Advised an electronic money institution in Cyprus on intra-group service arrangements with its UK shareholder, focusing on transfer pricing compliance. This included assessing the appropriate characterisation of services, allocation of costs and mark-ups, and alignment with the arm’s length principle under OECD and local rules.
People
Contact Details
- T: +357 25 363685
-
P.O Box 52441,
4064 Limassol, CyprusMichael Kyprianou House
116 Gladstonos Street
3032 Limassol
Cyprus
Languages Spoken
English, Greek
Stephanos Ayiomamitis
Partner
Stephanos Ayiomamitis joined our firm in December 2020 and became a Partner in January 2024.
He began his career as a litigation lawyer, gaining experience in civil and criminal matters and drafting key commercial agreements. He later served as an internal legal advisor at a major insurance company and subsequently joined a multinational Trust and Fund Administration organisation, advising on corporate, commercial, compliance, and regulatory matters. His role as a Compliance Officer at a Cypriot Investment Firm further strengthened his expertise in AML legislation and CySEC regulatory frameworks.
Stephanos has also developed substantial expertise in international taxation, having completed the ADIT (Advanced Diploma in International Taxation). He advises on cross‑border transactions, reviews agreements from an international tax perspective, issues permanent establishment opinions, and guides clients on the application of double tax treaties and OECD principles across diverse jurisdictions.
Today, Stephanos advises on complex commercial matters, including renewable‑energy real estate projects, the registration and authorisation of electronic money institutions before the Central Bank of Cyprus, and the structuring of international business operations within Cyprus and the EU. He regularly drafts and negotiates shareholders and share purchase agreements and conducts legal due diligence for a broad client portfolio spanning financial institutions, investment entities, crypto‑asset providers, medical research organisations, aviation companies, and EMIs.
Practice Area Specialization
Credentials
Education
LLB, University of Surrey, UK (2011)
Professional Memberships
Cyprus Bar Association
Limassol Bar Association
Accolades
Stephanos has been recommended by The Legal 500 as a ‘Key Lawyer’ for Corporate, Commercial and M&A practice in Cyprus in The Legal 500 EMEA 2026 editions.
Specialization
Cross-border transactions
Internal restructurings
Tax law advisory services
Tax treaties assessments
Property acquisitions
Commercial transactions
Gaming and Gambling Law
Sanction opinions under EU Regulation 833/14 and 265/14
Assisting EMIs and CIFs for licensing and ongoing support
Career progression
Partner, Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC (since 2024)
Senior Associate, Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC (2020-2024)
Experience
Provided legal advice on the regulatory aspects of establishing an online gaming business in Cyprus offering loot-box services. This included analysing the legal classification of such services, assessing potential gambling implications, and advising on compliance with consumer protection laws and cross-border regulatory risks.
Provided a legal opinion on the applicability of EU sanctions in relation to a cross-border share purchase transaction involving a Cyprus entity. This included analysing ownership structures, reviewing relevant EU regulations, assessing potential legal and financial risks. The advice highlights Stephanos’ expertise in complex international and geopolitical legal issues. It ensured full compliance with EU sanctions, safeguarded against regulatory and reputational risks, and facilitated a smooth transaction.
Assisted a leading medical research and academic institution with specialised projects, such as preparing a consortium agreement for a multi-party research initiative, incorporating data protection and intellectual property considerations.
Advised on an application to the Central Bank of Cyprus for a license to operate as an electronic money institution, preparing required policies and engaging with the regulators. The EMI was granted a license within 14 months, which is much sooner than the normal timeframe.
Representation in a high-value acquisition of an industrial commercial building, involving complex regulatory approvals and engagement with public authorities. The transaction valued at approximately EUR 10.4 million is considered significant due to its complexity and its status as one of the largest deals handled by the local authorities in recent years.
Successful representation in the acquisition of a Cyprus-based trading company, involving comprehensive legal due diligence and intellectual property review. The transaction was of particular significance to the client as it supported its strategic expansion into the food sector and the strengthening of its market presence in Cyprus.
Advised on the acquisition of a prime central plot in Limassol, conducting full legal due diligence on the property and sellers. The site is a former major sports facility being redeveloped into modern flexible office space. The project is significant given strong demand and limited supply of quality workspace in Limassol and reflects a substantial foreign investment with potential to drive innovation and create new employment opportunities in Cyprus.