Hope springs in Cyprus
George Ioannou, a leading UHNW property developer, offers his view of the developments in Cyprus.
George Ioannou of Korantina Homes is the man behind some of the most prestigious homes on Cyprus. His Cap St George development sells at Euro 5million+ per property and he has won two awards from Bloomberg for architecture and development. George took out time to talk to Karen Jones of Citywealth about the recent economic developments and his entrepreneurial view for the future of Cyprus.
New President, Nicos Anastasiades will change the negative vibes
“Cyprus places all its hope in Nicos Anastasiades,‚Äù says George. “That’s the reason why he was designated as president of our democracy. He is an open-minded politician, with modern ideas and will be an important voice for us in Europe and globally. His main target is to create the necessary perspective for the evolution of his country. I believe he also has the ability to change the negative vibes that have occurred in the past.‚Äù
Europe needs a new, governing strategy
“In my view, Nicos Anastasiades understands that the global economic crisis creates new challenges for the future of the European Union. He also believes, as many do in the EU, that a new agreement for Europe should be made which will settle the solidarity among nations. This will need a strategy programme and determination from the leaders of the member nations.‚Äù
We see the crisis as an opportunity to reinforce European bonds
“This mean that in the limits of a reform‚Äù continues George, “that Cyprus has the opportunity to reinforce its bond with all the nations of the European Union and to reinforce its position as an island to invest in, particularly in property, both in the short and long term.‚Äù
The bail in-deal could have been handled better
“We understand that the IMF proposition for Cyprus is to reorganize the financial system and to reduce the national banks funds to a level that should fit those of the Eurozone but they have done this in an extremely violent way and not gradually which is unfortunate for Cyprus. Just to underline what has happened. The decision actually only affects the national banks, Laiki and Bank of Cyprus. All the remaining 12 banks are not affected.‚Äù
The Eurozone and IMF shouldn’t decide the fate of Cypriot banks
“I don’t agree that the Eurozone and the IMF should have the authority to decide the luck of any kind of institution, especially when it is governmental, like Laiki bank. The state should have the ability to regulate issues that have to do with its inner economic policy and to correct any mistakes or omissions. The imposition of a decision means unfair intervention in my view.‚Äù
Russia and Cyprus are joined by more than just bank accounts
“The world thinks Russia was here to evade tax but Russia has been and still is one of the most important allies for Cyprus. There are deep economic, political and strategic bonds that connect the two countries and this is never going to change.‚Äù
Property becomes attractive to overseas investors
“Despite the difficulty with the economic crisis, our clients still wish to invest because of the attractive offers available in the property sector. Particularly in the high-specification and luxury properties. Foreign money and foreign investors are very important for Cyprus and so it is a high priority to attract these individuals. It is why Cyprus has a competitive tax rate and has made naturalization simpler. Not only China and Russia but other countries consider Cyprus as a good centre to make investments.‚Äù
Natural gas reveals a bright future for Cyprus
“Cyprus has excellent prospects for the foreseeable future,‚Äù says George, “because of the huge quantity of natural gas, which was discovered. I think Cyprus will shift from a financial centre to a centre of energy and become a station of production and transport which will bring strong economic growth. There are good prospects because of this for Cyprus to create all the necessary alliances in the future with many countries. Cyprus will be one of the most powerful economic centres in the energy sector globally. Our debt of 5.8 billion is extremely low compared to the profits that Cyprus will derive from any future gas agreements. It will just take time which the Eurozone and IMF unfortunately haven’t been willing to consider.‚Äù
As well as Cap St George, Korantina Homes have also got a new development underway called Akamas. Nine villas will be built by the Akamas forest with views of the Mediterranean coast. They will have three and four beds with gated entrances and are ideal for holiday homes or investment.
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https://www.citywealthmag.com/mentor-video-library
The Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards are coming up for their third year. Closing date for submissions is 12th July 2013.
More information
Citywealth has three distinct areas to it’s business all of which focus on connecting and informing the global, private wealth management, private client intermediary and uhnw community.
The three areas we cover are: 1. information in the form of: two print magazines – one covers international financial centres and the other is a global publication on the industry with leaders list directories in both/ e-newsletter – monthly – profiles and features/ app/ website, then 2. we have two awards ceremonies and finally 3. networking clubs.
1. Information in the form of: print/ e newsletter/ app/ website
Citywealth has a monthly newsletter with uhnw features, news and lifestyle each issue. This information is backed up on the website as an archive only available to subscribers. Subscriptions cost £500 + vat for multiple email addresses. It is delivered to email boxes globally.
Citywealth publishes in print and online, guides to leading individuals “leaders lists” in the wealth management industry at certain times of the year. Submission forms are required and two testimonials from peers or clients to support their entry into our recommended advisor/manager lists. These lists are checked and updated each year.
2. Awards ceremonies
Citywealth Magic Circle Awards: 16th May 2013
In their 8th year
400 + attendees
Citywealth holds an annual awards to find best advisors and managers in the global industry. Awards are judged by nominations sent in by the global industry then refined and selected by industry judges (usually ten global experts). There is also online voting. This is a chance to meet major private investors from a pool of the worlds wealthiest individuals and their advisers and managers. It is also an ideal platform to promote expensive lifestyle offerings and make charitable appeals.
Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards: January each year
In their third year
160 + attendees
Citywealth IFC Awards to find the best wealth advisors and managers in the Caribbean, Switzerland and UK Offshore. 160+ attendees.
3. Networking clubs: Citywealth Tomorrow Club: Citywealth YP and Citywealth Women in Wealth Supper Club
Citywealth Tomorrow Club
6.30-8.30pm /Four events a year/cocktails
60+ attendees
Citywealth Tomorrow Club aims to help mentor advisers and managers in their first or second job in the industry and help them up the career ladder. It also allows members to find their own group of contacts. Maximum four individuals allowed from any one organisation. Four cocktail party networking events per year with mentor speakers. Membership fees apply. See video library https://www.citywealthmag.com/mentor-video-library
CITYWEALTH YP: A business development networking club.
6.30-8.30pm/Four events a year /cocktails
60+ attendees
CITYWEALTH WOMEN IN WEALTH SUPPER CLUB.
6.30-8.30pm /Four events a year/supper event
60+ attendees
Held in London each quarter we have an educational speaker, drinks and light supper to facilitate business networking. The group has 60 + members from private wealth and private client. Entry into the group is with twenty years + work experience in this industry sector only.
Citywealth also an Asian diaspora club called The Shanghai Delhi Club for UHNW +£100million private individuals. This is VIP invite only and wealth managers and advisors may only attend by sponsoring the club.
NEW initiatives for 2013
Citywealth has launched a mentor speaker library offering help and information for those in the industry from a mix of experts and uhnw entrepreneurs. The mentor speakers talk at our events to help prepare the upcoming generation and assist with corporate succession planning.
CITYWEALTH MEDIA INFORMATION
Citywealth was founded in 2005. Our aim is to bring together the diverse groups involved in the business of advising the UHNW and HNW community. Citywealth newsletter is subscribed to, read by and exclusively circulated to advisers and managers to the super rich.
Over 2,800 organisations receive Citywealth and the total readership is an estimated 9,500 senior executives globally from blue chip institutions and professional services firms who read Citywealth for its industry news, authoritative comment, topical features and people moves. Corporate subscriptions are £500 + VAT per annum.
What type of organisation reads Citywealth?
• Family Offices
• Private Client Law Firms
• Accountancy Firms
• Fiduciary and Trust & Estate Planning Companies
• Private Banks
• Wealth Manager
• Investment Manager
• Charities
• UHNW
What type of individual?
Citywealth’s readership is the senior management of the organisations it goes to. For example, it goes to partners in law firms and accountancy firms, directors and above in banks, directors of trust companies. It is also read by uhnw individuals.
Where?
Citywealth’s readership is split:
• UK/Channel Islands/IoM 56%
• Europe 16%
• Switzerland 12%
• Caribbean 5%
• Middle East 6%
• Asia 3%
• Other 2%
Contact office number (Marble Arch)
+ 44 (0) 20 7224 9565
Karen Jones, Editor
Joe Bell, Managing Director
Citywealth hits Los Angeles
With thanks to the artists donating work to the charity at the Citywealth Californ-i-a top 100 event. Artist Alexander Presniakov donated a $1.2 million dollar original painting to the charity auction. He has art shows in Paris, Nice, London. The self-portrait of Actor/Artist Tony Curtis donation
