Virtual Asset Regulation, Investigation, and Enforcement Training Symposium

Leading international organisations and experts in the field of combating money-laundering and the financing of terrorism are convening in Lemesos for the “Virtual Asset Regulation, Investigation, and Enforcement Training Symposium,” organised by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Cyprus (FIU Cyprus) in cooperation with the Egmont Group.

The Symposium is held from 6 to 9 April 2026 at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. It brings together Financial Intelligence Units, law enforcement authorities, international organisations and industry specialists.

In his opening speech, the Deputy Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Savvas Angelidis, emphasised the need to address financial crime in the digital environment. He pointed out that new technologies and cryptocurrencies facilitate the concealment of illicit funds while making their detection more difficult. He underscored the importance of cooperation among government authorities, international organisations and the private sector, both nationally and across borders, and described the conference as an opportunity to exchange knowledge to tackle these challenges.

Discussions focus on the challenges arising from the rapid development of virtual assets, as well as on effective regulatory, investigative and enforcement responses.

The programme includes presentations on the European regulatory framework, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and contemporary risk assessment methodologies, with particular emphasis on technological advancements, including the use of artificial intelligence.

Particular importance is attached to the practical sessions and workshops, during which participants engage with real-case scenarios, applying transaction tracing techniques, identifying illicit activities and presenting evidentiary material before judicial authorities.

In parallel, key issues under examination include the recovery of digital assets, emerging risks within the virtual assets and financial technology sectors, and the critical importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The symposium constitutes an important platform for the exchange of expertise and the strengthening of international cooperation, at a time when virtual assets are at the forefront of developments in the global economy.