best practices.

Our esteemed speakers and panelists — Jon Stokes, Antonis Hadjicostas, Christia Heracleous, Constantinos Kourouyiannis, CFA, and Maria Petsa Papacharalambous — shared their invaluable insights throughout the seminar with Nikos Potamaris, CFA, expertly guiding the panel discussion. 

Read more here.

Award Ceremony / Christmas Party

On December 19th, 2024, CFA Society Cyprus held a prestigious award ceremony at the Ivory Bar Restaurant, where six new members were conferred the esteemed CFA Charter. These individuals successfully completed the rigorous requirements set by the CFA Institute, including passing three challenging examinations and accumulating 4,000 hours of professional experience.

The event was attended by the Society’s President, Mr. Nikos Potamaris, along with board members, associates, and friends. Mr. Potamaris commended the new Charterholders for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the Society’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence in the investment sector.

The event was generously supported by TFI Markets Ltd (Platinum Sponsor) and AON Solutions Cyprus, Eurobank Cyprus, and XM (Gold Sponsors) whose contributions helped make the ceremony a memorable success.

This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in the careers of the new Charterholders but also reflects the growing prominence of CFA Society Cyprus within the global financial community.

Click here for press release

Local CFA Institute Research Challenge Kick-off

This year’s CFA Institute Local Research Challenge kicked off on October 23rd with a hybrid event at Athlos House with a presentation from University Relations and Research Challenge Chair, Jan-Hofmeyr Retief, CFA. 

This year’s sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: XM

Gold Sponsors: Deloitte Cyprus, Athlos Capital and Eurobank Cyprus

Other Sponsors: StockOpine

Click here to read press release.

Bridging the Gender Pension Gap

“Bridging the Gender Pension Gap” organized by DEI Chair and Secreatary of CFA Society Cypris, Natalie Philippou, CFA, under the auspices of the President of the House of Representatives took place at the A.G. Leventis Gallery October 22nd.  The event featured a presentation by Financial Literacy volunteer, Dr. Stella Mourouzidou Damtsa, CFA on the gender pension gap in Cyprus. A panel discussion, moderated by Natalie Philippou, CFA, featured Ms. Savia Orphanidou, Vice President of DISY and Member of the House of Representatives, Panayiotis Mavromichalis, CFA, Executive Director at LifeGoals Financial Services Limited and former President of CFA Society Cyprus, Victoria Kostic-Nola, General Manager, consultant, tech-startups angel investor / advisor and founder of VIZ Ventures and Elena Leonidou Managing Partner of AIMS International Cyprus and Head of EMEA Talent Management Services.  Event was solely sponsored by LifeGoals.

Click here to read press release.

Vice President Constantinos Kourouyiannis’ interview on local TV station

CFA Society Cyprus Vice President, Constantinos Kourouyiannis, CFA, recently appeared on “Από Μέρα σε Μέρα” (Apo Mera se Mera) on RIK TV, where he discussed the Society’s initiatives in DEI, Financial Literacy, and other strategic areas.

He highlighted the upcoming “Bridging the Gender Pension Gap” event, focused on addressing the gap and its broader impact on society. Constantinos also emphasized the Financial Literacy Committee’s school outreach efforts, educating students across Cyprus on key financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, and investing.

Click below to watch the full interview.