Evgeniy Tyapkin: Why Freedom Finance Europe supports sport and culture in Cyprus

Evgeniy Tyapkin, the Executive Director of Freedom Finance Europe recently talked to CBN about why the company supports cultural and sports events in Cyprus, including the recent 2024 Cyprus Open Chess Championship in Limassol.

He also revealed more about the company's philosophy of seeing art and culture as integral components of a thriving community, while also sharing some of the company's exciting plans for the years, potentially including its further expansion.

Freedom Finance Europe has been actively involved in cultural events in Cyprus, such as the Freedom Celebrity Ballet Gala and the recently held 2024 Cyprus Open Chess Championship. Could you share more about the motivation behind the company's participation in the chess championship?

Certainly. Our involvement in the Cyprus Open Chess Championship is aligned with our strategic commitment to contributing to the local community by fostering sports, art and cultural projects and talents. Chess is a universal game and an excellent platform for bringing people together. We believe in supporting events that encourage strategic thinking and competition, providing a unique experience for both participants and the broader athletic community.

More widely, can you reveal more about your company’s philosophy when it comes to supporting art and culture in Cyprus? Why do you consider it to be an important part of your business activities?

Our engagement in cultural events like the ballet gala stems from our broader philosophy. We see art and culture as integral components of a thriving community, especially in Cyprus, a country with rich historical and cultural heritage. Ballet, in particular, is a timeless form of expression that transcends any barriers. We have an ambition of opening Cyprus to the world and showcasing our island’s richness to the international community, and by supporting such events, we aim to foster an environment where creativity, artistic excellence and the Cypriot cultural landscape can flourish.

Moreover, we believe in the synergy between finance, sport and culture. Let’s take chess, for instance. Success in both this sport and investments is driven by similar values and similar qualities: open mind and strategic thinking. The same applies to culture, which is shaped by creativity, a quality integral to the world of finance. In a way, investments are a sport, and an art. So, we believe that by supporting local initiatives and fostering local talent, we create a positive ripple effect on the overall community.

Would you encourage other companies to follow suit in supporting cultural events and initiatives?

We are driven by our own vision here, one that is rooted in deep respect for Cyprus and its community. It’s not a formal “impact” framework, but a genuine commitment, that is why we cannot really encourage other businesses to take on any responsibilities, if they are not willing to do so themselves. We strongly believe it shall come from businesses’ own sense of responsibility, and that is what we are driven by.

Looking ahead, could you share any upcoming plans for Freedom Finance Europe, both on a professional level and in terms of supporting cultural and sporting events in Cyprus?

We are dedicated to expanding our financial services and digital ecosystem, providing a more comprehensive investment experience for clients all across the EU. Concluding the last year, we continued our geographical presence, adding six new countries to our business map. Today, Freedom Finance Europe includes offices in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria and, of course, our Headquarters here in Cyprus, and we look forward to continuing this trend.

Besides, our commitment to cultural, artistic, and sporting initiatives remains unwavering. I cannot share everything at this moment, but I’m sure Freedom Finance Europe will have an even more profound impact on the local initiatives in 2024.