CYS, EIMF and CCA conclude successful ISO-based GRC seminar series

The Cyprus Organization for Standardization (CYS), in collaboration with the Centre for Good Governance of the European Institute of Management and Finance (EIMF), and under the auspices of the Cyprus Compliance Association, successfully concluded a four-part seminar series titled “Mastering GRC with ISO: A standards-based approach”, held between December 2025 and May 2026.

The completion of the series marks not only the end of a structured programme of knowledge-sharing, but also a milestone in the strong cooperation between the three organizations. Building upon the existing collaboration frameworks between the Cyprus Compliance Association (CCA) and the Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (CYS), and between CYS and the European Institute of Management and Finance (EIMF), this joint initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to transforming institutional cooperation into meaningful action and tangible impact for the Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) community in Cyprus.

The seminar series was designed to strengthen understanding and practical application of internationally recognized ISO standards in the fields of governance, compliance, ethics, and risk management. Across four thematic sessions, participants explored how structured, standards-based approaches can enhance integrity, accountability, and organizational performance. As organisations continue to face increasingly complex regulatory, governance and operational challenges, internationally recognised ISO standards provide practical frameworks for strengthening resilience, improving decision-making and embedding a culture of integrity and continual improvement.

The programme included the following sessions:

• Achieving Effective Compliance and Integrity: The ISO Approach

• Governance in Action: Applying ISO standards to drive effective and accountable organisations

• Ethics in action: Implementing ISO standards for Transparent and Accountable Organizations

• Risk-informed decision making: Applying ISO’s standard for effective governance

Throughout the series, key ISO standards were presented and discussed by esteemed experts, including Marios Skandalis, Eleni Neocleous, Theodoros Stavrou, Stephen Gee, Petros Florides, Adonis Pegasiou, Andri Kyriacou, Ioanna Fiakkou, Antonis Karpasitis, Louis Protopapas, and Marios Tannousis.

The standards presented during the series included ISO 37301 and ISO 37302 on compliance management, ISO 37000 and ISO 37005 on governance of organizations, ISO 37001 and ISO 37002 on anti-bribery and whistleblowing systems, and ISO 31000 on risk management.

The seminars engaged 136 participants from across Cyprus, bringing together professionals from public authorities, private sector organizations, NGOs, and academia. Participants also benefited from access to 121 ISO standards through CYS, reflecting the programme’s strong commitment to knowledge sharing and standards-based capacity building.

Beyond knowledge dissemination, the initiative fostered meaningful dialogue between local and international experts and reinforced the importance of collaboration in strengthening the GRC ecosystem in Cyprus.

The series of seminars was held with the support of Invest Cyprus, Bank of Cyprus, Nexia Poyiadjis, and with Alpha Cyprus as media partner. The organisers wish to express their sincere appreciation to Invest Cyprus, Bank of Cyprus and Nexia Poyiadjis for their valued support throughout the seminar series. Special thanks are also extended to Alpha Cyprus for its contribution as Media Partner in promoting the initiative and raising awareness of the importance of Governance, Risk and Compliance.

CYS, EIMF, and CCA expressed their appreciation for the strong cooperation developed throughout the series and reaffirmed their shared intention to continue working together on future initiatives. This collaboration demonstrates that while individual institutions can achieve important outcomes independently, greater impact is achieved through coordinated efforts and shared vision.

The success of this first joint initiative represents a foundation for future activities aimed at further supporting the GRC community and advancing good governance practices in Cyprus.

Following the success of the series, CYS, EIMF and CCA also announced that a final seminar focusing on ISO standards relating to Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be organised, reflecting the growing importance of AI governance and its relevance to the Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) landscape.