Exclusive Interview: Loukia Kanarini, Director at Loufinco
Brokers should ensure that the relevant partner understands their company’s overall strategy and long-term vision to ensure alignment.
Share with us how your entrepreneurship journey started, the need and challenges you have identified
My entrepreneurship journey began after a decade of working in the financial services industry. Having gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry as well as the struggles of many companies to navigate business complexities, the idea of transitioning from an in-house role to starting my own consultancy took root. More specifically, and the area I am most drawn to, influencing my decision, is payments. Payments is an area which is constantly evolving, and businesses struggle to navigate through this side of operations, often lacking either the expertise or the resources to optimize and streamline their payment strategies and processes.
What are the services you offer at Loufinco?
Loufinco specializes in providing practical and tailored solutions that help businesses overcome challenges and make informed decisions within a constantly evolving business environment. Loufinco offers a wide range of services including payment services consulting, regulatory compliance consulting and licensing services. Loufinco also offers fully furnished offices for lease in Seychelles. We are particularly excited about our recently shared video on Linkedin showing these offices, giving
anyone interested a virtual tour.
What’s Loufinco’s unique selling point and how do you differentiate from
the competition?
Loufinco combines a truly collaborative approach with deep first-hand industry expertise and an unwavering commitment to honesty, open communication and transparency. We believe in providing our clients with realistic assessments and practical solutions. We build genuine partnerships with both our clients but also with our network of strategic partners. We have cultivated strong relationships with key
players across various industries, allowing us to tap into a wealth of resources and expertise to deliver comprehensive and tailored solutions. Therefore, I would differentiate Loufinco based on its honest counsel, network strength and focus on building long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual success.
What are the features a broker should consider ensuring he has the right partner and receive an efficient service?
Several key considerations should be assessed. To name a few, brokers should ensure that the relevant partner understands their company’s overall strategy and long-term vision to ensure alignment. Also, clear and consistent communication is essential. Any right partner should be readily accessible, should provide regular updates and proactively address any potential issues or concerns.
We see brokers following a multi-branding solution in the last few years.
How complicated is this from your point of view and can Loufinco assist with
this?
Correct, brokers are increasingly opting for multi-branding strategies for a number of
advantages. However, multi-branding does introduce quite a lot of complexities such
as increasing operational overheads, regulatory compliance and payment
complexities. Loufinco can assist with bringing expertise and objectivity, assisting
with strategic planning, operational set up and regulatory guidance.
What’s coming up in 2025 for the financial services regulatory framework?
In 2025 it is expected to see stricter regulatory frameworks, with global financial regulators tightening their rules. From MiCAR, to DORA, to the revised Payment Services Directive as well as the new Payment Services Regulation pending to be debated, regulated entities must adapt to various changes and challenges on the regulatory horizon, requiring them to reassess their strategies and operations to
survive and thrive.
Is it challenging to get into a male-dominated sector like finance?
Indeed, the financial services has been historically a male-dominated industry. Is it challenging? At times, yes. But is it impossible? Absolutely not. While progress has been made, challenges certainly remain. However, I would not want to paint an entirely negative picture. In my career journey I was fortunate to receive incredible support from both men and women which I am grateful for. The key is for women to
focus on their strength and expertise, to have confidence in their potential and abilities and to build strong connections with colleagues.
What’s your one piece of advice for young women looking to enter the world of
finance?
I would advise them to be unapologetically themselves. The financial world needs unique perspectives and innovative ideas. To embrace their strengths, to never give up and always believe in themselves and their potential.
Read Loukia’s full interview in our digital magazine edition #4
Who is who
Loukia embarked on her career journey after completing her LLB (Hons) and LLM from the University of Leicester in 2010. She joined the leading law firm of Messers Andreas Neocleous & Co LLC in Limassol and was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2011. In 2012 Loukia joined the IronFX Group as a legal advisor. Loukia was promoted and served in the position as Head and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer for 10 years during which she spread headed the group’s global expansion and headed the group’s legal and compliance team.
