As global financial services continue to evolve amid regulatory shifts and technological transformation, Trident Trust remains a steady and trusted partner for clients worldwide. In this exclusive interview, Konstantinos Ignatiou, Head of Corporate Services - Cyprus, shares insights into the Group’s long-standing presence on the island, its commitment to innovation and compliance, and how it continues to deliver value to clients in an increasingly complex environment.
Read the original interview in Greek here.
Access the magazine here: Forbes | Philenews
What is the history of Trident Trust and what is its footprint in the industry?
Trident Trust was founded in 1978 and is today one of the world’s leading independent providers of corporate, trust, and fund administration services. With a presence in 25 countries and more than 1,100 employees, Trident Trust serves top financial institutions, professional advisors, asset managers, family offices, and international businesses.
Trident Trust has been operating in Cyprus since 1996 and has grown into one of the largest providers of corporate and administrative services on the Island. Its local team consists of over one hundred staff and provides services related to the establishment and management of Cyprus companies, Cyprus International Trusts, and the administration of funds. It also supports Group clients located in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa in the delivery of services from other Group offices.
What does Trident offer that differentiates it in the competitive field of international service providers, and how does it maintain the trust of major clients in an unstable global environment?
Our goal is to be the leading independent provider of private client and funds solutions, within a respectful, inclusive environment that rewards highly capable and dedicated colleagues, while delivering high-quality services to our clients and actively participating in the local communities where we live and work.
Trident Trust stands out for its independence, remaining a privately held company since its founding, which allows it to focus on long-term stability and service quality. It continuously invests in technology to safeguard data security and operational resilience, while emphasizing personal service and long-term trust-based relationships with its clients.
How has the professional services sector in Cyprus changed over the past decade in light of increased regulatory oversight and international transparency requirements?
Over the past ten years, the sector in Cyprus has undergone significant changes due to increasing regulatory oversight, enhanced compliance procedures, and developments in international information exchange . Service providers have faced industry changes such as a greater need for investment in KYC/AML technologies, staff training, and efficiency and adaptability in adopting international standards to maintain their credibility and meet the demands of regulators and clients.
Has the role of the auditor or administrative service provider changed significantly today? What are the key points of differentiation compared to the past?
Yes, the role has evolved from that of simply providing administrative services to a more substantial role. Modern providers no longer limit themselves to document management or filings with the registry but actively support governance and compliance within the local and international regulatory framework. Expertise, flexibility, and technological infrastructure are now fundamental differentiators.
What technological or operational innovations has the sector adopted, and how do they affect service delivery locally and internationally?
The sector has adopted Robotic Process Automation solutions, document management platforms, digital signatures, cloud-based infrastructures, and advanced compliance tools. These innovations have significantly improved the speed, accuracy, and security of services while supporting the need to deliver services globally with consistency and transparency.
In your opinion, what have been the most defining changes the sector has experienced in recent years, and how have they affected client needs?
The changes that have shaped the evolution of our sector in recent years can be summarized in three categories:
- New regulations (e.g., FATCA, CRS, AMLD);
- Digitization of processes;
- Increased demand for transparency and accountability.
These developments have led clients to seek professional providers who not only ensure compliance but also offer ongoing guidance, technological support, and international experience and expertise.