The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has announced two training initiatives for financial and business operators, both focusing on strengthening compliance with international sanctions and tackling risks linked to sanctions evasion.

The first training will be hosted virtually by the Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC), with support from the United States Department of State.

The programme aims to help the private sector in Cyprus improve compliance with changing sanctions requirements and better manage risks linked to new evasion tactics.

Experienced US practitioners will lead the training, offering practical case studies and insights designed for the Cypriot context.

The event will take place twice, on two separate dates.

The session for financial institutions and crypto asset service providers will be held on November 3, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The session for administrative service providers will be held on November 6, 2025, during the same time slot.

Interested participants must complete an online registration form by October 8, 2025.

CySEC has stressed that the form must be fully completed to comply with US rules on foreign assistance and that each institution can register a maximum of two representatives.

The Zoom link will be shared by email with registered participants once the registration period closes.

“CySEC considers beneficial for Regulated Entities to attend this training event, therefore calls the Regulated Entities who are interested to proceed with registration,” the Commission said.

The second training will be held in person at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel in Larnaca on September 26, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. local time.

This event is organised by the Council of Europe Economic Crime and Cooperation Division within the framework of the 2023 Council of Europe and European Union Technical Support Instrument.

It forms part of the Sanctions II Project, which supports the effective implementation of EU restrictive measures.

The training is designed for administrative service providers and will focus on preventing the misuse of designated non-financial businesses and professionals in sanctions evasion schemes.

The agenda will cover four key themes. The first will examine how these businesses are misused in the EU to facilitate sanctions evasion, including reasons, causes, and trends.

The second will look at real-world cases to show how illicit actors exploit these businesses, while also identifying warning signs and weak controls.

The third will outline measures that can help prevent misuse.

The fourth will explore future risks for service providers and their clients.

Online participation will be possible, though it is primarily intended for business operators outside Cyprus.

Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Participants must register by September 19, 2025, close of business Central European Summer Time.

The agenda will be sent to those who register once it is finalised.

CySEC said that the training is designed specifically for the administrative service provider sector and that it “can be of assistance to the ASPs, specifically in understanding their role in the combat against sanctions evasion.”