Citywealth Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Eleni Drakou, Michael Kyprianou, Cyprus

Date: 02 Apr 2025

Vanessa Dal Busco

This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Eleni Drakou, Partner at Michael Kyprianou Advocates & Legal Consultants.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
My name is Eleni Drakou and I’m a Partner at Michael Kyprianou Law Firm, in Cyprus. I’m based at the firm’s Limassol office and I have been a lawyer of this firm for 12 years. I specialize on Private Client matters, with a focus on succession planning, real estate and immigration. I’m a board member of STEP Cyprus (TEP) since 2019, and a member of the Real Estate Committee of the Cyprus Bar Association.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days usually start with a morning work-out, followed by a strong cup of coffee and ready to go. A typical day includes meetings – in person and online-, advising clients, drafting contracts, and catching up on emails. I try to stay up to date on world news and financial news. I often travel abroad for work, so some days I might take my car and some days I may need to catch a flight.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
Our work in the area of private client becomes more and more inter-jurisdictional. We are often engaged by clients whose interests have expanded in a number of countries, which is interesting but challenging at the same time because of the different policies involved, different regulations and co-ordination with different teams. Recently, I was instructed to act for a South Korean client who invested in multiple European cities.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
World-wide instability and uncertainty has consequences in our clients’ business affairs and daily life. From my end, I try to simplify as much as possible the process and explain thoroughly the steps to address a particular matter.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Being ranked by Citywealth in the NextGen Top 40 under 40 list.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
In my view, a true leader should lead by example. Lessons are being taught by inspiration instead of lecturing, setting the path so that the team-members can follow. While being a firm professional, a leader should be able to listen and understand, empathise, and give the required boost and support.
Who do you most admire and why?
My grandmother, who unfortunately, recently passed away. She was a woman of remarkable strength and resilience, went through many hardships in her 93 years of life. But she never stopped showing her love and appreciation to life. And she didn’t easily give up, having always a fierce internal drive. Until her old days, she was very active and independent, showing us that empowerment comes from within.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
I’m currently in New York, on a business trip. I really enjoy the vibes of this city, no matter if I travel for work or for pleasure.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
Having my own art gallery, probably. It’s remarkable how art can add beauty, value, and positiveness to the dullest moment.
How do you relax after a long day?
Catching up with friends and family, or going for a walk by the sea to recharge.

A recent interesting article that went out in last weeks Cityweath Weekly on tax changes here https://www.citywealthmag.com/news/big-tax-reforms-are-coming-in-2026-get-ahead-of-the-changes-before-its-too-late/

Citywealth Forum https://www.citywealthmag.com/citywealth-forum-speakers/

Our recent article on Cyprus you may have seen already. https://www.citywealthmag.com/news/why-cyprus-is-emerging-as-a-global-hub-for-business-innovation/