STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC > Nicosia, Cyprus > Firm Profile

STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC
12TH DEMOSTHENI SEVERI AVENUE
6TH FLOOR
1080 NICOSIA
Cyprus

Cyprus > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Stelios Americanos  and Soteris Costa co-head the excellent team at STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC which excels in cross-border mergers and acquisitions. It is also known for its advice on foreign direct investments in Cyprus, especially in the real estate, tourism and energy sectors, and has extensive experience in restructuring and insolvency matters. Despina Americanou  is another important member of the department, while at associate level, Michalis Zambyrinis advises on many commercial agreements, joint ventures and on M&A deals. The firm also boasts considerable expertise in blockchain technology.

Practice head(s):

Stelios Americanos; Soteris Costa

Other key lawyers:

Despina Americanou; Michalis Zambyrinis

Testimonials

‘Very responsive; knowledgeable lawyers; good bench-strength’.

‘Michalis Zambrynis – always willing to go the extra mile, provides sound advice, very capable team around him’.

‘Rapid response and creativeness in resolving unusual problems’.

‘Stelios Americanos is always ready to address urgent requests outside of usual working hours’.

Key clients

ZUBR CAPITAL

Knafaim Holdings

TUS Airways Cyprus Ltd

BARING VOSTOK

SAFE GROWTH INVESTMENT FUND AIF

MIRATECH HOLDINGS LTD

NICOSIA MALL

EUROTORG LLC

EWAVE LTD

Hines International Real Estate Fund

Work highlights

  • Advised Knafaim Holdings on 9 million euros acquisition for 49% of TUS Airways Cyprus.
  • Advised about a plot of land in Mykonos Greece valued €13.2m for the purposes of building a luxurious 5 star hotel.
  • Advised one of the leading Belarus retail companies as to the establishment of a Cyprus-based joint venture on top of the group of companies as part of the group’s business expansion.

Cyprus > Banking and finance Tier 3

Headed by Despina Americanou  and Stelios Americanos the department at STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC has dealt with a significant volume of high-value cross-border transactions related to acquisition and project financing. Other core areas of focus include advice on refinancings and real estate financing, as well as syndicated and bilateral lending. Clients include local and international commercial and investment banks, investment funds, government institutions and corporate borrowers. Olga Petrova  is another key member of the practice.

Practice head(s):

Despina Americanou; Stelios Americanos

Other key lawyers:

Olga Petrova

Testimonials

‘The Stelios Americanos team is very responsive and transaction orientated, they do what is required to get the deal done’.

‘I work with Despina Americanos and Olga Petrova. They are both very experienced and a pleasure to work with’.

Key clients

Hines International Fund Management Company S.a.r.l

Raifessen BANK SA

Safe Growth Investments AIFLNP V.C.I.C Ltd

ING Bank NV Amsterdam – Bucharest Branch

Credit Europe Bank (Russia) Ltd.

Alfa-Bank Ukraine

Credit Europe Bank (Swiss)

EBRD

UniCredit Bank Srbija A.D. Beograd

Banque de Commerce et de Placements SA

Work highlights

  • Advised Unicredit Serbia in relation to a €35m to a Serbian group of companies, a  leader in sports footwear, apparel and equipment sales in the Balkans market.
  • Advised Raiffeisen Bank Romania and ING Bank NV Amsterdam – Bucharest branch in relation to secured financing of up to euro45m to a Romanian company.
  • Advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in relation to senior secured financing of the 258.9 MW Potegowo South wind farm in Poland.

Cyprus > Dispute resolution Tier 3

STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC is home to a thriving practice which handles many complex banking and security enforcement claims, and is also skilled at advising on various pre-emptive remedies such as discovery and asset tracing measures. The practice that is led by Stelios Americanos Soteris Costa  and Akis Koumas; it also excels in advising on winding up and liquidation proceedings, as well as advising on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements and arbitral awards. Another core area of focus is handling corporate and shareholder disputes.

Practice head(s):

Stelios Americanos; Soteris Costa; Akis Koumas

Testimonials

‘The team is proactive, taking an initiative when it is appropriate’.

‘Working mainly with Soteris Costa, who is a very smart and reliable person, and easy to deal with’.

Key clients

SAG Automobile Group LLC

ASTRASOL

Nicosia Mall and others

Aglantzia Municipal

Altamira

Rinsoco Trading Ltd

Acturahill

University of Nicosia

Focus Expectation

Awendale Resources Inc

Work highlights

  • Advised and assisted the Municipality of Aglantzia regarding a petition challenging the Local Government Reform Law which changed the entire local government structure.
  • Acting on behalf of ALTAMIRA Asset Management (Cyprus) Ltd, which is one of the biggest administrators of bad loans granted by the former cooperative bank – the firm has been entrusted to promote and prosecute many cases involving the collection of debts as well as the enforcement of existing mortgages and other securities.

Cyprus > Real estate and construction Tier 3

STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC has a multi-disciplinary approach to its work and it is skilled at handling cross-border deals. With Stelios Americanos at the helm, it often handles various issues such as real estate investment and funds. The team is also well-equipped to advise on real estate insolvency as well as a host of other issues such as construction, environmental and planning matters. Other areas of work include advising on real estate disputes and tax.

Practice head(s):

Stelios Americanos

Testimonials

‘What makes it unique is that this firm gives you the best service and answers’.

‘They are very polite, they accept every idea you say, and they know how to handle problems’.

Key clients

Mantis Group

SPICA SA

IMMOFINANZE

Fattal/Leonardo Group

TALOS

Sharelink Financial Services (SFS Group)

Papantoniou Supermarkets

COFCO Agri

ADAMA Group

EWAVE

Olympic Capital

ClassOne Ltd

K. Athienitis Contractors Developers Public Ltd

PAP Medical

Denalor Holdings

H&M Group (Cyprus)

Outono Limited

YELLOW DOOR ENERGY

M.Z. CyTop

Work highlights

  • Acting as legal adviser to Ewave assisting the acquisition of a company owner of 15 villas and 40 apartments in Larnaca. Advising and structuring the share purchase agreement.
  • Acting as legal adviser to Yellow Door Energy for the acquisition of companies, owners of 12 energy projects (solar & wind parks). Advising and preparing due diligence on licensing, real estate of projects and corporate structure.
  • Advised M.Z. CyTop on structuring a construction agreement of a block in Zakaki, Limassol and drafting the construction contract with the owners.

Cyprus > Tax Tier 3

STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC has a busy practice that provides corporate tax advice to all types of entities, including limited liability companies, foundations and investment funds, as well as advising on a myriad of other issues such as double tax treaties and withholding tax issues. Under the joint leadership of Stelios Americanos and Andreas Michaelides , other areas of focus include advising on personal income tax and VAT in Cyprus.

Practice head(s):

Stelios Americanos; Andreas Michaelides

Key clients

Corporate Deals Ltd

Cliff Legal Services

Work highlights

  • Advised the client on a number of questions regarding DAC 6 risks (EU Directive of Administrative Cooperation) as well as possible Income Tax (IT) risks under Cyprus law for a deal of RUB21m.
  • Advised the client and various Israel clients regarding property ownership taxation.
  • Advised Corporate Deals Ltd regarding International tax planning for investors for the acquisition of property in Greece with a Cyprus holding structure.

The firm: Stelios Americanos & Co LLC is a full-service commercial law firm with its headquarters in Nicosia, specialising in corporate and commercial law, banking finance, litigation, tax and financial advisory services.

The firm assembled a dynamic team working with cutting-edge technology and quickly established an enviable reputation for providing an efficient and competent service. It has become a leading niche firm for corporate work. The firm’s clients are guaranteed continuous and tailored support combined with a positive and constructive approach, and the ability to solve complex legal and tax problems with a business-oriented mentality.

The firm has an impressive list of local and international clientele that includes major banking and finance institutions, investment firms, industrial organisations, major contractors, leading international law firms, multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals.

The firm has worldwide contacts with reputable legal and advisory practices and is able to assist clients with all aspects of their cross- border transactions.

The firm regularly advises governmental and semi-governmental organisations, major financial banking institutions, public companies, single-owned start-ups and multinational corporations in high profile asset finance, project finance and securitisation and on complex cross-border transactions including mergers and acquisitions and restructuring.

The firm has also established an excellent reputation for its corporate litigation department, achieving remarkable results in a number of high profile litigation cases involving cross-border transactions.

Members of the firm are very active in various professional associations and take part as speakers in international conferences and seminars while regularly publishing articles and contributions in a variety of matters related to Cyprus law.

Recent awards include: ‘Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year in Cyprus for 2016’ by Corporate International Global Awards and ‘Cyprus Corporate and Commercial Law Firm of the Year 2017’ by ACQLAW.

Areas of practice
Corporate: formation, acquisition and dissolution of companies in Cyprus and abroad; corporate governance management and secretarial services; insolvency services; trustee fiduciary services; advising on shareholders issues, including advice on the drafting negotiation and implementation of subscription and shareholders’ agreements; capital increases, equity contribution and differentiation of class rights venture capital financing; and redomiciliation of companies.

Commercial: cross-border transactions and joint ventures; agency, distributorship and franchise agreements; private and public offerings and takeovers; sophisticated structures involving Cyprus entities; securities law compliance; and all intellectual aspects of commercial transactions.

Real estate and construction:  The firm’s real estate team deals with all matters related to immovable properties.

The firm advises both individual and corporate clients on:

  •  Property due diligence
  • Advising on and negotiating the terms of acquisitions, sales and transfers
  • Advising on financing and licensing involving commercial and residential property
  • Sale-purchase agreements
  • Acquisition of property by non-residents
  • Property management for non-residents
  • Review, negotiation, drafting and conclusion of construction agreements and rental agreements.
  • Wills, probate and re-sealing’s and estate administration

Mergers and acquisitions: structuring and tax optimisation of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures; financial and tax due diligence in connection with acquisitions involving Cyprus companies; drafting and negotiation of subscription/share purchase agreements, shareholders and joint venture agreements; legal and tax advice on corporate, regulatory, securities, competition, labour and enforcement matters.

Banking and finance: reviewing or drafting of project finance and security documentation; advice on the priority, perfection and enforcement of different types of securities; advice on corporate and tax matters; advice on stamp duty and proper execution of documents; advice on conflict of law issues; issuance of the relevant legal opinions covering corporate power authority and the legality, validity and enforceability of the Cyprus law governed documents.

Litigation and arbitration: national and international arbitration; banking and financial; stock exchange and securities legislation; taxation; bankruptcy; enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitration awards; pursuing interim pre-emptive remedies.

Innovation and blockchain: Regulatory and legal compliance of blockchain companies concerning licensing, GDPR, structure, jurisdiction, criminal litigation and digital asset investigation.

 

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Corporate, commercial and M&A Stelios Americanos
Corporate, commercial and M&A Soteris Costa
Banking and finance Despina Americanou
Banking and finance Olga Petrova
Banking and finance Michalis Zambyrinis
Litigation and arbitration Soteris Costa
Litigation and arbitration Akis Koumas
Litigation and arbitration Chrysanthi Epifaniou
Litigation and arbitration Andreas Parpas
Corporate management and fiduciary services Juliana Kyriakides
Financial services Len Judes
Real estate and construction Michalis Zambyrinis
Real estate and construction Thanos Fiakas
Immigration and citizenship Stelios Americanos
Immigration and citizenship Thanos Fiakas
International tax planning Michalis Louca
International tax planning Len Judes
Trusts and inheritance Michalis Zambyrinis
Public procurement/administration Stelios Americanos
Capital markets, IPOs and securities Despina Americanou
Capital markets, IPOs and securities Michalis Zambyrinis
Energy Stelios Americanos
Intellectual Property Despina Americanou
Financial and Investment Regulatory Compliance Charis Savvides
Restructuring, Receivership and Liquidation Charis Savvides
Innovation and Blockchain Charis Savvides
Accounting and Taxation Andreas Michaelides
Innovation and Blockchain Menelaos Kesisoglou
Banking and Finance George Andreou
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Chloe Americanos photoMs Chloe AmericanosLawyer – Associate
Stelios Americanos  photoMr Stelios Americanos Managing Partner, Advocate, Head of the Corporate and Commercial Department, the Mergers &…
Despina Americanou photoMs Despina AmericanouPartner, Advocate, Head of the Banking and Finance Department. The focus areas of…
George Andreou photoMr George AndreouAssociate, Advocate. He specializes in practice areas of drafting, negotiating and reviewing of…
Soteris Costa photoMr Soteris CostaPartner, Advocate, Head of the Litigation & Arbitration Department. He is currently heavily…
Chrysanthi Epifaniou photoMs Chrysanthi EpifaniouAssociate Lawyer, member of the Litigation & Arbitration Department of our law firm.…
Thanos Fiakas photoMr Thanos FiakasAssociate, Advocate member of three departments of our law firm, (i) Litigation &…
Gregores Fylaktou photoMr Gregores FylaktouAssociate Lawyer
Georgia Georgiadou photoMs Georgia GeorgiadouAssociate, Advocate. She specializes in Civil and Criminal Law.
Ioanna Katsidima photoMs Ioanna KatsidimaAssociate, Advocate. She specializes in the areas of Administrative Law and Civil Law.
Menelaos Kesisoglou photoMr Menelaos KesisoglouAssociate, External Lawyer
Koulla Kizi photoMrs Koulla KiziAssociate, Lawyer. She practices at areas of commercial and banking litigation with a…
Akis Koumas photoMr Akis KoumasMr. Koumas is Senior Associate in our firm since October 2016. He…
Helen Minti photoMrs Helen MintiAssociate, Advocate. Ms. Minti joined our law firm as an Associate in…
Fotini Ntorzi photoMs Fotini NtorziLawyer – Associate
Andreas Parpas photoMr Andreas ParpasAssociate, Advocate. Mr. Parpas is Associate and member of four Departments of our…
Olga Petrova photoMs Olga PetrovaAssociate, Advocate. Ms. Petrova specializes in Banking & Finance and Corporate & Commercial…
Charis Savvides photoDr Charis SavvidesPartner, Lawyer, Lecturer, Head of three Departments of our law firm, namely: (i)…
Antri Tasou photoMs Antri TasouAssociate, Lawyer, AML & Compliance Officer. Her responsibilities included, among others, inspections…
Michalis Zambyrinis photoMr Michalis ZambyrinisAssociate, Lawyer. He is member of three departments: (i) Banking & Finance, (ii)…
Number of lawyers : 24
at this office : 20
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International Bar Association
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STEP
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IGAL
Leaders in Law
Legal 500
Chambers & Partners
International offices : Athens, Israel

Stelios Americanos, Managing Partner

Stelios Americanos introduces the legal industry landscape in Cyprus and the management of the clients’ needs.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Stelios Americanos & Co LLC from your competitors?

Our Law Firm as a team has showed increased level of soft skills, apart from legal skills, for which we receive heartwarming feedback from our clients. Empathy, Honesty, Responsiveness, and business-oriented thinking are the main points that are being highlighted by our clients and other colleagues with whom we cooperate.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Following the crises that took place the recent months (pandemic, crises in Belarus, Israel, Palestine, Brexit, etc), people’s focus has shifted to subjects, countries and industries with more stability while others have seen opportunities to expand their businesses to more socially, financially, medically developed countries. Furthermore, established businesses have also been asking a lot about green energy, tokenization of real estate, lending through blockchain and mining. Taking those factors in consideration, our departments that we expect to see growing are Corporate & Commercial, and Blockchain & Innovation

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

During work from home and restrictions period our main concern was to not lose touch with our team, colleagues, and clients. For this reason, we quickly deployed a series of internal and external webinars, and discussions regarding different legal aspects that our law firm focuses on. Moreover, we dramatically increased our social presence with legal developments and newsletters that focused on informing the public about trending issues analyzed from a legal perspective.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

The technology is changing the way we do everything, and we grasp every opportunity to automate and make our service provision and internal operations more efficient. It is without doubt that the pandemic boosted the adaption of technology to non-tech clients as well, regarding communication, meetings, online reviewing, signing of documents, sharing of data and consulting. We are now in the process of creating a moodle-like environment for our clients which will give access to their court folder through a unique code and which further include the arrangements with the lawyer, a memo, info of the lawyer, place of the data, and we will add features according to the needs.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

It is in our culture to promote interdependence. To help our clients and make promote synergies between our clients if we see common ground of cooperation or reciprocal fulfilment of needs with breaking potentials while always taking in consideration the legal secrecy and information sensitivity. It is something that our clients want and that our clients are benefited from, which results in successful merges, acquisitions, funding of start-up companies and settling disputes.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients nowadays look far more that just a legal advice. They are looking for a business consultant as well, with a slight knowledge on tax matters, on corporate matters, on litigation matters and on wealth management matters. When a client comes to us, we act as a mentor whose success is determined by the success of the client. Of course, no one can know it all, that’s why we continuously expand our team increasing and adding diverse expertise in our team portfolio to better safeguard and promote the interests of our clients. Our short-term goals for the Law Firm are to minimize the carbon footprint, increase the workflow efficiency through technology, and maximize our clients’ and employees’ satisfaction and well-being.

Cyprus Introduces Transfer Pricing Rules and Documentation Requirements

On 30 June 2022, the Cyprus Parliament enacted amendments to the Income Tax Law and the Assessment and Collection of Taxes Law in relation to transfer pricing regulations in accordance with recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Transfer Pricing Guidelines.

Permanent Residency in Cyprus

Cyprus is a small EU member state country but the third largest Island in the Mediterranean Sea with a population almost one million. Whereas Greek is the official language, English is widely spoken and the language in which business is generally conducted.

New 50% and 20% Income Tax Exemption on Employment Income to Attract Foreign Investors and Employees in Cyprus

On 26 July 2022, the new amended articles 8(21) and 8(23) of the Income Tax Law were published in the Gazette aiming to attract foreign investors and high-profile foreign employees.

THE CYPRUS REGULATORY SANDBOX

CySEC’s call for views

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission has launched a call for views on establishing a Regulatory Sandbox[1]. The Call and accompanying Press Release were circulated on 16th March 2022 on CySEC’s Website (the “Call”) and invites stakeholders across the financial services industry to provide their own feedback on establishing a Regulatory Sandbox for the promotion of innovation in the industry. The Call refers to and concerns regulated entities, Financial Technology (FinTech) [2], Regulatory Technology (RegTech) [3] companies, their professional associations from Cyprus or abroad and in general, any interested party with views as to the merits of establishing a Regulatory Sandbox, its scope and its testing process.

Important Tax Amendments – December 2021

Cyprus companies corporate tax residency

On 9 December 2021, the Cyprus Parliament approved the expansion of the definition of corporate tax residency for Cyprus companies to additionally include the incorporation test.

Global Knafaim advised by Stelios Americanos & Co LLC on acquisition of 49.9% of TUS Airways

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC advised the Israeli group Global Knafaim in a $5 million transaction pursuant to which the later acquired a 49,9% in the share capital of TUS AIRWAYS LTD, a Cypriot airline headquartered in Larnaca. Existing shareholder, Kenneth Woolley also invested an additional $4 million increasing the amount of the total transaction to $9 million.

Cyprus New Business Attraction Strategy, for High Technology, Shipping, Innovation and R & D

The Government presented the new strategy for attracting skilled workforce and companies in Cyprus on Friday 15 October 2021. This new strategy is mainly focused on high technology, shipping, innovation, and research and development. The new strategy includes a series of incentives concerning residency, taxation, employment and simplification and digitization of the current procedures. The scheme will come into force on the 1st of January 2022.

An Overview: Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies – Business Trends & Regulatory Developments

Our Partner Dr. Charis Savvides delivered and intense seminar at Global Training (Cyprus), on Tuesday, 07 September 2021, at 09:00am. The seminar presented the current and under development regulatory framework on digital assets, addressing the key legislations and regulations which affect or be affected by the disruptive nature of crypto-transactions. You can view the presentation on the firm’s website link attached bellow.

Start-up Companies in Cyprus

Chloe Americanos and Arianna Mouskou, of Stelios Americanos & Co LLC delivered a Webinar regarding Start-up companies, their formation, development, growth and the challenges that aspiring entrepreneurs are facing during their entrance to the start-up world.

Coinfirm & Stelios Americanos & Co LLC – RegTech Alliance

Coinfirm, the industry-leading RegTech provider and Stelios Americanos & Co. LLC, a highly innovative Cypriot law firm, today announce their joint cooperation.

Cloud-based IT management company Apptio has acquired enterprise agile planning start-up Targetproce

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC has joined Dentons New York in assisting Zubr Capital and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in a multimillion transaction in relation with their exit from the investment in Enterprise Agile Planning company Targetprocess, following its purchase by Apptio, a leading provider of technology business management solutions. 

Permanent Residency Programme – 3rd Revision – expedited Procedure

Pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, the Minister of Interior has decided to revise the current permanent residency programme (the “Programme”) to include additional investment criteria other than investment in real estate with the purpose of attracting foreign investors and their families to invest in Cyprus.

Coinfirm and Stelios Americanos & Co LLC – RegTech Alliance

Coinfirm, the industry-leading RegTech provider and Stelios Americanos & Co. LLC, a highly innovative Cypriot law firm, today announce their joint cooperation. - 23rd February, London, UK / Nicosia, Cyprus.

Dr Charis Savvides – Expert Panel Member of EU Blockchain Observatory & Forum

It is our great pleasure to announce that our partner Dr Charis Savvides has been invited to join the Expert Panel of the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum.

Purchase of Real Estate in Cyprus

Thanos Fiakas and Andreas Parpas, lawyers of Stelios Americanos & Co LLC delivered a webinar on the acquisition of real estate in Cyprus.

Israeli Conference

The Cypriot law firm Stelios Americanos & Co LLC organized on 17 February 2020 its first international conference for the year in Tel Aviv in Israel.

Kazakhstan And Cyprus, Business Ties Enhance Economic Relations

The scope for enhancing economic relations and business ties between Kazakhstan and Cyprus is immense, Cyprus’ Minister of Finance said in his opening address at the Conference "CIS – Kazakhstan – Cyprus – Business Cooperation Heralding the New Era", held Thursday in Limassol.


Intax Forum Ukraine 2018

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC, participated at Intax Forum Ukraine 2018 which took place in Kiev, between 21 and 22 May 2018.


Tax Update

Cyprus Tax Department has announced that, as of June 1st 2018, the following taxes, not bearing interest and charges, can ONLY be paid via JCCsmart (website www.jccsmart.com.cy). JCCsmart is a Cyprus portal used to contact payments to various organizations including the Government. This measure follows the successful implementation of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax withheld from employees through JCCsmart.


Enforcement of a Pledge over the Shares of a Cyprus Company (“Cyprus Pledge”)

A. Pledge

A pledge is by definition a possessory security interest and thus involves the delivery of possession, actual or constructive. A security interest is valid and enforceable once it has been attached to the asset and is perfected. A security interest that has been attached and perfected is enforceable as between the pledgor and pledgee. The effect of attachment is that the security interest fastens on the asset so as to give the creditor rights in rem.


Medical Cannabis Legalisation

THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE LEGISLATION WHICH IS UNDER DISCUSSION BEFORE THE HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE LEGALISATION OF THE IMPORTATION AND/OR PRODUCTION AND/OR CULTIVATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL CANNABIS


FBME Bank Ltd: Compensation to Depositors, Deadline until 11th April 2018.

The Central Bank of Cyprus has on 9/4/2016, activated the procedure for the payment of compensation amount from the Deposit Guarantee Fund for Banks for deposits held in FBME Bank Ltd – Cyprus branch.


Stamp Duty

1. Scope of the Stamp duty Law.

1.1.Stamp duty is governed by Stamp Duty Law (19/1963) (hereinafter the “Law”). The Law (article 4 (1)) provides that the documents that are specifically named in its first schedule (and only such documents) are subject to stamp duty provided these documents relate to: (i) assets situated within the Republic of Cyprus; or (ii) matters or things to be performed or done in Cyprus; irrespective of the place of execution of such documents.


Cyprus’ strong economic recovery-2018 Outlook

Cyprus’ strong economic recovery will continue in 2018 with the GDP expected to be 3.2% (2017: 3.8%) which is well above the European Union average. Inflation forecast shows an increase in 2018 to 1.2% (2017: 0.7%) well within the healthy limits, with unemployment expected to be near the 10% mark in comparison with 13% of the year before.


Tax Update

Cyprus Tax Authorities announce the 10 year bond yield for Notional Interest Deduction (NID) purposes

The Cyprus tax authorities have announced the interest yield of the 10 year government bonds as at 31st December 2017 which increased by 3% grants tax allowance on new capital introduced into the Cyprus company.


Cyprus An Emerging Eu Fund Jurisdiction

Cyprus consistent efforts to modernize its regulatory environment for investment funds, has created a legal framework bearing hallmarks of the regimes in Luxembourg and Ireland, and has strengthened Cyprus’ profile as an emerging European funds and asset management domicile.


New Partners

The Law firm of Stelios Americanos & Co LLC, with pleasure announces the appointment as new Partners / Directors:


Stelios Americanos & Co Llc Advises The €100 Million Restructuring Of The Athienitis Group

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC advised Athienitis Group over €100 million debt restructuring

The high profile transaction was one of the most complex restructuring in Cyprus as involved bank debt, bond holders issues and related litigation, financing provided by the Cyta Provident Fund, minority shareholder considerations and the construction and management of the Nicosia Mall a project with a construction cost of over €uro100million.


Cyprus Tax residency for Individuals – Period of stay reduced to 60 days

On the 14th of July the Cyprus Parliament passed a law amending the Income tax law of 2002 as to the requirements of tax residency of individuals in Cyprus.


Tax Treatment Of Intra-group Back-to-back Financing Arrangements

The Cyprus Tax Department ("TD") has issued an interpretative Circular on 30th of June as to the tax treatment of intra group back to back financing arrangements. This follows the TD announcement that it will cease applying the minimum accepted profit margin on back to back loan schemes as agreed in July 2011.


DC Finance Family Office & Wealth Management Conference in Israel: Cyprus Citizenship and Permanent

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC, participated in DC Finance conference in Israel on the 13th of June 2017. The seminar took place at Hilton, Tel-Aviv.


Stelios Americanos & Co Llc Advises Israel’s Fattal And Issta In The Acquisition Of 3 Hotels In Pa

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC advised on Cyprus law issues the joint venture between Fattal, the Israeli hotel management chain and ISSTA, Israel's largest tourism company in the acquisition of hotels Cypria Maris, Cypria Bay and Laura in Paphos, Cyprus.


Stelios Americanos & Co LLC adds 3 new lawyers to its legal team

With new additions to its already established legal team, Stelios Americanos & Co LLC Law firm welcomes 3 new lawyers aiming to strengthen further it’s litigation and corporate practices and continue serving its clients with integrity, personal commitment, dedication and professionalism.


Press Release On The Cliff Conference, In Cyprus

Cliff Law Firm of Moscow and Stelios Americanos & Co LLC (Cyprus) host conference on “The Global Exchange of information: The business world on the threshold of a new era”The new Multilateral Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Information between tax authorities and controlling bodies that has been signed by 83 countries, the Russian Federation inclusive, has launched a new era for the international business. The Exchange of Financial Information Agreement obliges the banks and generally financial institutions to disclosure information on the final beneficiaries of corporate accounts, as well as on international transactions. This newly emerging requirements will force the businesses to review their current setups and practices under the light of the new rules and directives.

Saint Petersburg Conference – Properties Overseas:

Advantages, risks legal and tax structuring

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC, participated in Saint Petersburg conference on the 13th of December 2016, the topic of which was “Properties Overseas: Advantages, risks legal and tax structuring”. The seminar was co-organized with Delovoy Saint Petersburg and Maxima Legal and took place at Grand Hotel Europe.


Stelios Americanos & Co LLC completed a successful visit to China

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC completed a successful visit to China, having met with clients and partners and participated in two conferences in Shanghai and Beijing in October/November 2016.

Following a successful visit to China in May, 2016, Stelios Americanos & Co LLC made a second trip to China, in order to participate in two conferences in late October, and early November 2016, in Shanghai and in Beijing. The Firm was represented by Len Judes who spoke about and presented the Cyprus Citizenship and Permanent Residency by investment programs.