For over 25 years, Marina Zevedeou has led The Aspen Trust Group in shaping Cyprus into a hub for international business. As CEO, she has overseen the firm's evolution, adapting to regulatory changes, embracing ESG principles, and supporting new industries like film production. A passionate advocate for diversity and mentorship, Marina has also navigated the challenges of being a woman in the financial services sector, using her platform to elevate others.
In this interview, she shares insights on Aspen Trust Group's commitment to innovation, the future of leadership in finance, and the growing role of ESG in shaping global business strategy.
How has the Aspen Trust Group adapted its services to cater to the evolving needs of a global clientele over the past 25 years?
The Aspen Trust Group, a pioneer in the corporate services industry in Cyprus, has continuously adapted over the past 25 years to meet the evolving needs of its global clientele.
As the financial markets, compliance standards, and regulations have evolved, Cyprus has become an increasingly attractive destination for international businesses seeking a European presence. In response to this shift, the Aspen Trust Group has expanded its services to support the growing needs of its clients to headquarter in Cyprus and enjoy its many advantages. We assist with company setup, provide office space for company headquarters, and help clients bring their international staff to Cyprus through our immigration services. Additionally, we offer bank account opening and payroll services, allowing clients to focus on their core business while we handle these administrative tasks.
Given the rise of high-tech and intellectual property (IP) focused companies, we also help clients register their IP and take advantage of the IP Box Regime provided by the Cyprus government.
In the last three years, Cyprus has seen significant growth in the film industry. As a result, we have developed tailored services to help film producers structure their projects in Cyprus, enabling them to benefit from cash rebates, tax credits, and VAT refunds.
In your experience, what unique challenges do women in leadership face in the financial services sector, and how have you navigated these challenges?
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sector, I have certainly faced my share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for women in leadership is dealing with unconscious bias. In finance, there is often an expectation that leadership comes from a certain type of person, which can make it more difficult for women to be seen as equals in the industry.
Another challenge is the balance between work and life, particularly as a mother. I have learned to navigate these challenges by staying focused on what matters most. I have worked hard to prove my expertise, building a reputation for reliability, knowledge, and integrity. Along the way, I have also become passionate about helping other women rise to leadership positions. At the Aspen Trust Group, we have created a supportive environment that emphasizes work-life balance, flexibility, and personal growth, allowing everyone to thrive.
Can you highlight a recent initiative or project within the Aspen Trust Group that demonstrates your commitment to innovation or sustainability?
One of the most exciting recent initiatives of our Group is our strong focus on integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into everything we do. We recognized early on, that businesses which embrace sustainability are not just doing the right thing but also positioning themselves into long-term success. As such, we have integrated ESG into our advisory services, helping our clients make decisions that are not only financially sound but also responsible and sustainable.
Internally, we have taken steps to ensure our operations are aligned with sustainable practices. From reducing our carbon footprint to promoting diversity within the workforce, our Group has committed to building a business that is not only focused on profit but also on making a positive impact.
With the increasing importance of ESG principles, how do you see these shaping the future of the financial services industry, and how is Aspen Trust Group leading in this area?
ESG is no longer a buzzword it's becoming a key factor in how businesses operate, both in terms of investor expectations and regulatory requirements. The financial services industry is definitely feeling the pressure to adapt. At the Aspen Trust Group, we have recognized the potential of ESG to transform not just into the way we work but also how our clients approach investment and growth.
Our role is to guide clients through the integration of ESG principles into their business strategies. Whether it's helping a multinational client comply with local regulations or advising a startup on how to build a responsible business model from the ground up, we are making sure that sustainability is woven into the fabric of our service offering. Moreover, we've taken steps to ensure our own operations align with these principles, reducing our environmental impact and supporting diversity within the company.
How do you ensure the Aspen Trust Group fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity across its diverse workforce?
At the Aspen Trust Group, we believe that a diverse and inclusive culture is key to our success. We have always prioritized creating an environment where every team member feels valued and heard, regardless of their background. Our approach is simple: we encourage open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect.
Internally, we provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities to support our employees' growth within the company. It is personally important to me that everyone at Aspen feels they have a clear path forward and that their contributions are valued and recognized.
We also offer flexible working arrangements tailored to individual needs for specific periods of time, something particularly vital for our diverse team. This flexibility allows our people to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, enabling them to approach their work with a clear mind and deliver exceptional service to our clients.
In 2024, our Group was honored to be featured in the 'In Good Company' section of IMH Gold Magazine, the first English-language monthly publication in Cyprus dedicated to promoting the island as an international business hub. This recognition underscores our commitment to diversity, excellence, and the strong reputation we have built within the Cyprus business community.
With Cyprus boosting its film industry, is the Aspen Trust Group involved, and how might this influence opportunities in the Middle East?
With Cyprus investing heavily in its film industry, new opportunities are emerging for our Group. In 2024, Netflix released Find Me Falling, its first movie filmed on the island, starring Grammy winner Harry Connick Jr., followed by Apart From Her and various TV and reality shows. Leveraging our expertise in financial advisory, tax compliance, and payroll, we assist film producers, guiding them on tax incentives and providing financial support to ensure project sustainability.
Additionally, Cyprus's growing reputation as a hub for film production opens new possibilities for collaboration with the Middle East. The region has seen important growth in its own entertainment sector, and there is potential for cross-border partnerships that bring together the strengths of both regions. Aspen's strong connections in the Middle East position us to act as a bridge for businesses seeking to expand their operations into Cyprus or collaborate with filmmakers in the region.
How do you personally balance the demands of being a leader in a competitive industry while maintaining focus on community impact and mentorship?
Balancing my business and personal life has been one of my biggest challenges which, if I am honest, it is still in progress. I do, however, make the conscious choice daily to manage my time efficiently and delegate tasks where needed. This allows me to focus on the aspects of leadership that matter to me the most.
Mentorship is something I am very passionate about, and it rests very closely to my heart. As a result of that I always have the time, zest and energy for it. Whether it is through formal mentorship sessions or more casual conversations, I take every opportunity to support and encourage the next generation of leaders, thus making an impact in the community as a whole.
My dedication has been recognized through several prestigious awards, particularly the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards. In 2025, I was honored with the GOLD Mentor of the Year award, marking my second time receiving this recognition, following the same award in 2023. Additionally, I was awarded the GOLD Powerwomen Award in 2022 as Woman of the Year Leadership Financial Organization (CEO and Board Member). These awards reaffirm my ongoing commitment to excellence, empowerment, mentorship, and leadership. Beyond these, I have also received other notable Citywealth Powerwomen Awards, including Woman of the Year International Bronze in 2024 and Woman of the Year Cyprus Silver in 2024.
As someone who has received several accolades, including this award, how do you view the role of recognition in driving positive changes and inspiring others?
Recognition is more than just a personal milestone it's a powerful tool for driving meaningful change and inspiring others. While receiving accolades is humbling, I see these moments as an opportunity to highlight the causes I care about, like gender equality, diversity, and mentorship.
For me, it's not about celebrating individual success, but about using the spotlight to elevate others and create an effect of positive change. It's about showing what's possible and motivating the next generation to pursue their goals while remaining true to their values.
To those beginning their journey in the financial services industry, industry, my advice is simple: build a strong foundation of knowledge, and gain practical experience through internships or entry-level roles.
This field is always evolving hence it's important to stay curious, network, and keep learning. But do not just focus on technical skills, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and ethics are just as crucial. Stay humble, stay open to feedback, and be ready to lead when the opportunity arises. By being authentic, proactive, and resilient, young leaders can thrive and help create a more inclusive, impactful industry.
As a guiding motto: Strive to be of service, creating lasting value rather than merely success.
