Cyprus mulls law amendments for access to banking information
Authorities in Cyprus are discussing amendments to the law that would require them to request access to individuals’ banking information in cases where taxes or duties levied on behalf of the European Union are involved. The amendments aim to harmonize with an EU directive on mutual assistance for the recovery of claims related to taxes, duties, and other measures. The flaw in the current Cypriot domestic law is that it does not explicitly state the obligation to request the lifting of banking secrecy when recovering taxes and duties. The proposed changes have the support of the finance ministry, the banking association, the Central Bank, and the Personal Data Protection Commissioner. The amendments specify that the authorities making requests to lift banking secrecy will be disclosed on a case-by-case basis.