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Interest Rate Drops Ignite New Loan Demand in Cyprus

Recent cuts in interest rates by the European Central Bank have spurred interest from borrowers in Cyprus, driving new loan demands to an impressive €1.24 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This surge is reflected in both consumer and business loans, largely orchestrated by the Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank, which dominate 67% of the market.

Despite the dip in interest rates, depositor activity remains robust, indicating a strong trust in the banking sector.

Insights from the Bank of Cyprus

The latest Bank of Cyprus reports show a 16% quarter-on-quarter and 25% year-on-year increase in new loans. This growth is primarily fueled by large corporates, mortgages, and international business loans.

Understanding Hellenic Bank’s Performance

Hellenic Bank reveals a significant uptick in new loans, reaching €404 million in the first quarter of 2025. Notably, 19% of this pertains to green loans, marking a forward-thinking trend.

Liquidity and Deposits: A Growing Trust

Both banks reflect substantial liquidity accumulation, with their market shares at 72.8%. Bank of Cyprus led with €20.70 billion in deposits, showcasing a strategic balance in terms, savings and current accounts. Hellenic Bank captured €15.9 billion in deposits, underscoring a 1% growth.

Outlook for 2025

Bank executives maintain optimism for 2025, buoyed by economic strength and liquidity. Leaders like Panikos Nikolaou and Michalis Louis reiterate their commitment to supporting domestic economic needs while maximizing shareholder returns.

Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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