Our services

Digital Assets – Blockchain Technology

Crypto & MiCAR Advisory — Legal Support for Digital Asset Businesses in Cyprus

As the EU introduces its new unified framework for crypto, Cyprus is rapidly becoming a key hub for digital asset enterprises. We provide specialized legal and regulatory advisory services to help you establish, operate and scale crypto ventures in full compliance.

Our Expertise

MiCAR & CASP Licensing
We guide your business through the requirements under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). Under MiCAR, Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) must obtain authorization or registration via CySEC and adhere to strict governance, capital, disclosure, and compliance rules.
We assist with application preparation, structuring of operations, and navigating transitional regimes.
AML / CFT Compliance
We design and review Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) policies tailored to CASPs, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, reporting obligations, the “travel rule”, and risk mitigation. Recent amendments to Cyprus AML law reinforce these requirements.
Regulatory Structuring & Strategy
Whether you plan to offer custody, exchange, trading, staking, advisory or other crypto services, we help you define which activities fall under MiCAR and which may still be governed by other regimes (e.g. MiFID).
We advise on governance, capital requirements, risk management, control frameworks, and entity structuring consistent with Cyprus/EU law.
Tax & Corporate Structuring
Cryptocurrency gains are generally taxed under Cyprus’s existing income/capital rules — there is no dedicated crypto tax regime.
We help assess whether your operations are characterized as trading vs capital holding, and design corporate structures to optimize tax efficiency while ensuring substance.

Why Cyprus for Crypto Businesses

EU Gateway with Trust
Operating under MiCAR gives you “passporting” rights across the EU for your crypto services.
Regulatory Credibility
CySEC is adapting swiftly to the MiCAR framework and has published guidelines and fee schedules for compliance.
Growing Ecosystem
Cyprus is positioning itself as a fintech and digital assets hub, strengthening its legal, financial and compliance infrastructure to support crypto businesses.

Get in Touch:
Whether you are launching an exchange, offering crypto advisory, issuing tokens, or structuring staking / lending platforms — we can help you navigate the regulatory frontier.

Proactive Legal Compliance

Staying compliant in a dynamic regulatory landscape with proactive compliance solutions, ensuring adherence to the latest legal requirements.

Strategic Corporate Guidance

Navigating corporate governance complexities with tailored advice to enhance your business operations and decision-making.

Efficient Corporate Mana-gement

Streamlining corporate processes with expert administration services for efficient management and compliance in every aspect of your business.

Financial Recovery and Restru-cturing

Trusted guidance through financial challenges, strategic restructuring, and bankruptcy matters to protect your interests.

Intellectual Property Safeguard

Protecting your ideas and innovations through dedicated services covering patents, trademarks, and intellectual asset management.

Real Estate Legal Support

Navigating real estate law intricacies seamlessly, offering comprehensive legal support for transactions, development, and dispute resolution.

Legacy Planning & Estate Mana-gement

Ensuring a seamless transition of assets with tailored succession planning and estate services to protect your legacy and honor your wishes

Global Trust Solutions

Leveraging the benefits of international trusts with specialized services for optimized wealth management and asset protection

Tax Optimization

Staying on top of financial compliance with expert accounting and tax services, ensuring alignment with the latest regulations

Workforce Legal Support

Protecting your business and employees with comprehensive employment law services, from contracts to dispute resolution.

Family Office Setup

Navigate the intricacies of wealth management with our specialized family office setup services. We offer comprehensive legal guidance in establishing and structuring family offices, ensuring a solid foundation for wealth preservation, succession planning, and efficient asset administration.

Maritime & Aviation Luxury

Exclusive Legal Services for Yacht & Jet Owners in Cyprus

At Mikaella Psillidou LLC, we provide bespoke legal solutions for discerning yacht and private jet owners. Based in Cyprus – one of Europe’s most prestigious maritime and aviation hubs – we ensure your assets are registered, protected and managed with absolute discretion and efficiency.

A Boutique Approach

We understand that your yacht or aircraft is more than an asset; it’s a lifestyle investment. Our boutique practice delivers personalised, confidential, and seamless legal support designed around your unique requirements.

For Yacht Owners

Private Yacht Registration under the Cyprus Flag
Ownership & Holding Structures for asset protection
Crew Contracts & Management Agreements tailored to your operation
Port, Berthing & Mooring Agreements negotiated to secure prime locations
Tax & Compliance Advice for smooth global cruising

For Jet Owners

Private Aircraft Registration with leading registries
Leasing & Financing Structures optimised for privacy and efficiency
Crew & Operations Agreements compliant with international standards
International Regulatory Guidance to ensure worry-free travel

Why High-Net-Worth Clients Choose Us

Discreet, Personalised Service – total confidentiality is our hallmark
Seamless Management – we coordinate with your family office, captain, or operations team
Global Reach, Local Expertise – Cyprus as your gateway to Europe and beyond

Your Trusted Legal Partner

Whether you are acquiring a new superyacht, registering a private jet, or restructuring your ownership and crew arrangements, we are here to make the process effortless.

Contact us today to experience how our firm can safeguard your lifestyle investments and give you complete peace of mind.

Immigration Advisory

Navigating immigration law complexities confidently, providing assistance with visa applications, work permits, and other immigration matters

Payment Institution & Electronic Money Institution Legal Services

Empowering Fintech and Escrow Innovation in Cyprus and the EU

Cyprus has emerged as a strategic EU hub for fintech, payments and digital financial services, offering a robust legal framework, competitive tax regime, and full access to the European Single Market.

At Mikaella Psillidou LLC, we assist clients in navigating the regulatory, legal and licensing landscape required to establish and operate Central Bank of Cyprus-authorised Payment Institutions (PIs) and Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) under The Payment Services Law of 2018 (L. 31(I)/2018), which transposes Directive (EU) 2015/2366 (PSD2) into Cyprus law.

Our Services

Regulatory Licensing & Authorisation

We advise and assist clients through every stage of the PI or EMI licensing process with the Central Bank of Cyprus, including:

Legal structuring and incorporation of the Cyprus entity
Preparation of application documentation and business plans
Safeguarding and client funds arrangements
AML/CFT compliance framework
Communication and representation before the Central Bank of Cyprus

Escrow & Payments Structuring

For fintech and real estate platforms seeking to hold or process client funds, we provide:

Legal assessment of business models under PSD2
Structuring of escrow payment flows in compliance with regulatory rules
Drafting of escrow agreements and safeguarding policies
Advice on Payment Institution vs. EMI suitability

Compliance & Governance

We support clients in designing and implementing:

AML/CTF compliance programs in line with The Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Law of 2007 (L. 188(I)/2007)
Internal governance, risk management and reporting frameworks
Data protection compliance under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR)
Ongoing regulatory reporting and audits

Cross-Border Operations & Passporting

Cyprus-licensed PIs and EMIs can provide services across the EEA through the passporting mechanism. We offer:

Strategic structuring for EU expansion
Notifications to host regulators
Advice on compliance with host state requirements

Payment Institutions (PI) — A Practical Route for Escrow & Payment Solutions

Payment Institutions are authorised to receive, hold, and transfer client funds for the purpose of executing payment transactions.

They are ideal for escrow, remittance, and payment facilitation platforms that do not require issuance of stored value or e-money.

Key features of a PI:

Lower initial capital requirements (€20,000 – €125,000)
Ability to hold client funds temporarily for payment purposes
Full access to EU market through passporting
Simplified structure compared to EMIs

Electronic Money Institutions (EMI) — Full Payment Capabilities

EMIs are authorised to issue electronic money and maintain customer balances, enabling digital wallet and fintech solutions at scale.

Key features of an EMI:

Higher initial capital requirement (minimum €350,000)
Authorisation to issue e-money and store funds
Passporting rights across the EU
Enhanced governance, safeguarding and reporting obligations

Why Choose Cyprus

EU jurisdiction with direct access to the Single Market
Modern legal framework aligned with PSD2 and AML directives
Reputable financial services regulator — Central Bank of Cyprus
Competitive tax and corporate environment
Strong fintech ecosystem

How We Work

Our team of regulatory and financial services lawyers provides:

Strategic guidance from idea to licence
End-to-end handling of PI/EMI applications
Practical, commercially focused legal solutions
Seamless coordination with compliance, banking and technology partners