Gold Magazine February - March 2013, Issue 23

ELIANA PIERIDOU Manager Business Development & International Credit, Eurobank Cyprus Ltd tive publicity, focusing on the strong regulatory environment and exploiting better the many positive international reports that have been issued about Cyprus. ELIANA PIERIDOU MANAGER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & INTERNATIONAL CREDIT, EUROBANK CYPRUS LTD Women have expanded their influence but there is still a long way to go. Top management and corporate bodies are still “a man’s world”. I strongly believe that distinctions should not be based on gender but on each individual’s capabilities, experience and commitment to excellence. That said, a woman who chooses to have a career and a family must be very disciplined, committed and well-organised. CHANGE: We have to do a better job of promoting Cyprus’s strengths and defending its reputation against unfounded allegations. ELENI ELLINA Chief Compliance Officer, FxPro Financial Services Ltd FOREX TRADING MARIA KAFFA OLGA RYBALKINA CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER,FOREXTIMELTD CHRYSI MEMTSA HEAD OF TREASURY, COOPERATIVE CENTRAL BANK The financial services sector is still “a man’s world” but over the past few years the number of women in positions of responsibility has been growing. A woman in a position of power is no longer the rare exception. Women balance risks and returns better in any decisionmaking process and, in combination with their clear vision, management results are long-term effective. CHANGE: The government, the banking and services sectors need to improve their credibility and integrity and work towards crafting a better environment for investments and business development. MARIA DIONYSSIADES GENERAL MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EMPORIKI BANK CYPRUS LTD, CREDIT AGRICOLE GROUP The proportion of female employees in the banking sector in Cyprus is significant but the top management positions are almost exclusively male-dominated. I would say that women can bring a different approach through some characteristically female attributes such as intuition, perseverance, teamwork and communication skills. CHANGE: There should definitely be a more proactive, orchestrated and effective communications policy pointing out Cyprus’ strengths and pre-empting nega- The Forex industry is very much “a man’s world” and I am not aware of another woman running a business like this. I believe that character and professionalism lie at the heart of business success but some feminine traits, such as our greater flexibility, allow us to look differently at circumstances and from many diverse perspectives. This helps in negotiations and is a vital element in achieving goals. CHANGE: The effective promotion of Cyprus as a worldclass international business centre is essential. ELENI ELLLINA CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER, FXPRO FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD MARIA THEODOROU Executive Director, TFI Markets In the past it was definitely “a man’s world” but today the many successful women in traditionally male-dominated sectors are no longer exceptions to the rule but proof that gender equality has been achieved. We are equal but different due to our natural attributes. Women can clearly define expectations and challenge stereotypes – important success elements for a business providing services. CHANGE: All agencies need to remain dedicated to restoring the confidence of retail and institutional investors in the Cyprus economy by acting promptly and implementing credible measures. MARIA THEODOROU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TFI MARKETS Despite increasing numbers of women in top executive jobs, men still dominate such posi- OLGA RYBALKINA Chief Executive Officer, ForexTime Ltd THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT, FINANCE & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MAGAZINE OF CYPRUS cover_story.indd 25 Gold 25 01/02/2013 13:44

Gold Magazine February - March 2013, Issue 23 | Page 27