At SFS Group our number one priority is our customers' interests. Each department works towards establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with its customers who appreciate the professional quality of their work. This is one of our values, which are the foundations of our culture.
Through Group Snapshots you will learn about the activities of each department, the positions, and the qualifications and skills required to be successful.
The Asset Management Department is responsible for providing asset management services to individuals and institutions. In order to satisfy the investment needs of our clients we develop personalized investment plans based on their current financial position, investment horizon, risk tolerance as well as their future income needs.
Our highly qualified Asset Managers use state of the art information management technology and advanced portfolio management techniques to develop innovative products that take advantage of the value creating opportunities, presented by changes in the markets. We have adopted a solution-driven customer oriented culture, based on strong client relationships that help us maintain and strengthen our position as one of the leaders in the asset management industry.
As an e asset manager your responsibilities may include:
Collect and assess internal and external research material
Analyze and assess “best" portfolio weights and act accordingly
Be aware, define, and recommend changes, improvements and needs to add value to the area under supervision.
Review portfolios and monitor daily based on stop losses, target profits and internal auditing recommendations
Allocate assets within policy as defined by the Investment Committee
Review and structure portfolios of new customers
Assess Customer risk profiles and ensure investments are based on these guidelines.
Collect and review all relevant information regarding the stock market (fundamental analysis, technical analysis, media, company announcements, evaluate competitors' movements)
The brokerage unit assists institutional, corporate and retail investors with all their CSE transactions offering advisory and/or execution-only brokerage services. The unit also offers brokerage services to institutional or private investors who wish to invest in the international markets for Equities, Bonds, Convertibles, ETFs, Preferred shares, and any other exchange traded instrument such as derivatives (Futures, Options, Commodities)
Our top priority is to satisfy our clients' needs by providing them a level of service quality second to none. In this respect, we developed an island-wide superior human network comprised of highly qualified and experienced professionals who use technologically advanced trading and reporting systems to provide services of an international standard to our client base.
Our staff includes licensed stockbrokers, investment advisors, client service staff and agents.
Our Finance Department adds value to SFS Group through effective financial control. The department monitors and analyzes the movement of capital into, through and out of the Group and is responsible for the Group's compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations regarding the financial aspect. Finally the department uses the best international practices to minimize the risk of fraud, error, or misappropriation of assets. These include: Tax Planning, part of the Treasury Management, Budgeting Control, Approval of payments, preparation of the Reports sent to the SEC and the CSE, preparation of Management Accounts, and ensuring that the procedures set by the Group for cost control and authorizations are followed.
Our staff is comprised of dedicated individuals with strong accounting and organizational skills and a keen eye for detail. Assigned to the different companies of the Group they are responsible for a variety of tasks such as:
Updating of receipts from clients in the Sales Ledger
Reconciliation of records with clients' records
Day-to-day updating of the Accounting records of the company.
Preparation of the list of creditors that will be paid at the end of each month.
Issue of cheques for payments or transfers
Issue of invoices to clients
Monitoring of bank balances
Preparation of necessary reports to CSE and any other reports requested on an ad hoc basis.
Although one of the smallest subsidiaries of the SFS Group, First Elements Ventures Ltd. is active in several, seemingly diverse business sectors. However, all these sectors are directly related to what we define as our core business, which is the provision of the financial resources, advice and other support needed by new enterprises to grow and succeed in the market. The main sectors we focus on are:
Venture Capital Investments: Venture Capital (VC) investment is the prime source of finance for start-up or young companies, which cannot secure loans from Banks, or other sources, due to the inherent risk of new business or the lack of collateral. The company manages Venture Capital investments on behalf of institutional investors, either on a discretionary basis (under a management contract) or on a case-by-case basis, both in Cyprus and in Greece . The most challenging and difficult part of our job in this sector is not finding the right investments, but making sure the enterprises we invest in achieve their development targets and attain profitability as soon as possible.
EU and Government Programmes: The Company offers consulting and project management services to public bodies and businesses, on EU and Cyprus government programmes. Furthermore, the company participates in EU Programmes related to its core business, for its own benefit. The company has currently three major EU-funded projects under management (one funded by FP6/DG Research and two by the Leonardo Da Vinci/DG Education) and is preparing several other proposals for submission. All programmes address issues of entrepreneurship, technology transfer or small enterprise support mechanisms.
Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Support Mechanisms: The Company is active in the design and development of Incubators and Technology Parks in Cyprus and Greece , as well as other SME Support Mechanisms, such as Technology Brokerage offices. In addition, we advise SME's directly on growth strategy, financing, organizational structure and other issues critical to the development of new enterprises.
The nature of our work requires diverse and often specialized skills in finance, investment management, general business and project management, to name a few. It also requires good knowledge of State and EU policies and programmes relevant to our business and excellent inter-personal skills. Because of this diverse nature of our work, we require people with:
A solid academic foundation in any relevant discipline, such as engineering, applied science, finance/accounting, micro-economics, business administration/management
Versatility, adaptability, natural curiosity and willingness to learn new skills and constantly explore new frontiers,
Good business sense, innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit (as we are a small enterprise ourselves) and
Above all, people capable of working as part of a team – no single person in our company can tackle any of our tasks on his/her own; therefore, team play is critical to our success.
For people with the above skills and traits, working with First Elements Ventures Ltd. can be a thoroughly gratifying experience and at times great fun too!
Our people are the drive force behind our success. The Human Resources Department is responsible for attracting, and developing the best people in order to satisfy our clients' needs. We place great importance on winning our employees' long-term trust, loyalty, and commitment in order to achieve a level of performance and quality of service that sets us apart in the market.
Our HR staff, are highly qualified individuals who keep abreast with the latest trends in all fields of Human Resources Management. This allows them to work in partnership with all heads and managers of the Group in order to develop and implement HR policies and practices that support and facilitate our core Values.
As a member of the HRD you will be involved in:
Recruitment & Selection
Developing HR policies and manuals
Training & Development
Performance Management
Organizing social events and community service activities
In the financial services market effective and efficient information management is crucial in delivering highly competitive services. The IT department aims at providing SFS Group, with cutting edge information technology products, services and support in order to meeting its organizational goals.
Our dedicated team comprises of innovative and creative individuals who keep up with the latest developments in their field and work in partnership with department managers in IT projects that support the SFS business objectives. Moreover our team is responsible for the development and maintenance of the IT and Telecommunications Network of SFS offering advice and support to is users.
As an IT professional you may be involved with the following:
Creation and Maintenance of Customer (User) accounts
Responding to IT Help Desk requests from Customers (Users)
Responding to Business Project requests from Customers (Users)
The Internal Audit Department operates as an independent support unit. The fact that functionally it reports to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee, and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer, enhances its independence.
Its duties include both operational and financial audits for all companies of the Group, as well as special investigations assigned to it by any of the above bodies. The Internal Audit Department staff is not involved in operational matters of the companies for which it conducts engagements, thus maintaining its integrity in its judgement and suggestions. It collects all information and documents required in order to formulate its opinion on the effectiveness of the existing, or the need for more internal controls.
The Head of the Department is in close contact and in coordination with the external auditors of the Group companies for the avoidance of work duplication and the maximum possible audit coverage.
The Department prepares and submits to the Board of Directors internal audit reports for all individual engagements undertaken, as well as an annual internal audit report. It also undertakes the supervision of the implementation of decisions taken by the Group's governing bodies, once instructed to do so. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the activities of the Internal Audit Department on an annual basis.
The investment Banking Department provides financial advisory services to corporate customers (public and private) with operations in Cyprus and abroad. Our customers operate in a variety of sectors such as retail and consumer goods, information technology, shipping, property, tourism and leisure.
Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced analysts with extensive market knowledge and know-how of the relevant legislation, rules and directives set by the supervisory authorities whose interests are also critical to us in our work. We place great importance on monitoring the capital markets, keeping abreast of new developments, so as to be in a position to account for current industry cycles and business trends in our work. We also focus on the development of our risk management infrastructure. Moreover, we develop long-term relationships with our customers based on integrity and professionalism, allowing us to provide tailor-made services of the highest quality.
As a member of the investment-banking department your responsibilities may include:
Act as the main contact with customers and all other third parties for specific IB projects
Manage specific IB projects.
Drafting of the following documents for specific projects:
Valuation reports
PO Prospectuses
Take-over Documents
Business Plans
Initiate ideas for the developments of new products, or market new clients with existing products.
The Legal, Compliance and Secretarial Department helps the SFS Group remain in compliance with the regulatory authorities' requirements and those of the relevant and surrounding legislation.
Legal
The Legal Division provides legal advice and services to all of the Group's departments in the form and magnitude that may be required. This includes advice on compliance issues, financial services and transactions, regulatory advice, general drafting services, general legal advisory services, review of documentation and preparation and monitoring of the Group's litigation. Oftentimes the Legal Division will prepare and customize the legal structure of a specific transaction or service in order to facilitate the provision of services to the Group's clients. The target is to provide service while remaining compliant and with minimum risk exposure.
As a member of the Legal Division, your responsibilities may include:
Reviewing of existing standard agreements and other official documents.
Preparation of agreements and official documents (standard and otherwise)
Opinions on legal issues
Overview and following up of litigation
Assistance to certain departments on legislation that is may be relevant to them.
Assisting departments with required proposals as to suggested procedures
Assistance to Associate Companies on legal issues, obligations, liabilities, drafting etc.
The Compliance Division actively advises and monitors the relevant departments in order to ensure compliance with the relevant rules and regulations that regulate the various departments and companies of the Group. Moreover the Division actually performs compliance operations such as reporting to and briefing the relevant authorities as per the relevant rules that govern the Group's companies.
As a member of the Compliance Division, your responsibilities may include:
Education: ensuring legal and regulatory requirements and house rules are communicated to staff e.g. using bulletins, training courses, talks and workshops.
Advice: On individual transactions, policies and procedures. Actively seek out problems and issues and be prepared to intervene with unsolicited and even unwelcome advice.
Procedures and in-house rules and policies: establishing procedures to enable staff to comply with regulatory and ethical requirements.
Monitoring Compliance: with laid down policies and procedures.
Regulatory Relationships: ensuring Group policies are followed.
The Secretarial Division provides secretarial services to numerous companies registered in Cyprus as per the requirements of the Cyprus Company Law, Cap. 113. The services include registry services, shareholder liaison services, compliance with the requirements of the Registrar of Companies and general assistance to the companies' boards of directors.
As a member of the Secretarial Division, your responsibilities may include:
Preparation of annual reports to the Registrar
Notices to the Registrar on new issues of shares
Notices to the Registrar of change of Secretary or Directors
Notices to the Registrar on Change of Registered Office
The Private Banking Department offers investment advice and services to individual and institutional investors from a variety of countries. The Department offers advisory services on the following areas of investment:
Securities
Foreign Exchange
Mutual Funds
Capital Guaranteed Products
Paramount to the success of the department are our highly professional advisors selected for their superior academic credentials and their high level of expertise in local and international markets. Moreover, our advisors understand that their number one priority is our clients regardless of the size of their portfolio. Our advisors persist on spending time with our clients in order to understand their needs. Thus we are able to offer to them tailor-made solutions that take advantage of any appropriate opportunities that may arise. Our advisors emphasise transparency in all dealings with clients and welcome feedback and questions.
As a member of the Private Banking department you may be involved in the following:
Analysis of the clients' personal details, such as their risk profile and the current state of their portfolio, so as to be in a position to suggest improvements. These could include recommendations for corrective actions to be taken as well as new strategies to be adopted.
Analysis of alternative investment opportunities currently available, which could suit the client's profile.
Development of sophisticated asset allocation proposals for investing in the four major asset classes (property, equities, fixed income instruments and cash) in local and international markets.
Preparation of detailed reports, which include the characteristics of the portfolio, an analysis of the investment strategy to be followed, and portfolio performance measurements.
Monitoring our portfolios on a continuous basis, employing a number of risk management techniques.
Through its subsidiary White Knight Holdings, the SFS Group possesses one of the biggest and most important portfolios of real estate in Cyprus with preferential ground and buildings in strategic locations in the cities and provinces of Nicosia , Larnaka, Limassol and Pafos. The aim of these investments is future tourist, commercial, industrial and built-up growth, as well as and the capital value and financial yield.
To achieve this aim the Property Department offers Project Management, Facilities Management, and Estate Management services to the main asset holding company of the SFS Group WKH as well as to investment subsidiaries such as Athena and CyVentures
Project Management: The department is responsible for the evaluation and preparation stages of development, redevelopment and refurbishment projects of direct property under management as well as the monitoring the implementation and disposal stages of the whole process. Currently the department is heavily engaged in the development of the Larnaka Bay Resort, an exclusive development of 62 detached luxury villas on one of the best beachfront locations in Cyprus .
Facilities Management: The second main area of operations is Facilities Management for the occupational properties of the subsidiaries of WKH. The property department handles all necessary paperwork and takes all actions necessary to ensure that the required planning permits and licences have been obtained, taking the required steps if not. The department is also responsible for organizing and supervising inter alia, the required property maintenance works for properties occupied by subsidiary companies.
Estate Management: The department also engages in Estate Management. This involves, day-to-day physical management, rent collection, new lettings and renewals, rent review negotiations, insurance arrangements, service charge arrangements, liaison with professional advisers (e.g. Valuers and lawyers), and performance enhancement through active management.
The Research Department's mission is to identify and uncover investment opportunities, which can be exploited by both our clients and our Group. Using international quality analysis and research the department provides the following services:
Equity Analysis
Macro-Economic Analysis
Company Valuations
Fixed Income and Derivatives Analysis
Our analysts are dedicated professionals with outstanding academic credentials and a sound knowledge of finance who understand the value of teamwork in producing analysis and research of international standards. We take pride in delivering timely and accurate research reports that adds value to our clients and shareholders.
As a professional in the research department, your responsibilities might include:
Update and write up of SFS Daily Report
Update of Weekly Monitor and related sub-reports (e.g. warrants, fixed income)
Update database to support two newspapers with pricing information and articles on a weekly basis
Collect, maintain and provide data that offer support to other departments or the SFS Group on specific information and tasks required
Information gathering, maintenance of databases and financial models, and other General reports and deliverables
Continuously strengthen, enhance and update financial and valuation models
Daily review of the mass media
Write-up of company and industry reports. Types of reports include: Sector reports, In-depth Company reports, Company Report updates, Flyers (1-2 page reports)
The SFS Shipping Department provides business consulting and private equity services to the maritime sector. It provides tailor made comprehensive solutions to accommodate the needs of its clients. These solutions address issues related to finance, business development within the shipping sector. The services offered include providing private equity, mezzanine financing, treasury management of the departments loan portfolio, preparing business plans, feasibility reports, financial appraisals and equity research in the shipping sector.
Currently the department has private equity interest in investments of more that US$60 million in the bulk carrier, container and ship management services sector. We are able to deal with transactions in sale, purchase and charter party negotiation. We handle domestic and international ship finance transactions; representing banks, investors, charterers, ship owners and operators. The department has grown over the last few years, in terms of people, and practice.
As a Shipping Analyst your responsibilities may include:
Managing the shipping investment screening process and co-ordinating with prospective customers on investment proposals/ partnerships.
Organizing and actively attending the whole process of investment proposals
Planning, Organizing, and Coordinating Deal Execution on Investment proposals assigned
Monitoring of the existing joint ventures partnerships
Monitoring of other Group's shipping related investments
OUR GROUP
