Was part of the team of our firm that obtained a mandatory injunction ordering the secretary of a debtor company to transfer its pledged shares in the client’s name. The case concerned a loan of USD $120 million. A certiorari application filed to the Supreme Court by the previous shareholder was subsequently successfully defended.
People
Contact Details
- T: +357 22 447777
-
P.O. Box 21150
1502 Nicosia, Cyprus17 Stasinou Avenue
1060 Nicosia
Cyprus
Languages Spoken
English, Greek, French
Christos Galanos
Partner
Christos Galanos was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2012 and is a Partner in the firm’s Nicosia office, where he leads the second litigation team. His practice focuses on commercial litigation, fraud and asset tracing, medical negligence and gaming and gambling law.
He has extensive experience in obtaining freezing orders and other forms of interim relief, both domestically and in support of foreign proceedings or international arbitration. A seasoned trial advocate, he frequently acts in complex, high‑value disputes with significant cross‑border elements.
His work has been consistently recognised by The Legal 500, which ranks him as a Next Generation Partner for Dispute Resolution (2022–present), following earlier recognition as a Rising Star. Client testimonials describe him as “demonstrat[ing] exceptional litigation skills”, “thorough, conscientious and highly respectful in court”, “extremely competent”, “precise yet creative”, and “a delight to work with”, noting that his solutions are “elegant and effective”.
In 2016 Christos was a speaker at the C5 conference held in London on International Dispute Resolution involving Russian and CIS Parties. In the same year, he was nominated by the Democratic Rally party as a candidate in the Cyprus parliamentary elections, reflecting his broader engagement with public affairs.
Practice Area Specialization
Credentials
Education
LLB, University College London (UCL), UK (2006-2009)
M.Phil. University of Oxford (St. Antony’s College), UK (2009-2011)
Professional Memberships
Cyprus Bar Association
Famagusta Bar Association
Accolades
Christos has been recommended by The Legal 500 as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ for Dispute Resolution in Cyprus in The Legal 500 EMEA 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions.
Specialization
Commercial litigation
Fraud and White-Collar Crime
Arbitration
Freezing orders (Mareva orders)
Diclosure orders (Norwich Pharmacal orders)
Gaming and Gambling Law
Career progression
Partner, Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC (since 2021)
Senior Associate, Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC (2018-2021)
Associate, Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC (2012-2018)
Experience
Was part of the team that successfully obtained a prerogative writ of Certiorari from the Supreme Court quashing the issuance of an arrest warrant that had been issued by the lower court. The arrest warrant had been issued against a Russian resident in the context of a private criminal case concerning a dispute over a high value coal mine in Russia.
Successfully defended a Ukrainian businessman in a claim seeking to render him personally liable for a debt of €2.5 million that was allegedly owed by one of his companies dealing in the bunkering business (final judgment issued in February 2022).
Filed derivative proceedings on behalf of a company in Cyprus that acted as a holding company of a major IT group of companies in Russia. The proceedings were brought against the shareholder controlling the company’s operations on the grounds that he had breached his duties towards the company as a de facto or shadow director. Judgment was issued in favour of the company in the amount of €22 million.
Represented a renowned businessman in the diamond industry and successfully registered on his behalf in Cyprus an ICC Award of circa USD $7 million that was issued against a former business partner of his. An injunction was also secured preventing the respondent from dealing with his assets until full satisfaction of the ICC Award.
Successfully brought a claim on behalf of a Russian businessman against his former business partner and other persons for fraudulently taking over their common insurance business. The Court awarded the client damages in excess of €7 million, representing the value of 50% of the business.
