On 14 June 2018, the Central Bank of Cyprus has issued guidelines to Cyprus banks to open new bank accounts or to continue maintaining existing bank accounts in companies considered “Cyprus shell companies” or “Cyprus letter-box companies”.

On 2 November 2018 the Central Bank of Cyprus has issued further guidelines which enter into force immediately setting out a revised definition for “Cyprus shell companies” or “Cyprus letter-box companies”.

Now the new definition for “Cyprus shell companies” or “Cyprus letter-box companies”, as defined by the Central Bank of Cyprus is as follows:

1) The term “shell company/entity” refers to a limited liability company or any other legal/business entity that bears the following characteristics:

a) It has no physical presence or operations in its country of incorporation/registration (other than a mailing address);
Physical presence of a company/entity is construed as having a place of business or operations (own or rented premises) in the country of registration/incorporation. Also, absence of meaningful mind and management could be construed as lack of physical presence. The presence of a third person providing merely nominee services including company secretary duties does not constitute on its own physical presence and

b) It has no established economic activity in its country of incorporation/registration, little to no independent economic value and no documentary proof to the contrary.

Notwithstanding the above, however, the following circumstances could indicate economic activity:

i) the company/entity is established for the purpose of holding stock or shares or other equity instruments of another business entity or entities engaged in legitimate business with identifiable ultimate beneficial owner(s);

ii) the company/entity is established for the purpose of holding intangible or other assets including real estate, ship, aircraft, portfolio of investments, debt and financial instruments;

iii) the company/entity is established to facilitate currency trades and asset transfers, corporate mergers as well as carrying out asset management activities and trading of shares;

iv) the company/entity acts as a treasurer for companies recognised as a group or manages the activities of the group;

v) any other case where convincing evidence can be provided that the company/entity is engaged in legitimate business, with identifiable ultimate beneficial owner(s).

2) If an entity falls within the above definition and

i) it is registered in a jurisdiction where companies/entities are not required to submit to the authorities independently audited financial statements and does not voluntarily prepare audited financial statements by independent qualified professional accountants who are licensed or regulated and/or

ii) it has a tax residence in a jurisdiction included in the EU list of non- cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes or the OECD’s list of non- cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes or has no tax residence whatsoever,

then business relationships with such an entity shall be avoided.

3) In all other cases of companies/entities falling within the definition in 1 above, the institution shall decide on whether to engage in or maintain a business relationship applying a risk based approach in accordance with the legal and regulatory framework and providing fully substantiated justification of such a decision which should be appropriately documented and recorded.

4) The customer acceptance policy of the institution should be appropriately revised by the Money Laundering Compliance Officer in order to comply with this circular with immediate effect.

In any event, institutions are reminded of their obligations under all applicable legislation and directives to conduct all necessary due diligence measures and checks, among others concerning the identity of the ultimate beneficial owners, the source of funds and the transactional behaviour of their customers.

The above shall be incorporated in the relevant Central Bank of Cyprus Directives.

Our view

Cyprus banks and Cyprus credit institutions would be required to avoid entering into and renewing business relations with entities meeting the criteria of Cyprus shell companies. It is expected that Cyprus banks will continue reviewing their customer base to identify Cyprus shell companies based on the above circular.

How PKF Can Help

We will be happy to review your Cyprus Company bank account status and assist you in interpreting the guidelines on Cyprus Shell Companies in connection with you Cyprus business affairs

Contact details

Tel +357 22 462727
Email: info@pkf-nic.com
(Publication date: November 2018)

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Accordingly no person, entity or corporation should act or rely upon any matter or information as contained or implied within this publication without first obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional person or firm of advisors, and ensuring that such advice specifically relates to their particular circumstances.

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