Successful Business Magazine spoke to Marios Siathas, CEO of the European Institute of Management and Finance (EIMF), and Academic Director Adonis Pegasiou about EIMF's innovative Master's Program and their vision for financial education in Cyprus.

What key elements set the European Institute of Management and Finance apart from other educational institutions in Cyprus?

Marios Siathas (M.S.): Certainly, the EIMF stands out among Cyprus’ institutions since its establishment in 2015 due to its distinct focus as a specialised educational institution. We offer targeted programs, training, and education projects that primarily address compliance and governance issues, especially within the financial and professional services sectors in Cyprus. The EIMF effectively fills the market gap by specialising in these sectors, serving clients ranging from legal and accountancy firms to various financial services entities, including banks, investment firms, insurance, and FinTech companies.

Another differentiating factor is our program focus, which aligns closely with sector-specific concerns such as financial crime, market abuse, anti-bribery, corporate governance, sanctions, and risk. Furthermore, the EIMF excels in providing specialized professional qualifications, introducing globally accredited certifications like ACAMS, Blockchain Training Alliance, CISI, ICAEW, ACCA, and more. Our commitment extends to offering a range of options, including live online, in-class sessions, self-paced online learning, and mentor planning, catering to diverse learning preferences.

Can you please name some of your most popular professional qualification programs?

M.S.: Some noteworthy ones include CISI's Global Financial Compliance, Risk in Financial Services, and International Certificate in Wealth and Investment. For the CFAs, we provide the Chartered Financial Analyst certificate, and in AML, we offer the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS) certification, among others. Other popular programs include the Certified Sanctions Specialist, the Certified Cryptoasset Specialist, and the Privacy Professional Expert. There are also courses from EXIN, the Data Protection Officer certification, and Chartered Accountant from ICAEW, and Certitied Accountant from the ACCA.

You are launching a new program at the end of February. Can you please tell us more about it?

Adonis Pegasiou (A.P.): As part of our expansion strategy, EIMF is venturing into academic programs. We've received accreditation as a higher education institute, offering academic programs alongside executive courses. Our first master's program, commencing in February, is focused on governance, risk, and compliance. This 18-month program, tailored to professionals, consists of two semesters, each with three units carrying 10 ECTS credits, culminating in a dissertation. We understand professionals' time constraints, so part-time options extend the duration to 36 months, allowing flexibility with one or two courses per semester.

Is the program in English?

A.P.: Yes, the programme is offered in English

Is this program only for financial industry professionals?

A.P.: No. It is for anyone who opted to start a career in the financial services industry, regardless of the nature of their first degree. The program provides essential tools for those entering (or planning to enter) the financial services sector but also allows for professionals within the industry to deepen and expand their expertise and enhance their professional aspirations . The curriculum contains diverse modules including the principles and practice of finance, financial risk management, research methods, business ethics, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and reporting and international and EU financial regulation. For all our academic programmes offered, it is important to note that we bring a practical perspective through guest lecturers and contributions by industry experts and policy makers ensuring a well-rounded education.

M.S.: EIMF, while transitioning into academic programs, remains deeply rooted in professionalism, drawing from a decade of serving thousands of corporations in Cyprus. Our faculty, consisting of content experts, trainers, and academics, collaborates to provide a practical and academic experience. 15,000 professionals pass through EIMF courses every year. Our master's students benefit from this rich network, gaining exposure to the job market and securing employment opportunities while they are studying. Enrollment for the master's program is currently open, with scholarships and financial support available.

What types of scholarships are available for the new master’s program and how one can apply for it?

There are various scholarships and financial aid options available designed to support students from diverse backgrounds and financial circumstances. There are merit-based scholarships that reward academic achievements, and need-based scholarships that assist individuals facing financial difficulties.

Finally, there are specialized scholarships that cater to a variety of other needs and criteria. Applicants can complete a scholarship form through the EIMF website.

*Editors’ note: One of the readers of the Successful Business magazine will also receive the scholarship which will cover the tuition fees 10,500 Euro (excluding the application and registration fees). Details on how to apply are below at the end of this interview.

People are very busy now, especially working professionals. They have busy schedules. How does your institute offer flexibility in working options?

A.P.: To address the busy schedules of working professionals, all academic courses will be taught in the late afternoon. As for the Executive Training programs, there are various options.

M.S.: For executive training programs we offer pretty much any modality including live online sessions, in-class options during mornings or evenings, self-paced online learning, and even mentor planning for personalized approaches. We aim to cater to the diverse needs of individuals and companies, offering over 150 courses every six months.

Looking ahead, what are the future plans of your institute in terms of program expansion and broader contributions to advancing governance, risk and compliance in financial services, education and cycles?

A.P.: Looking ahead, EIMF has ambitious plans. Beyond the master's program, we are already offering a diploma in accounting, financial management, and a two-year undergraduate diploma. Future master's programs will cover European banking and financial regulation and European economic governance and policy. Additionally, we've established a Center for Good Governance, conducting research and hosting seminars and events to contribute to advancing good governance practices in both private and public sectors.

Learn more about the program here.

*One of the readers of the Successful Business magazine will have a chance to receive the full Scholarship for MSc Programme in Governance, Risk and Compliance (starting on 20 February 2024).

The scholarship covers the tuition fees 10,500 Euro but not the Application Fee 50 Euro and the Registration Fee 200 Euro.

How can you apply?

Step 1: enter the website to learn more about the MSc Programme
Step 2: Click here to apply for the scholarship
Step 3: Select the ‘Yes’ option in the drop down menu regarding the question ‘Are you applying for scholarship?’
Step 4: In the ‘Type of Scholarship’ question you will need to enter the code ‘VKC2024’.

Marios Siathas, CEO	Adonis Pegasiou, Academic Director