CySEC Flags Multiple Unauthorised Investment Websites and Warns Investors to Exercise Caution

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a new public warning identifying a series of websites that are offering investment services without the required authorisation under Cypriot law. The regulator stresses that none of the listed domains belong to entities licensed under Article 5 of Law 87(I)/2017, which governs the provision of investment services and the execution of investment activities in Cyprus.

The unlicensed websites identified include fernrise.com, market-trading.ltd, xmarktrades.com, veldorna.pro, pravintol.com, kingsoptiontrade.com, fasat-g.pro, capitaliko.com, finconnect.fr, avacaptal.com, elitesignalmarket.com, iqforextrade.net, metaindextrade.net, premiumwave.online, viptradersclub.com, stockforexinvestment.com, oneroyalfx.co, capitalinvestmentcentre.com, tradeshipglobex.com, cfdoptions.com and quantoria-markets.net. CySEC notes that these platforms appear to be targeting retail investors while lacking the regulatory oversight required to operate safely and legally.

CySEC’s intervention forms part of a wider effort to curb fraudulent schemes, high-risk trading environments and misleading online platforms that exploit investor trust. Many unlicensed operations present themselves as legitimate brokers, often using marketing tactics that resemble regulated firms. Investors are sometimes persuaded to deposit funds through aggressive sales communication, online ads, or misleading performance claims. Without proper authorisation, however, these entities face no supervision, provide no investor protections, and often make withdrawals extremely difficult or impossible once funds are deposited.

The regulator continues to emphasise that conducting business with unlicensed firms exposes investors to substantial risks. Unauthorised operators are not subject to capital requirements, transparency rules, conduct of business obligations or dispute resolution frameworks applicable to regulated investment firms in Cyprus. In many cases, unlicensed websites disappear without notice, rebrand under new domains or move operations overseas, leaving investors without recourse.

The public should verify the regulatory status of any investment firm, before committing funds, to confirm whether a company is licensed to offer investment services. In addition to checking licensing status, CySEC recommends that investors remain vigilant when approached by platforms promoting unrealistic returns, offering trading incentives, or applying pressure to deposit more funds. Responsible investment requires careful due diligence, especially in digital environments where fraudsters frequently take advantage of investor inexperience.

CySEC’s latest warning reinforces the importance of regulatory awareness in the online trading space and highlights the continued proliferation of unauthorised firms targeting retail investors. The regulator encourages anyone who has engaged with or been approached by the listed websites to exercise caution and to report any suspicious activity through official channels.

Brokersviews Reminds You

Click here to know more about CySEC and view the list of forex brokers regulated by CySEC.