The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) announces that the online platform for the Cyprus Beneficial Ownership Register of Express Trusts and Similar Legal Arrangements (CyTBOR), will be accessible to trustees as of May 17, 2022, and all involved parties as of June 17, 2022.

The necessity for the creation of the platform derives from article 61C(4)(a) of the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Law of 2007 (AML/CFT Law), in full accordance with the 4th and 5th European Directives or the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.

“CyTBOR” facilitates easy and immediate searches for up-to-date information and data about the bebenfical owners of Express Trusts and Similar Legal Arrangements. For this reason, it is now possible to directly search and identify the settlors, trustees, protectors (if any), beneficiaries, and any other natural person exercising final control over the trust through direct or indirect ownership, or by other means.

Dr. George Theocharides, Chairman of CySEC, commented:

“This is a very important project both for the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and our country, helping to provide full transparency and compliance for all supervised entities, ensuring the credibility of the market.”

According to Dr. Theocharides, in addition to CySEC, all supervisory authorities, such as the Customs Department, the Taxation Department, MOKAS and the Police, will have unhindered access to the Register within the framework of their responsibilities.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide timely information on the beneficial owners of express trusts and similar legal arrangements to the respective competent authorities of the other Member States of the European Union. Additionally, as part of due diligence and identification measures of their clients, all liable entities will also have access to the Register.