Team size: 3

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, the legal department and I, as Chief Legal Officer, have been involved in and contributed to several key projects.

One of the most impactful projects has been the simplification and digitalisation of the Bank’s legal documentation for client facilities. This ongoing project has significantly contributed towards promoting efficiency and maximising lean operations by automating processes, reducing manual work, and minimising operational risks.

At the same time, the legal department has been involved in advancing our Bank’s ESG agenda, both internally and for our clients. A notable achievement was securing the Bank’s participation in a government-funded energy upgrade program for our headquarters. The legal department played a key role in the application process, the negotiation and review of legal documentation with suppliers and provided legal assistance and guidance to ensure successful completion.

Another area of focus has been the implementation of instant payments. My team closely collaborated with other stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable EU regulations, and to update the legal frameworks for both incoming and outgoing transactions accordingly. Similarly, the adoption of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) required gaining a deep understanding of the new regulatory framework and close collaboration with internal stakeholders, particularly in standardising contracts with third-party ICT providers to strengthen the Bank’s resilience and ensure compliance.

Beyond these projects, my team and I provide daily legal support across a wide range of activities, including complex negotiations and corporate finance transactions, resolution of non-performing exposures, regulatory and compliance matters and IT contracts.

What measures has your company taken to incorporate sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how can general counsel contribute to driving such initiatives within the organisation?

cdbbank has embedded sustainability into its core operations through a comprehensive Climate Strategy built on four pillars.

Firstly, in terms of our own operations. We are actively reducing Scope 1–3 emissions through targeted energy efficiency upgrades, including the energy upgrading of our head office, deployment of renewable energy systems, digitalisation, and the integration of ESG criteria into supplier selection and procurement.

Furthermore, climate risk is now a core component of our enterprise risk framework. We have enhanced our risk policies to include environmental impact assessments and environmental criteria.

In addition, we support the green transition by offering sustainable financial products, such as loans for energy-efficient homes and electric vehicles and by helping clients align their transition plans with EU and national climate goals.

Finally, we promote sustainability through internal and external education and active participation in environmental initiatives.

The General Counsel and legal departments play an important role in sustainability initiatives, contributing towards compliance with evolving ESG regulations, assisting in the integration of environmental criteria into governance, procurement and internal policies, supporting green lending through contractual adaptation, advising on relevant legal risks and collaborating with external experts.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about advancing gender equality, both in the workplace and society at large. I actively engage with this cause by staying informed on legislative developments, participating in discussions, and attending sessions focused on best practices across Cyprus and the EU.

A particular area of interest to me is ensuring a balanced representation of women in leadership roles, including the public sphere, senior executive roles or corporate boards. I strongly support initiatives that empower women by equipping them with the skills, confidence and opportunities to excel in these roles.

As a young lawyer, I compiled all Cypriot statutes related to equal treatment and equal opportunities between men and women. This work was published as a book, sponsored by the National Mechanism for the Rights of Women.