ISX Financial EU PLC Appoints Andreas Artemiou as Chief Risk Officer

WHY THIS MATTERS: The strategic hire of a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) with a deep background in Tier-1 banking and regulatory engagement highlights the maturing landscape for Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) across the EEA. For ISXX, this is a clear declaration that accelerated business scaling must be underpinned by uncompromising Risk Governance and Regulatory Compliance. The industry trend is moving past simply achieving an authorization; the focus is now on operationalizing a culture of risk discipline that can withstand intense supervisory scrutiny, particularly as digital financial services become more complex. Bringing on a veteran who can translate supervisory requirements into practical frameworks and embed them into growth initiatives is an essential move. It signals to regulators and the market that the EMI is prioritizing long-term stability and resilience over unbridled expansion, setting a new, higher benchmark for governance in the competitive digital finance sector.

ISX Financial EU PLC (ISXX), an EEA authorised Electronic Money Institution (EMI) authorised by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), today announced the appointment of Andreas Artemiou as Chief Risk Officer (CRO). In this role, Mr. Artemiou will lead ISXX’s risk management function, including credit risk, non-financial risk, cyber risk, and chargeback management. Mr. Artemiou’s appointment is subject to a formal (non-objection) approval decision by CBC.

“We are very pleased to welcome Andreas Artemiou to ISXX as our new Chief Risk Officer,” said Nikogiannis Karantzis, CEO of ISXX. “His depth of experience in banking, regulatory engagement, and risk management will be invaluable, as we continue to scale our business while maintaining the highest standards of risk discipline and regulatory compliance.”

As a highly experienced risk professional, Mr. Artemiou brings thorough knowledge in credit risk, non-financial risk, capital management, and data governance. His background includes leading strategy development and implementation, translating supervisory and regulatory requirements into practical frameworks, conducting stress testing and developing risk analytics, and supporting front-line teams in embedding effective risk management practices aligned with business objectives.

Mr. Artemiou brings significant leadership experience, having served as a member of the Executive Committees at AstroBank Public Company Limited and Cynergy Bank (ex-Bank of Cyprus UK), as well as holding senior leadership roles in Bank of Cyprus. In these roles Mr. Artemiou was actively involved in the overall management of the banks, including strategic planning and execution, business growth initiatives, and driving operational efficiency. He also played a key role in engaging employees around the banks’ vision, culture, and business objectives.

As CRO, Andreas Artemiou will work closely with the Board of Directors, executive management, and regulatory authorities to further enhance ISXX’s risk governance framework and support long-term growth.

“I am pleased to join ISXX at such an important stage of its development,” said Mr. Artemiou. “Strong risk management is fundamental to supporting innovation and long-term growth. I look forward to working with the executive management team and the Board of Directors to further enhance our risk framework while enabling the business to deliver on its strategic objectives.”

ISXX continues to invest in its governance and leadership capabilities as it expands its digital financial services offering. The appointment of Andreas Artemiou as CRO reinforces the company’s commitment to strong risk management, rigorous regulatory compliance, and long-term stability.

FF NEWS TAKE: The appointment of a CRO from traditional banking leadership is not merely a personnel change, but a strategic de-risking maneuver that reinforces investor and regulatory confidence. It signals that established financial rigor is now indispensable for digital-first growth. This development is significant as it raises the operational bar for all EEA-authorized EMIs. The immediate focus for industry watchers should be on the subsequent formal approval from the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) and the tangible enhancements Mr. Artemiou introduces to ISXX’s Risk Governance framework.