Cyprus’s fintech sector is rapidly progressing with support from international investors, and its legal framework is evolving accordingly. fintechview features Maria Taki, a lawyer and Partner at Maria S. Taki & Co LLC, a boutique law firm she co-founded. She brings over a decade of expertise in corporate and commercial law.
Share with us how your entrepreneurship journey started, the need and challenges you have identified.
My entrepreneurship journey began during a very challenging period, when two wars were unfolding and directly affecting Cyprus. This created significant uncertainty on the island, but at the same time, it opened up new opportunities. At that time, my partner approached me with the idea of opening our own law firm. Without overthinking, we simply said “yes” and started from zero. Our vision was to build a law firm that combined strong legal expertise with adaptability to the evolving demands of today’s business environment. Of course, this path came with difficulties and disappointments, but I strongly believe that the key to success is having the right partners by your side and the determination to fight every day. Living on this island has taught us that there are always opportunities to be created. We quickly identified a growing need for legal services that move beyond the traditional approach, especially in sectors such as fintech, energy, infrastructure, and cross-border transactions. The greatest challenge was establishing credibility and trust as a young lawyer and business owner. Yet, this challenge became my motivation, pushing me to innovate, work tirelessly, and create a client-centered practice built on integrity, reliability, and long-term value.
What are the services you offer.
As a boutique law firm, we provide comprehensive legal services tailored to the evolving needs of today’s businesses and private clients. Our core expertise lies in corporate, commercial, property, intellectual property, immigration and fintech law. We advise clients on regulatory compliance, licensing, data protection and privacy, reputational management, as well as the legal frameworks surrounding digital assets and emerging technologies. Beyond this, we work closely with entrepreneurs, startups, and investors on corporate structuring and cross-border transactions. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to deliver legal solutions that are both practical and innovative, always aligned with the fast-paced and dynamic goals of our clients. What truly sets us apart is our ability to go beyond traditional legal advice. We actively leverage our international network to help clients establish meaningful partnerships, connect them with trusted professionals and investors abroad, and identify new opportunities for growth. This combination of legal expertise and business connectivity gives us a unique competitive advantage in guiding clients through mergers & acquisitions and complex cross-border transactions, ensuring not only compliance but also long-term value creation.
Key areas of fintech law include data privacy, fraud prevention, AML, and regulations for digital assets like cryptocurrencies. Is there any law changes or developments in this?
Fintech in Cyprus is advancing at remarkable speed, and the legal framework is adapting in equally important ways. Recent developments such as the strengthened anti-money laundering rules, the full implementation of the EU’s MiCA regulation for crypto assets, and new obligations around instant payments and real-time beneficiary verification show that Cyprus is committed to fostering innovation within a secure and transparent environment. The forthcoming EU AI Act will also play a significant role, setting out harmonised rules for the use of artificial intelligence, including in financial services, where AI is increasingly applied for fraud detection, risk management, and compliance monitoring. What excites me most is that these changes are not just compliance requirements; they are building trust, which is the foundation for sustainable growth. For fintech professionals, this evolving framework is not a barrier but an opportunity to innovate responsibly, leverage technologies like AI for fraud detection and risk management, and deliver financial services that are faster, fairer, and more reliable. Cyprus is positioning itself as a hub where innovation and strong governance go hand in hand, and it’s a journey I am proud to be part of.
How do you see AI in the legal industry?
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the legal profession, and its role will only expand in the years ahead. I do not see AI as a replacement for lawyers but as a valuable enabler. It can help us work more efficiently and precisely, whether in contract analysis, due diligence, or document review, freeing up time for what matters most: strategy, judgment, and client care. At the same time, law is not just about efficiency. It is about people. It is about fairness, empathy, and the responsibility to make decisions that can deeply affect lives. No algorithm, no matter how sophisticated, can replicate those qualities. That is why the real question is not whether AI can do what lawyers do, but how wisely we choose to use it. Handled responsibly, with clear rules on accountability and data protection, AI can be an excellent partner, one that allows lawyers to move beyond repetitive tasks and focus on the human side of justice. The recently adopted EU AI Act is an important step in this direction, as it introduces harmonised rules on transparency, accountability, and safeguards for high-risk AI systems, ensuring that technology supports, rather than undermines, fundamental rights and the rule of law. If we embrace it thoughtfully, AI will not threaten the profession but will strengthen it, helping us move beyond the standard and traditional pathways while keeping the core values of law intact. The future of law, therefore, is not about machines replacing us. It is about lawyers being clever, prepared, and principled enough to guide AI within the right limits, so that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the integrity of our profession.
Why is Cyprus becoming a hub for innovation and tech beyond fintech?
Cyprus is rapidly emerging as a hub for fintech and innovation. Its business-friendly environment, EU membership, and strategic location make it an attractive destination for both startups and established companies. In recent years, several major fintech players have relocated to Cyprus, bringing with them talent, expertise, and international networks. This creates a ripple effect, attracting new startups, investors, and professionals, while fostering trust, knowledge transfer, and a stronger local talent pool. The presence of these leading companies generates significant ancillary benefits. Best practices, professional experience, and industry knowledge circulate within the ecosystem, creating network effects that encourage additional firms to establish a presence on the island. Combined with enhanced access to funding, advanced technological infrastructure, and a skilled workforce, Cyprus has become increasingly competitive in fintech and innovation. While fintech is thriving, Cyprus also has enormous potential in other tech sectors such as gaming, AI, and digital services. The ecosystem in these areas is still developing, but ongoing strategic initiatives, investments, and talent development are creating fertile ground for growth. There’s clearly room for improvement, yet the trajectory is evident: Cyprus is positioning itself as a multi-sector innovation hub, offering opportunities for established players and new entrants alike to grow, collaborate, and innovate.
What advice would you give to foreign companies considering relocation or expansion to Cyprus?
My advice would be to think of Cyprus not just as a destination, but as a partner in your business journey. The island offers a lot: EU membership, a business-friendly environment, friendly taxation, access to funding, skilled talent, and an emerging tech ecosystem. But success here doesn’t happen automatically, you need local insight. Understanding the regulatory landscape, building trusted relationships, and leveraging local networks are essential. Strategic planning is key, especially as the ecosystem continues to evolve. Companies that approach Cyprus thoughtfully, build connections, and utilise expert guidance will find fertile ground to innovate, grow, and scale internationally.
How do you ensure your firm stays ahead in terms of tech, legal knowledge, and industry trends?
Remaining at the forefront of technology, legal expertise, and industry developments is a priority for our firm. The legal landscape, particularly in areas such as fintech, digital assets, and AI, is changing rapidly, and keeping up isn’t optional, it’s essential. We actively monitor EU and global regulations, participate in industry forums, and invest in ongoing professional development for our team. But staying informed is only part of the equation, applying that knowledge strategically is equally important. That’s why we combine our legal expertise with a deep understanding of business, technology, and cross-border markets. Our international network of partners and advisors also plays a key role. These connections allow us to anticipate trends, identify opportunities early, and provide insights that help our clients make informed decisions. As a result, our clients are not only compliant, they are empowered to innovate, seize opportunities, and grow with confidence in a complex, fast-evolving environment. In essence, staying ahead is about continuous learning, strategic application, and leveraging relationships to help our clients succeed.
Who is Who
Maria Taki is a Cyprus qualified lawyer and Partner at Maria S. Taki & Co LLC, a boutique law firm she co-founded. With over 10 years of experience in corporate, commercial, and other areas of law, Maria advises clients on company formation and management, cross-border transactions, trusts, compliance, intellectual property, and regulatory matters, as well as emerging fields such as fintech and digital assets. Recognized by The Legal 500 for her work in Commercial, Corporate, and M&A, she combines legal expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver client-focused solutions built on trust, adaptability, and innovation in today’s fast-evolving business environment.