The Motivation Behind Becoming an Independent Financial Consultant

Mr. Kyamides, what inspired you to pursue a career as an independent financial consultant?
My primary motivation has always been to provide the best possible financial advice, ensuring that clients have access to a broad range of investment options. Unlike a tied agent, who is limited to offering products from a single financial institution, an independent financial consultant acts as a true representative of the client. This independence allows me to analyze multiple alternatives objectively and recommend the most suitable financial solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals.

A Strategic and Active Approach to Portfolio Management

What is your investment philosophy, and how do you manage your clients’ portfolios?
My philosophy is rooted in the belief that active portfolio management is essential. While it is difficult to perfectly time the markets, there are clear indicators that signal when a downturn is imminent. In such cases, it is prudent for investors to move into cash positions until market conditions stabilize. Protecting capital is just as important as growing it. Risk assessment, market trends, and global economic shifts must be continuously monitored to make informed decisions that maximize returns while minimizing potential losses.

The Stability and Reliability of Banks in Today’s Financial Climate

Given the financial crises of recent years, how do you assess the stability and reliability of banks today?
History has shown that even reputable international banks can collapse due to poor management decisions. This highlights the importance of choosing financial institutions with strong capital reserves and sound governance practices. Depositors must exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before placing their trust in any bank. If a leading global bank can fail, it is even riskier to rely on weaker institutions with questionable management and insufficient capital buffers. Ensuring financial security starts with selecting banks that prioritize transparency, regulatory compliance, and long-term stability.

                     
The Greek Diaspora’s Role in Strengthening the Greek Economy

What role do Greeks of the diaspora play in supporting the Greek economy, and how do you perceive their investment activity in recent years?
Greeks living abroad maintain strong emotional and cultural ties to their homeland. Historically, many have financially supported their families in Greece and Cyprus, but their primary wealth creation occurs in their adopted countries. While individual contributions have been significant, there has been a lack of coordinated efforts to channel investments back into Greece and Cyprus in a way that fosters economic growth and job creation. The potential exists for large-scale investment projects that could provide stable, well-paying jobs, enabling talented young professionals to return home rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

The Opportunities and Challenges in the Greek Economy

What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the Greek economy today?
One of the most pressing challenges is the declining population, driven by economic uncertainty and a lack of job prospects for young people. This is a critical issue for both Greece and Cyprus. However, within this challenge lies an opportunity—by identifying and implementing strategic projects, we can generate employment and economic growth. Sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and tourism have immense potential. If properly developed, they can offer sustainable career opportunities that encourage young professionals to stay in or return to their home countries.

The Essence of Hellenism: Sustaining Heritage Through Investment and Entrepreneurship

What does Hellenism mean to you, and how do you believe it can remain strong through entrepreneurship and investments?
Hellenism embodies the enduring values, traditions, and cultural legacy of Greeks around the world. Greece and Cyprus remain the heart of this identity, but both face significant economic and political challenges. To ensure the survival and prosperity of Hellenism, we need a collective effort from wealthy Greeks worldwide to invest in sustainable projects that drive economic progress. This not only preserves our cultural identity but also provides tangible benefits—such as job creation and economic stability—that will allow young people to build their futures in their homeland.