**CySEC Confirms New Leadership Appointments: George Karatzias as Chairman and Loukas Lagoudis as Vice Chairman**
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has officially announced the appointments of George Karatzias as its new chairman and Loukas Lagoudis as vice chairman. This confirmation follows a Cabinet decision made last week and was disclosed by the commission on Wednesday.
George Karatzias, who has returned to the leadership role at CySEC, previously served as the organization’s vice chairman from September 2021 until April 2024. Following this tenure, he took on the role of an executive member of the board of directors at the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) until his recent appointment. In his statement regarding the new position, Karatzias expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic, the finance minister, and the members of the Council of Ministers for their confidence in his leadership.
Karatzias emphasized the importance of CySEC's role in maintaining market transparency and integrity. He acknowledged the evolving landscape of financial markets, stating that the commission's responsibilities are increasingly significant in fostering investor confidence and enhancing Cyprus’ international standing. "Our priorities will be to ensure effective and modern supervision, strengthen investor protection, and promote a framework that fosters transparency, innovation, and the sustainable development of the capital market," he remarked.
In his commitment to the role, Karatzias highlighted his intention to collaborate closely with Lagoudis, the board members, and the dedicated staff of CySEC to fortify the institution and uphold the credibility of the Cypriot capital market. "I assume my new duties with determination, a clear vision, and a full awareness of the responsibilities that accompany this role," he stated.
Karatzias has extensive experience in the financial sector, having led the investment funds sector at Alter Domus Cyprus from 2011 until the end of 2020. His professional journey began in 2006, and he has worked with various international audit firms. Additionally, he has served two terms as a board member and vice chairman of the Fund Administrators Committee of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and was a member of the Investment Funds Committee of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC). He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and holds a master's degree in Marketing and Financial Services from the University of Exeter.
Loukas Lagoudis, the newly appointed vice chairman, brings a wealth of experience to his role. He has been a non-executive member of the CySEC board since October 2024 and officially stepped into the vice chairman position on September 15, 2026. Lagoudis has a diverse background in banking, financial services, investment management, and blockchain technology. His previous roles include serving as a director at VIP 360 Ltd and holding various portfolio and investment management positions in sectors such as venture capital, biotechnology, and fintech.
His career has spanned several prestigious international financial institutions in London, including Argo Capital, Standard Chartered, Credit Suisse, GAM, Millennium Global Investments, and HSBC Asset Management. Lagoudis is also an alumnus of the Saïd Business School’s University of Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme 2018 and holds a Master of Science in Risk Management from Southampton University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
The leadership changes at CySEC come at a critical time as the commission seeks to navigate the complexities of the financial markets and ensure robust regulatory frameworks. With Karatzias and Lagoudis at the helm, CySEC aims to enhance its supervisory capabilities and maintain the integrity of the financial system in Cyprus.